Hello, Montessori Academy families!
My name is Shelby – I’m going to be taking school portraits of your children again this year, and I am already so excited and grateful. I’ve gotten to meet some of you, or we’ve at least met through emails if you’ve had a child at MA the last 5 years — but for anyone new, I wanted to introduce myself and my approach to school portraits.
First off, I am honored to be providing you with Fine Art School Portraits. I believe strongly in their value, and I want to provide an amazing, easy, and more personal experience to all the families at the schools who have chosen me to photograph their children.
A little about me: I have been photographing weddings and a variety of portraits since 2016. In 2018, I came across this new approach to school portraits and immediately started making plans to transition out of weddings and into schools, while continuing my family and lifestyle newborn portraits. I’m a Nashville girl; 9-years-married to a kind & hardworking mandolinist. We’re expecting our first baby soon!
Some questions you may have:
What is a fine art school portrait?
Fine Art School Portraits are a new approach to school photos. No cheesy, inauthentic smiles or strange, distracting backgrounds. The background will be black and the photos will be simple and classic. Instead of forcing a cheesy or unenthused grin, I will encourage the children to be themselves and will do my best to capture a small variety of their unique expressions.
Click to see more Example Photos and read more about my approach!
When will Shelby will be taking photos at MA?
Wednesday, January 15th — Toddler 1, 2, 3, and 5, and Primary Room 1, any Staff
Thursday, January 16th — Primary Rooms 2, 3, 4, and 9
Wednesday, January 22nd — Lower Elementary Rooms 10, 11, and 12
Thursday, January 23rd — High School, Middle School, Upper Elementary
The staff will let you know if this schedule changes. If your child misses their assigned day, we can work them in on another of these 4 days. We will also schedule one additional later day, for any makeup / retake photos needed - stay tuned for this date.
What should my child wear?
Remember the background will be black, and choose accordingly! I recommend that you avoid graphics, text, or neon clothing. All shots are shoulder/chest-up. Please follow MA’s dress code requirements.
Are these portraits expensive?
No! Don’t let the “fine art” title scare you — these are still school photos, and are priced accordingly! Very comparable to the big, traditional school portrait companies.
How will I order?
Within two weeks of your child’s photo day, you will be emailed the link to a school proofing gallery. There will be 2-5 images of each child. Images will be given in both color and black + white. I do not choose which photos you print; you do. You will be able to order prints, canvas wraps, digital files, and extra retouching services directly from the viewing gallery. The ordering process is simple and secure. Once the galleries are released, online ordering is open for about 14 days. ALL PRINT ORDERS MUST BE PLACED IN THAT TWO WEEK PERIOD. Once orders have been placed, your photos and/ or canvases will be delivered to your school within 4 weeks. (Digital files are automatically emailed immediately after your purchase, and there is no time limit/due date on purchasing digital files!)
we weren’t quite ready - Can my child get their photo retaken?
Yes they can! I will charge $10/person for photo retakes again this year. If you want us to try again after you see your child’s photos, please let Leanna Pound know that you want a retake. She will put you on the list, and that $10 fee will be added to your school account.
Thank you for reading this! Again, I am honored to be providing these portraits for Montessori Academy. I so look forward to photographing your beautiful children. I hope to craft portraits that do them justice, and I hope you cherish these photos.
Grace & peace,
Shelby
