"If you can't do something with the view of improving on what was previously done then why bother?"
That's what I said quietly to myself when I decided to start doing school photography. And it has lead to a few sleepless nights as I just try hard to make it better. Sometimes it hasn't worked but on the whole I think I am now getting to a place where I am happy with the way it's going.
Having been a photographer for over 30 years I kind of fell into school photography when my kid's school asked if I was interested in doing their school. I decided to give it a go with a mix of enthusiasm and naivety about how I was going to tackle this.
That first school had 500 children and it took me over 3 days to photograph them. For the majority they all get nice photos as I tried to treat it like a lifestyle photo session but it was taking me far too long. I was also determined to offer the parents something better than the single photo so began to put all the families on one proof card so they could order together. This process also added at least three more days to getting it ready and was all done manually and made the whole thing really complicated. I knew what I wanted to achieve but wasn't quite able to get there. That was 7 years ago.
I could now photo that many pupils myself in a day and a half and mostly just bring in another photographer so we can get it done within a day.
BUT I didn't get to this point by pure luck.
I have spent the last 3 years doing contract work for a company who cover all the independent schools in Scotland. I now photograph around 30 school days a year for them. I also have done contract work for a graduation company who have been in business for over 300 years. These two positions has taught me not only how to run a photo day more efficiently but also given me an insight of how to manage volume not just on the day but in the ordering, sales and delivery of photos.
I was now at a stage where I could take the plan to improve what I offered to parents and offer an efficient and professional service to school.
I care about the photos I take.
I want your kid's school photo to be more than just the usual school offering
I am committed to making it easier for the school
I just want to make it better all round
Remember the title
"If you can't do something with the view of improving on what was previously done then why bother?"
Why don't you come and see if I can improve on what you are currently offered.
Shaun
Shaun Ward Photography
www.shaunward.co.uk