A good preschool photographer takes care of everything — from the paperwork to handing out the finished photos. For 12 years I have been photographing children in preschools and nurseries in Warsaw and the surrounding area. In this post I explain, step by step, how working with a preschool or nursery looks.
Where does a preschool photographer travel to?
I work in preschools and nurseries all over Warsaw. I also travel to nearby towns, including Józefów, Otwock, Ząbki, Nadarzyn and Stara Miłosna. What is more, I bring professional lighting and a full set with me, so the photos look as if they were taken in a studio, even though they are created in a preschool classroom.
Seasonal sessions throughout the school year
Each season has a different set. This means that every few months parents receive a new, one-of-a-kind keepsake:
- Autumn session — September and October, pumpkins, leaves and toadstools.
- Christmas session — October and November, a Christmas tree, fairy lights and a gift for grandparents.
- Carnival session — January and February, portraits in fancy-dress party costumes.
- Spring session — from March to May, the “Enchanted Garden” set.
- End of year — May and June, class photo boards (tablo) and school ID photos.
What does a photo day at preschool look like?
I adapt the pace to the preschool’s daily routine. Usually the youngest groups come for their photos straight after breakfast, then the older children, and finally the reception-year groups. A session for one group (20–25 children) usually takes from about one to two hours, depending on the number of children.
Every child has an individual portrait. There are also photos with friends and a group photo with the teacher. If there are siblings at the preschool, I invite them for a shot together.
What does a preschool photographer take care of?
All that is really left for the preschool is agreeing on a date. That is why I take over the whole organisation:
- I prepare the full set of documents — contracts, consent forms and GDPR,
- parents get access to a protected online gallery and choose their photos whenever it suits them,
- orders and payments are made online, without involving the preschool in any finances,
- the finished photos arrive at the preschool sorted and packed by group.
The teacher simply hands the finished, labelled photos to the parents.
What can parents order after the session?
Parents then choose from prints in various sizes, calendars with their child’s photo, fridge magnets and the digital version. They can also order extra prints of favourite shots for the grandparents.
How to book a date
Write to me via the contact form and give me the approximate number of children and your preferred date. I will then send you a detailed offer by email. You will find a full description of how we work together on the preschool session in Warsaw page, and for nurseries on the nursery session page. You can also see sample shots on Instagram.
Preschool photographer — frequently asked questions
At what time of day do the sessions take place?
Usually in the morning or early afternoon, because after breakfast the children are rested and full of energy.
Do you bring your own set?
Yes. I bring a full set of props and lighting, so the preschool only needs to provide a room with access to electricity.
How should I prepare my child for the session?
Just present it as a game: “you’re going to be a model for a day”. It is a shared adventure with friends from their group.
What keepsakes can parents order?
Prints in various sizes, calendars with the child’s photo, canvas prints, photo books and the digital version of the photos.
