What makes us different!
You can’t please all the people all of the time. But we definitely try… and seem to be succeeding!
When we set up pop-up portraits we really wanted to bring something new to the party. School photography is as old as photography itself (give or take a few terms), but it felt to us like there was much that could be improved. With schools, parents and classmates all having such different needs, we felt sure there should be a better approach that would keep them all happy.
So we gave this a lot of thought, and even conducted a bit of our own research. Here’s what we found:
Parents want shots that reflect their personal style. They all have a different idea of what a school photo should look like.
Schools want hassle-free shots, with as little grumbling from parents as possible (and maybe a commission or donation).
Young people want to be left alone, with emotions ranging from mild dislike to outright dread – especially at the thought of a photo they hate on permanent display.
We started with the young people. How can you change this dynamic so they actually enjoy themselves and like the photos that are taken? Simple: you make it a real experience. An event in the school calendar they can actually look forward to and enjoy. It needs to be fun.
But what about parents and teachers? They often have very different ideas of what a ‘good’ photo looks like. Some love our artistic creativity and have been craving a more fine art style, while others want the traditional approach. How do you satisfy them without teachers feeling like they are taking a risk? With three set-ups, of course.
Our three-set up approach
The solution, we realised, was to bring three set-ups with us to all our school shoots. Having a choice of photograph gives young people ownership over their experience, parents a style that suits them, and teachers the reassurance that they are keeping everyone happy. And extra choice for parents turns into more revenue for schools, too. Bonus.
The set-ups we use are:
1. The traditional sims-ready portrait set-up
This is our classic formal SIMS backdrop, which many parents will be expecting and schools require: white background, studio lighting, facing camera, etc. Ideal for grandparents, traditionalists and school records.
2. The school selfie set-up
A total novelty in school settings, JOY (our photo booth) is a wonder to behold. Wherever we go classes flock round to check it out, and with good reason.
The focal point of the booth creates the buzz of an event, and it is ideal for children who don’t feel comfortable with big cameras and unfamiliar people holding them. By putting them in control of their own picture it becomes a whole different experience. And because they’re relaxed and having fun, the shots turn out great! Even the coolest customers won’t be able to help themselves and goofy expressions are A OK with us. Not one to send to uncles and aunts necessarily, but a welcome addition to the fridge door or their own bedrooms. We’ve got a huge amount of gorgeous archived shots from over the years to prove the power of JOY.
3. The fine art set-up
Our contemporary studio background has a static light (no flash) and allows us to get up close and personal. Instead of the formality of the sims photo (which can make the best of us feel self-conscious) this approach lets them be themselves. We focus on their eyes to create a vivid timeless portrait full of personality. Think ‘school photography with soul’. Of all three, this is the one that parents will be pulling out in years to come, to reconnect with their child at that age. We never ask for smiles, (though we snap them when we get them), because it’s not about a forced, cheerful expression. It’s about being themselves. We say ‘Just be you’… and the results can be extraordinary.