School Photography and where to start...

[LOPictureChic]

I want to try and get into the business of shooting school portraits but have no idea where to start..Who would I even go to to ask if they are interested in my services???

[NicoleScraps]

Assuming that you are in the US and everything works the same way in your area as it does in mine.......go to the school principal. I do a lot of work with the PTO in my county. Each indivual school has their own contract for photography and can choose whomever they want.
But be forewarned, those "school photography" companies are really hard to compete with. Those photo packages are fundraisers for the school. Our school gets 50% of the purchase price of each package. So unless you are willing to do something similar, then be prepared to get turned down.
Hope that helps.

[3bayjunkie]

yeah the schools are probably like the army and will go with the lowest bidder. don't sell out! charge what you are worth, and if they want crappy photos they can hire someone cheaper.

[Jim Bryant]

Unless you have a crew (such as a large studio) or some other big photography firm that specializes in school photography, you r chances of landing a contract are slim and none. Most school won't even bother to deal with a one-man band.

NicoleScraps is right about her comment.

[Drkranger]

Don't lose hope, however. Doing the full school isn't the only option. I stopped paying the school photog hack years ago when I began shooting my own. Shooting my own turned into shooting my kid's friends who's parents saw the value in what I offered over what the school photog did not: better prints, locations, better backgrounds/scenery, etc.

I was even asked to shoot the "class" picture for a couple of years because the teacher wanted something unique instead of the static, straight line riser shot.

So, ask the school and ask your kid's teachers (assuming you have them of course). Then ask/offer your kid's friends.

Gotta start somewhere even if it's not supplanting the school photog.