How TO Prepare
Getting Ready for Picture Day
Having worked in early childhood education centres for the last 6 years offering picture day, I'd like to share with you some tips, tricks, and ideas on how to prepare your staff for a smooth picture day experience. If you have any questions or would like to chat, please email me at info@krystinamariephotography.com.
Let the Director Work Behind the Scenes
I've noticed over the years, that the children have a far better experience when they come with their teacher instead of the centre's director. The person who greets them first thing in the mornings has established a bond with them can help a nervous child become more comfortable and enjoy their picture day. Bringing children down in small groups of 3-5 helps provide peer support too.
Share the Flyers
When you choose to host a picture day, you will receive a PDF flyer. This will have all of the important information your parents will want to know. There will be a sample of the background included. Many parents like to coordinate clothing that day and look to have an idea of what to expect. Centres that share the provided flyer tend to have higher sales than those that don't or make their own version.
Permission Slips
Make sure to have the permission slips filled out and collected prior to the morning of. Ensure that your families have filled out all of the information correctly, as it may impact if they receive their child's photos or not. Look to see that an email address is provided and legible.
Hands Off
I will have my hands on the camera. I will direct the staff who come with the children to help them sit, pass them any of the props or toys that go with the set, and possibly wipe their noses, or brush their hair out of their eyes. Having the staff step in and help this way, allows the children to feel more comfortable and allows for a faster pace.
Snack Prep
Having your morning snack planned out with something dry and/or light in colour is helpful in keeping those little faces clean. I would try to avoid foods such as blueberries or yogurt the morning of Picture Day.
Come Dressed
Some families get really excited and will pack an outfit for their child to wear. It can be a lot of work for staff if they have to change everyone into their picture day clothes. Ask that families have them dressed in what they would like them to wear and assure them that a clean indoor morning as been planned and the camera won't pick up on small stains.
The Morning Of
I typically like to arrive between 7-730am on picture day. On average it takes 45 minutes to bring in my gear and set up in the designated space. Picture day is usually up and ready to go by 8:15am and will wrap up by nap time.
Encourage Siblings
Many families have siblings at other centres, are in public school, or are too young to attend. If you choose to offer it, I'm more than happy to photograph family members that want to come in that morning as well.
How To Get the Most from your fundraiser
Choose Your Backgrounds
Choose Your Backgrounds
A gallery of sample backgrounds will be sent to you to select your favourite. Centres that select themed backgrounds find their families receptive to multiple picture days a year and generally make more on their fundraisers.
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Flyers
Flyers
Posting the flyers at least two weeks in advance on the doors and windows near entrances to the centre and the classroom, and sharing it on your communication apps is recommended. Sending out a reminder a day or two before picture day is also helpful.
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Communications
Communications
When the galleries are delivered, the director will be notified. This is a great time to forward the notification to your families. 5 days before the galleries close, a list of unregistered galleries will be sent to you, that may require some assistance.