Not every family gets a picture day. Homeschool families usually don't, and a lot of private schools don't either. I wanted to change that this fall, and I wanted to do it in a way that felt different from the outdoor lifestyle sessions I usually shoot.
So I rented a space called The Collective in Chelan, set up my backdrop and lights, and booked a day of mini sessions. Five minutes per kid, plus a sibling shot. I loved it so much.
Why I Love a Simple Backdrop
Most of my work happens outside, chasing light and keeping an eye on the weather. This was the opposite. A painterly gray backdrop and studio lighting strip all of that away. No weather, no location, nothing to compete with your kid.
It lets me focus on just them. Their eyes. Their smirks. The little things that make them who they are really get to stand out.
Props get FUN
My favorite part of the day was seeing what kids brought with them.
One little girl showed up in a princess dress with her crown, and I loved how uniquely her that was. She twirled, she grinned, she owned it.
A 4th grader brought a giant fishing lure and his baseball bat, because that's what he's into. Those are the details that make a school portrait actually feel like your kid ten years from now.
And one family resorted to suckers as bribes for their one year old. Sticky fingers, a red tongue, and honestly some of the cutest pictures of the whole day.
Five Minutes Is Plenty
Five minutes sounds fast. It is. But kids don't need an hour in front of a camera. Some came in ready to ham it up, and some needed a minute before the giggles kicked in. Either way, the laughs came.
The Sibling Shots
Every session included a sibling shot, and I'm so glad it did. Big sisters with a brand new baby, brothers and sisters squished together, and a lot of laughing.
Fine Art School Portraits Next Fall
I'm bringing this back next fall, and I'd love to fill the whole day. If you're a homeschool family, a private school family, or anywhere in the Lake Chelan or Wenatchee area and just want more personality in your kids' school photos, this is for you.
You can see more of my portrait photography here, or get to know me a little on my about page.
Want to hear first when booking opens? Send me a note and I'll put you on the list.