How does school photo relationship work?

[Whywifi]

Like most schools, ours had an annual visit from a photography company to take individual and class photos. I'd love to buy the indivual photos but I just don't like them - they have a tacky mottled blue background and harsh, unnatural lighting. I've seen some much nicer photos from other schools, including some that have much more natural poses. I presume they're more expensive though.

Before I approach the school about switching supplier I'd like to understand how the financial relationship with the photographer works. Does the school get commission on the number of pictures sold and therefore have an interest in balancing affordability with quality? Are they likely to be tied into a long term contract?

Would it be reasonable to suggest the school actively requests parental feedback on their photos?

Yes the school will get a commission

Others things like affordability to pRents are taken into account.

The best way to change is to approach the pta if there is one. They may be able to research alternatives

You could ask, but probably for every parent who doesn't like the traditional formal look, there will be at least 1 who does.

I can take as many informal photos of DD in uniform as I like. But the 'school photo' one is different because of the mottled blue background etc.

School gets group photos thrown in and sometimes website photography thrown in but they aren’t paid.

Primary photos had children sitting awkwardly in a posed position on the floor. I much prefer the traditional ones!

Just get some nice ones done on your own.

I'm part of secondary school PTA; we have nothing to do with the photos. I'd email the office first in your position to ask those questions.

There are three professional photographers (that admit it anyway) at our school so they take it in turns to perform the school photos, allegedly all get a "mates" discount as their kids go to the school (ie year one photographer A, then year 2 photog B, then year 3 Photog C, then back to A, etc).

Why bother just take DC to a photographer you like with their uniforms on and pay them. The school have enough to do without being emailed about the photographer.