School & Team Photographers
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Oct 2010
Heard there were some good school photographers in the
Berkeley area. I'm looking for an alternative photography
option for a K-8 school. Any suggestions? Thanks for your
help. Josie
I don't know if she does elementary schools, but Amy Perl
took great photos (class and individual) for our preschool
the last couple of years. Her website is www.amyperl.com.
So much nicer than the canned portraits the regular school
photographers do, and really captured the kids'
personalities. JP
Robin Fryday has done Child Day School pics in Lafayette for
years and she's awesome. (expensive also) her email is
tgirfryday@aol.com anon
If you want beautiful portraits of your kids that don't have
the usual canned-photo feel, contact Gani Pinero at
Motivated Light (info@motivatedlight.com). Gani and his
partner at Motivated Light have been doing school photos in
this style for years. Gani is warm, easy to work with, and
is able to really connect with the kids to bring out their
individual personalities. Take a look at
http://motivatedlight.com/index2.php#/rgallery/3/ (the page
Galleries--Kids has the school pics) to see what I mean.
(Btw,I also had family portraits done with Gani, and they
are great too--the proofs are online and my family across
the country have been ordering prints!) Gani's number is
510-504-4258. Have fun! Joyce
Chela Richheimer took gorgeous photos of the kids at my
son's K-6 school, Walden. Really, my ordinary 9-year-old looks
like a movie star in his photo - a close-up set against trees,
in natural light. Every kid at had least two poses,
and she took buddy photos on request as well as class photos.
We could go online to pick and order the photos.
Nov 2009
We got our school photos back and, for the life of me, I cannot figure out how
they managed to make my (very cute) kid look so dorky. Anyone out there like
their kids' school photos this year? If so, what company did your school use?
berkeley mom
Veni Vidi Click! photography is amazing. Inga photographed
the kids at my son's school and the pics were stunning. You
can choose from several photos, among which are both color
shots and black and whites. These are lovely, unconventional
photos that allow the children to shine *almost* as much as
they do in person. Here's the website: venividiclick.com.
Alison
We are thrilled with our new school photographers, who are a
local company that photographs the kids outdoors, and dont
have that nonsense with the different backgrounds, etc.
They also have a convenient online ordering system, where
you can view several proofs and choose your favorite out of
5 or 6 shots. They are called Mugshots, and their website is
www.mugsyclicks.com. I think they are based in Marin.
rhonaco
Our school used Little Bird School Photography
(www.littlebirdschoolphotography) after using LifeTouch
for a couple of years. Kristen and Mary do a wonderful
job of capturing the children in expressive and individual
ways, without a cheesy/ugly background. All the photos
are taken using natural light. All our parents have had
enthusiastic responses to our pictures this year. And
there is a variety of packages to choose from, including a
la carte pricing, as well as the option to purchase the
digital rights to the photos. Your school will not be
sorry if you use Little Bird!
Couldn't be happier with photos!
Our school used Little Bird School Photography
www.littlebirdschoolphotography.com. I loved the pics of
my kid and others in the class. It's two local moms and
they do a great job!
Kirsten
Little Bird School Photography is absolutely wonderful. They
came to our children's school this year. The photos are
great - the kids personalities shine through. They are not
your run of the mill school photograph at all, quite the
contrary. Check them out at:
http://www.littlebirdschoolphotography.com/
liked my kids' school photos this year
Both of our schools -Redwood Day School and GrandLake
Monetssori- use Dennis Geaney for school pictures and each
time we get the pix back (6 years now) they are awesome.
He makes my goofy sons look adorable.
http://www.dennisgeaney.com/ Also, for child or family
pictures, Barbara Jerebek is great and very reasonbly
priced: http://whatariot.net/
Heather
Nov 2005
In the past I have seen nice photo packages taken of baseball
teams that can include a team picture, button, player trading
cards, etc. We would like something similar for our girls soccer
team. Does anyone know of an outfit or photographer that can
provide this service? Thanks.
Marta
I would like to highly recommand Linda Reynolds, a mother who
lives in Moraga and is a professional photographer. She does
many events at schools and for the kids' sport team, you can see
sample of her work on her web site: www.lamorindalinda.com
What I like about her is her approach of the children and that
eye of her that catches great moments.
a fan
Feb 2005
Have your kids had their School Pictures taken by a person or
groug that you really liked, who did a great job and delivered
a product that you are pleased to show to friends and family?
Then, WE NEED YOUR INPUT!! We like to have ''School Pictures''
taken for our preschoolers, but the group we used for the last
couple years was a HUGE disappointment the last time, and we
are now looking for a NEW PHOTOGRAPHER. I know there are
companies out there that specialize in Preschool pictures - if
you have someone you'd recommend, please let me know so I can
contact them!
Ideally, we are looking to have individual photos of the kids
(a couple different poses would be great!), as well as GROUP
shots (you know, the ''old fashioned'' Class Photo). A
composite, WITH THE KIDS' NAMES, would be a bonus.
