Ready for New Campus Life Photos? Here are my Top Five Tips for a Successful School Photoshoot!

It's time to face the facts. If the students in your K-12 school's marketing photos have already graduated from college, it's probably time to refresh your digital marketing archive.

Photoshoots on campus can be a lot of work, but following the guidelines below will help ensure you end up with a lot of new and usable photos for your future digital marketing needs!

1. Keep Dress Code in Mind

• When it comes to photos that will be used in the school’s marketing materials (website, flyers, brochures, etc.), you will want to ensure students are wearing attire that follows school dress code guidelines.

• Whenever possible, ask the teacher to request that students remove nonschool branded outerwear (jackets, sweaters).

• If the school logo is used in a uniform, it’s always a bonus if you can frame your shot so that the logo is visible.

2. When In the Classroom

• If possible, notify staff that you’ll be popping in to take photos. This will allow them to tidy up the classroom a bit. It’s also a good idea to ask if there is a specific time that would be best to stop by. This way, you’ll avoid disturbing an exam. It might also provide an opportunity to

• Before taking photos, ask students to remove water bottles (or any other non-academic item) from their desks. Nothing ruins the perfect shot worse than an empty plastic water bottle or trash on the desk.

3. Student Safety

• Always ask for a list of “do not photo” students from the school site administrator or office manager. Learn what grades and classrooms these students are in and request a “lookbook” from the school complete with photos of the students so that you can ensure they are not photographed.

• Be aware of student names on desks, name tags, or worksheets. Protect the student’s privacy by covering up the name with an academic item (book, ruler, etc.) or removing the name altogether. If unavoidable, names must be Photoshopped out.

• Never photograph a student inside a changing room or bathroom. If photos of these facilities are requested, ensure that there are no students present or staff members using the spaces when you take them.

• Out of an abundance of caution, always ensure that another adult is present when you are taking photos.

4. Mission/Vision and Program Driven Photography

• Become familiar with the school’s mission, vision, and academic program. Learn what principles drive the school’s academic philosophy and what programs make them unique. If their website features a bulleted list of core values, strategize ideas of what types of photos would bring that to life!

5. Photo Composition Basics

• Add more dynamics to your composition and variety to your photos by using the Rule of Thirds

• Be aware of what is going on in the background of your photos. Wait for people to pass by and avoid photo-bombers.

• Students are usually willing to pose for a photo and group up with their arms on each other. Although these photos serve a purpose, they don’t do much to draw a viewer in. Candid shots of students and teachers at work/play work best for marketing purposes.

Looking for an experienced photographer who understands the education industry? I would love to work with you to bring your school's mission and vision to life. Send an email to rachel@click.haus and I can share more about how the right photos help drive enrollment and build community!