With Bookworm Portraits, there is no pre-ordering or ordering before you see what you’re buying. You do not need to go through the process of “sending back” prints that you are unhappy with. All orders are placed AFTER you receive your online portrait gallery. While orders are welcome, are not required.
What makes Bookworm different on portrait day?
I am a mom of two, an experienced children photographer, and am very patient and understanding with every child’s needs. Every child portrait is captured on portrait day. I will not rush your child to “keep a schedule”. If they are struggling with the process, I will do my very best to show that school portraits can be fun and not scary! I will show them my camera, I will let them watch a friend, and I will turn on their favorite song to help them relax. No matter what, you as a parent will have something to see from the actual portrait day. If you are unsatisfied, I welcome you to my studio space in Kalamazoo. There we can take all the time we need! This is especially helpful for those with social and emotional learning delays or needs. Each child is different and special in their own way so we shouldn’t expect them to interact with a stranger and participate in portrait day like it’s any other day.
Do you have multiple children at the school?
If you have multiple children in the daycare or preschool, I schedule to have a sibling session if able. Sometime siblings are not on the same day, so I leave it up to the school to communicate with parents if they want sibling portraits.
How many photos are in my proof gallery?
You are also not limited to only one option to choose from. At the very least, you will receive, a horizontal on the themed backdrop, vertical on the themed backdrop, a close vertical on the themed backdrop, and a portrait from the shoulders up on a gray background. If there are especially cute or interactive portraits taken of your children, or I have a hard time eliminating photos you may receive more. Other colored backgrounds for the shoulders up pose will be provided in the future but for now, a dark gray background is what is currently offered. Each themed background is determined by the photographer and coincides with the season or time of year.
What time of day do you schedule portraits?
I work directly with your school to schedule around their daily routine however I strongly encourage schools to start portrait day around 9am and be done by noon to avoid kids getting too messy from snacks, outdoor play, or other activities. Depending on the school size, more than one day may be required but that will be decided with the school director(s).
How do I purchase portraits?
Purchasing is easy! You are emailed a website link to a private gallery along with a password. This is sent to all email provided on the information sheet given by the school, but you are welcome to share the link and your passcode with family and friends are you wish. The order link is also available on www.bookwormportraits.com.
Once the photos are edited and ready for ordering, you log in to see your student’ portraits. From there you can order standard print packages, individual print images, printable digital images, and so much more! If you have any problems ordering or accessing your gallery, immediately email Bookworm Portraits and we will get it all sorted out!
Are our orders deliver at the school or our homes?
Each portrait day comes with a bulk order date. This date, given once all the photos are available to parents, is typically 2 weeks after delivery of digital proofs. Bulk orders give parents the opportunity to have their photos delivered directly to the school at no extra cost. Once the bulk order date has passed, packages can still be ordered up to a year after portrait day but are delivered directly to your homes and shipping fees apply.
Will you use my child’s portrait anywhere outside of the private gallery?
Parent’s sign a permission slip to allow me to use their child’s photo on my website and advertising. I do not have any social media accounts for Bookworm Portraits and will not use their school photo on any of Ashley Klaasen Photography social media. If a parent does not fill out a permission slip, or two separate parents fill out a form separately and answer differently, that child’s file will automatically be label “DNS” or “Do Not Share”. I strive to never use a photo without permission from all parties with guardianship of the child. However, I am human so if I make a mistake, I am easy to contact directly and not through an automated phone line and gladly without question will fix the error.