Photography: Tips on a School Photo Shoot

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crafting a perfect photo shoot

Whoever said that a picture is worth a thousand words knew the power of visual storytelling. We know it too. That’s why we’re so exacting when it comes to photography – and why we offer clients our own photography services. Our staff photographer also happens to be one of the founding partners and our brand architect – someone whose job is to know your school extremely well, and someone who is intimately involved in the design process and the strategic thinking behind it. With Peapod Design you get a knowledgeable, passionate photographer who can capture the images that put your message in perfect focus.

 

So let’s get you started. 

 

The equipment

Let’s keep it simple. I love my Canon 5D Mark IV. It has all the bells and whistles you will need. A small investment will go a long way. The three lenses I use are 70-200mm f/2.8 (the cream color), 16-35mm f/2.8 (wide angle), and 50mm f/1.8. Let’s be honest. I am not going to use all the camera jargon. I am going to make this very simple. What everyone wants is the “depth of field”. Which refers to the range within a scene that appears in focus. The lower the f-stop, the less the scene/photo/subject is in focus. The higher the f-stop, the more the scene/photo/subject is in focus. This all comes with a cost. The lower the f-stop, the more expensive the lens.

 

your teachers

I am often asked what makes the perfect school photo shoot. My answer has always been “your teachers”. If your teachers are all in, then your students will be all in. I cannot stress it enough that schools need to let their teachers know your photographer may visit their classrooms, dress in bright colors, and ignore that the photographer is in the room photographing.

 

Preparation is key

Here is a list of ideas to make your day go smoothly:

 

• Conduct a SWOT + MC analysis a week before with Peapod Design. (Visit our blog on SWOT + MC.)
• Develop a good and realistic shot list that captures your school’s story and brand
• Pick the right locations

 

a peapod design swot+MC analysis

We are all familiar with Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats, but at Peapod Design we believe the MC are just as important. “Misperception and Competitors”. For example, create a list of your “strengths” and list the photos you want to capture that showcase your school’s “strengths”. Do the same for all the other SWOT+MC categories. Misperception maybe positive (ie. the outside world may not realize your school has an amazing art program…you need to create a library of art photos). Competitors – You need to know what type and style of images your Competitors are capturing and make sure not to copy them.

 

 

Create an amazing and realistic shot list

Selecting an appropriate setting is crucial for conveying the right message. Consider the context of the testimonial and choose a location that complements it. For instance, if you’re capturing a science teacher, there are plenty of “props” in their classrooms to use. 

 

 

Natural Lighting is Key

I NEVER use artificial lighting. One, it takes too long to set up and two, it “stages” the photo. I capture “the everyday” and natural light is your best friend when it comes to photography. Avoid harsh artificial lighting that can create unflattering shadows. Position your subjects in a way that utilizes soft, diffused natural light, either early in the morning or during the golden hour in the evening. I always try to open the blinds. Bring your subject as close to natural light as possible. I love when I can turn the artificial lights off.

 

 

Create your own style

Finally, when it comes to photography, make it as simple as possible. Your subject matter will be more at ease, your client will love working with you, and your photos will always come out as natural as possible. And create a style that is all your own. For me, I tilt my camera so many of my photos are on an angle. I don’t even realize I am doing it. I am always asked “why?”. The easy answer is “the camera is heavy, and I couldn’t hold it up”. But, the true answer is I love how the photos come out. They appear more candid. Have a personality and style. And the tilt gives each photo an energy all its own.

 

 

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Jim Healey

Owner, Photography, and Brand Architect of Peapod Design

 

Jim is a creative strategist whose passion for school marketing and branding comes through in all our projects. An award winning photographer, Jim is able to learn great detail about each one of our clients by capturing their story through pictures.

 

 

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