Drop off Like it's a Normal Day
Picture day can be an exciting day for parents and a very hectic day for staff. If your child is scheduled to attend the centre on picture day it is best to drop them off as though it was a normal day and allow them to experience picture day with the rest of their class.
If your child is not scheduled to attend and is at school only for pictures you may not have the option to drop them off in their classroom as the staff/child ratio may be put out of balance. If possible it is best to go to your child's classroom and allow them to engage with their friends. If they can get caught up in the excitement that the other children are experiencing they are often more receptive to the experience.
We understand your desire to watch your child's photos being taken. You want to see them smile and laugh, but children can often behave nervously with parents present. The vast majority of the time you'll get the best results by leaving your child to do photos with their classmates.
In some cases a child may refuse to leave their parent to have their photo taken. While this is not an ideal situation we have a few successful methods to try although the results for very nervous children can be quite varied.
Separate Outfit or Cover Outfit
Children get messy. This isn't new information but on picture day this tendency can prove problematic. To keep your child's photo day outfit picture ready we suggest either bringing it in separately for your child to be changed into it before photos (for infants or junior toddlers) or to cover the photo outfit with a sweater or cardigan (senior toddlers or preschoolers).
Footwear Will Not Be Seen
Footwear will not be included in your child's individual photo. In some cases footwear is visible in sibling photographs.
Choose Plain Colours & Simple Patterns
Generally solid colours or simple patterns work the best for pictures. They prevent visual distraction and help bring attention to your child's face. Be careful with green tones as in some cases, under studio lighting, they can cause skin tones to look sickly or unnatural.
Be Early, Be Patient
We try to start the photos as early in the day as possible as children are generally most receptive to the experience before lunch. Having all the children in attendance as early as possible is helpful as it allows us to proceed with pictures as efficiently as possible while respecting the routines of the individual classes.
Sometimes picture day may fall on a day when a child isn't regularly scheduled and their parents may bring them in for pictures and then take them home as soon as photos are done. In these cases we try to ensure that waiting parents are attended to first so they can get back to their plans as quickly as possible but sometimes not all the children have arrived to take part in the group photo and we are forced to delay the group picture until all the children are present.
If your child is regularly scheduled to attend on picture day we request that you have them to the centre as close to the official start time as possible to help us be sure we have everyone on hand for group photos and not to delay waiting parents. If picture day does not fall on your child's regular attendance day we ask for your patience and understanding as a late parent may be having a rough morning and is trying their hardest to have their child at school to be included in the group photo. Also, your child may be more reticent to have their photo taken with you present. This may be unavoidable but sitting with them and allowing a few of their friends to go first may help improve your chances of getting a smiling picture.
Put your Phone/Camera Away
I know it can be tempting to pull out your phone and snap a photo of your child getting their photo taken. Your photographer would really appreciate it if you wouldn't for three main reasons:
- Most child care centres do not allow photos to be taken on the premises.
- It causes delay for the children yet to be photographed.
- Having parents in the room can distract the children and can trigger undesirable behaviour.