Many thanks for your suggestions!!!
Leslie
When my son was in preschool, the photographer took the BEST
pictures of him that I had ever seen (not just the best school
pictures, the BEST pictures altogether). Parents were permitted
to choose among several proofs after the pictures were taken -
I had a terrible time picking! I don't think the class picture
was as good, and I don't think there were names, but that might
have been the way that the school arranged things. The
photographer was named Sharie Cohen - a quick search reveals
her website to be SharieCohenPhotography@yahoo.com, if that
helps. Honestly, I have often thought of hiring her personally
again - I still love the pictures she took of my son.
Kathleen
My son's preschool has their school photos done by Bev Wanlin
Photography. they are awesome - according to my son she does all
sorts of silly things likes puppets and harmonicas and in all the
photos (2 class, 2 individual) all the children are smiling or
laughing.
I am not sure if this is her number, as I can't find the order
form, but found this online: Wanlin Studio
(510) 758-7755
Email me if that doesn't work. Her work is wonderful
Shahana
My daughter's preschool uses Teddy Bear Portraits - 1-800-33-
TEDDY. I thought the photographer was good with the kids,
there's at least 2 poses, they do a composite (no names
though), and the kids get a free t-shirt with their photo on
it. The packages are not great (e.g., I couldn't order all
wallet sizes). I don't remember the prices being outrageous but
they weren't cheap either. My daughter's school has used them
for at least the last 4 years so they must be happy with them.
Hope this helps.
shari
If you are going to invest in preschool pictures, why not
consider a more organic portrait photographer? I specialize in
individual as well as group portraits, and I use natural light
and settings to create a more comfortable environment for the
kids. The results are photographs that celebrate each child's
beauty and personality. My baby is 1 year old now, so I
understand how precious it is to have quality photos taken of
your child. Cheers! Courteney (www.coolidgephotography.com
Courteney
I'm a parent of two children who have gone to Via Nova Children's
Center in Berkeley beginning three years ago. During that time,
we have used Ralph Granich
(http://www.ralphgranichphotography.com/) for photography. He
does individual shots of each child, plus a classroom photo for
each class. If children are missing or parents are dissatisfied
with the shots of their child, he'll come back. Last year, we
had some people missing for both shoots, so he digitally added
them to the group photos, and they looked great.
He's offered to photograph other events as well, so I know he's
available for such things (like graduations).
I can only speak for myself, of course, but I've been quite pleased.
Laurel
You can not go wrong with Rachael and Limor from Indelible Images
www.indelible-images.com. They are moms of two kids who are in
elementary school so they know preschoolers.I have found many
preschool photographers think that taking pictures of little ones
is the same as taking them of adults. That is why their pictures
turn out the way they do. A good childrens photographer should
be able to understand how these 2-5 year olds operate (so it
helps to be a mom) and put them at ease. Rachael and Limor are
fun and specialize in playful, natural light, interactive
portraiture. I am sure they will work with your school director
to maximize convenience and ease for you. I know one nice touch
of their service is that they host your proofs online in a
gallery so you can share with friends and families. You should
contact them at www.indelible-images.com
Good luck.
Nilou
Dennis Geany takes great black and white photographs! And, he
does everything you mention in your post, and for the quality U
thought he was very affordable. At our son's daycare, we were
even able to schedule a few minutes for a family photo, as well.
http://www.dennisgeaney.com/
Jennifer
My daughter had the most wonderful photo taken by Limor Inbar and Rachel
McMullin from Indelible Images (www.indelible-images.com)... we have sent it
to everyone who wants to see what she looks like at 3 years old! It captures her
spirit - playfully laughing with beautiful green grass all around her and the sun
lighting up her full presence! Limor and Rachel were wonderful to watch work -
patient, playful, artistic, relaxed and carefree with the kids. I couldn't tell who
was having more fun, the photographers or the subjects! I highly recommend
them for any preschool, or any family wanting to capture this moment in your
child's history. A great photo of this stage of life is irreplaceable.
Scott
My son's preschool last year had the best photographer - but I
can't find the name! Every shot was great, the kids just
beamed. So, try calling the Model School and asking who they
used in the spring of 2004. Hope this helps.
ramisi
Ralph Granich took the best posed photo of my son ever when he
was in preschool. He does black and white and color and candid
shots. The photograph he took really captured the personality of
my son and was so much nicer than the posed school photos I
recall as a child. You can find him on the internet.
www.RalphGranichPhotography.com
Susan
I was thrilled with the portraits taken at my son's preschool
this year. I included them in all my Christmas cards. The
address on the reorder form is:
Nationwide Studios Inc.
''Home of Teddy Bear Portraits''
400 N. Belvedere Dr.
Gallatin TN 37066
Phone: 1-800-338-3339
My son's school is Play N' Learn in Pleasant Hill. You might
contact them and ask the photographer's name.
