Photography/Head Shots
2023 Photography/Head Shots: Jenae Weinbrenner.
Here's the link where parents can order prints or digital copies:
https://jenaeweinbrennerphotovideo.pixieset.com/101dalmatiansgreensfarmsschool2023/
2022 Photography/Head Shots: Maya Porrino
Head Shot Photo Shoot:
-Collect list of all participating students from Mrs. Propp, ideally with roles noted
-Check with front office if any kids are on the do-not-photograph list; if there are kids on the list, reach out to their parents to verify
-Schedule a rehearsal day to take head shots
-Email parents date for head shots so kids can be prepared
-Make note cards with each student's name (and role if possible) for students to hold during photo shoot (first photo only)
-Arrive early to set up backdrop (I used the art room in the afternoon with the overhead lights off)
-Let Mrs. Propp know we are ready so she can announce to students
-Take 3-4 kids at a time to art room, and shoot individually
-Utilize student volunteer to give students their name cards and verify name spelling and role
-Have a mirror available so kids can check their hair/appearance
-Take several photos of each student (first one holding their name card) seated on stool in front of backdrop. Try to keep other students behind backdrop so the student being photographed isn't self conscious. For the occasional student who wouldn't smile, I would have one or two of their friends come stand behind me and make silly faces. Each student shouldn't need more than a minute in front of the camera.
-I had each student send another in their place once they were finished; alternatively, you could have your student volunteer go get another group of 3-4 kids once you finish the first group
-Once finished, confirm with teachers that all kids present have been photographed
-Consider also taking head shots of teachers
-Schedule make up for any students absent during first shoot (I came during school hours and used the natural light in the fountain room area)
-Cull, edit, and share one best photo of each student with marketing team (I used a Google Photos album for sharing)
-Send photos to print for hallway display. I added each student's name and role in Photoshop and used Parabo Press for printing them as 5x7's. Double check roles, which did change for some students during the rehearsal period, and name spelling. Order prints at least two weeks prior to performance.
Rehearsal photos:
-Come to an early rehearsal to get candid photos of students, teachers, and volunteers
-Cull, edit, and share photos with marketing team via Google Photos album
-I also asked teachers and parent volunteers to share their photos in the album as well
-Come to a dress rehearsal to get photos of students in costume and share via Google Photos
-Group photos of students and teachers in costume
-Group photos of students and parent volunteers (make sure all volunteers are notified of date/time) -- these photos were printed, framed, and used as gifts for the teachers and main parent volunteers (I didn't arrange the gifts, other parent volunteers did)
Head shot display:
-We displayed the head shot photos in the main hallway, covering the office window
-Large piece of colored paper as a background, along with colored border trim around edges
-Takes about 2 hours for 2 people and needs to be done prior to the first performance
-Remove display after final performance
-Give prints to Mrs. Propp to distribute to the students during music class
Photograph one of the performances:
-Either secure a front row seat with a wide lens, or go to the back of the bleachers with a zoom lens
-Get behind the scenes photos as well if possible (parents, students, teachers, volunteers, stage crew)
-Cull, edit, and share via Google Photos
-Consider sharing with all 5th grade parents
I think that is it! I am happy to answer any questions, mayaporrino@yahoo.com :)