KB
July 2004
I know it's senior portrait time of year and I wanted to
recommend what we did for my daughter's senior picture. We
were not happy with the official senior portrait
process---the cost for what you get, the drape, etc. We did
choose one of the official photos for the yearbook but we
wanted something different for a commemoration of the event!
We have not had many professional photographs taken in our
family but I'm very happy that I decided to ''invest'' in this
option and would like to highly recommend our photographer,
Jonathan Payne. He and my daughter headed up to the Cal
campus one afternoon and got some beautiful shots in some
great locations. I'm so used to snapshots that I was quite
overwhelmed by the beauty of the light and the black and
white contrast in his photographs (he gave us both color and
black and white options). He has one of them in his on-line
portfolio at http://www.photopayne.com/pgallery031.html
Feel free to contact me or contact Jon directly at
http://www.photopayne.com/ 510.333.6676 or
info AT photopayne.com if you are interested in getting
something wonderfully different.
Sally
September 2001
I like to reccommendations for a inexpensive photographer for an event. Our church is
holding a couples' dinner and would like for a photographer to take group and individual
couple pictures. If you know someone or if you are a photographer please contact me.
Thank you!
mey
You might try the jounalism department at SFSU, or the
photography department at Cal. I took a
photojournalism class at SFSU last semester and the
advanced students are often looking for extra work.
This might also be the case with the students at Cal.
The quality of their work is quite good as many of the
advanced students have been study photographer for
several years.
Good luck!
Tamara
you might want to try calling your local newspaper to find out if a
photojournalist is interested in making some freelance money. if that
doesn't work out for you, call SF State's photojournalism photo lab. there
are probably a handful of students who might be interested (photojournalists
are great event photographers). Note: nearly all photojournalists keep
their negatives, so if you are set on having them, be sure to talk about
that ahead of time. Try ANG Newspapers in your area (i think they own 7
papers), the Montclarion, and Berkeley Voice, the Express, and the Monthly
Angela
November 2000
I've read several complaints about Nolte's Photography, and want to add
my perspective. My daughter graduated from Albany High in June
(2000). I opted not to purchase graduation photos at that time, but
only to make a selection and have it entered in the yearbook. I was
told by the Nolte staff that the photo proofs were kept on file for 24
months. Recently, I contacted Nolte to make the purchase.
After getting the runaround for the last two months, including
speaking to Nolte himself (who resides in Oregon) I have concluded
that my daughter's photo proofs have been lost. Nolte has never
actually stated this, but has said on several occasions that he will
contact me "in a week" to let me know the status of the search. He has
NEVER returned a call. During my last conversation to him about a
week ago, Nolte stated that he had assigned one person to look at a
couple of boxes of proofs a day, and that they'll continue to look.
The tone of his response was very unenthusiastic and quite insulting.
For a one time affair like high school graduation, and having explicit
information from the Nolte shop that I had 2 years to make the
purchase, it's devastating to come to this realization. To his
credit, Nolte did say that a second sitting was possible. But he did
not know if the Albany studio was open on Saturdays (the only day
possible for us since my daughter now attends ! UC Santa Barbara),
and wanted me to call them. He made no offer to call the studio
himself, or even mandate to his personnel to be open - after all, it
was his organization that lost the photos. A second sitting would be
acceptable, but this is my daughter nearly six months after
graduation, not as she was on that sterling evening. I do have the
yearbook photo, and a video of her as one of the graduation ceremony
speakers, but I desire the additional photos.
With the complaints I have heard concerning Nolte from other parents,
and his attitude concerning my personal matter, I would really like
the powers-that-be at all the schools utilizing the "services" of
Nolte to SEEK OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS OR PHOTOGRAPHIC BUSINESSES TO
SATISFY OUR NEEDS.
It seems as if Nolte has a hold on our schools and you are not
allowed to submit your own or anyone else's photos for the yearbook
which I find quite upsetting. Does anyone out there know what the
scoop is on this? Is it possible to submit other photos? I find the
quality of his portraits to be lacking big time. His studio took my
daughter's graduation photos and she doesn't like any of them. She
can go for another sitting (at more cost), but why should we pay for
this when it probably won't yield any better photos?
-- Toby
Toby, you can use other photos; however, that photo will not appear with
the other formal photos that Nolte has taken. We are under contract with
Nolte for this year. Your complaint will be forwarded to them.
Frank Lynch
(Frank Lynch is principal at Berkeley High)
Our daughter was unable to make the scheduled photo sitting appointment.
She called repeatedly and left messages about rescheduling, and no one
called her back. We have decided to have a photo sitting done by a
photographer of our choice in June, basically for family and friends, and
she will not have a photo in the yearbook. Fortunately, she is OK with
this. Nolte sounds like a terribly disorganized business.
On the subject of Nolte photography, I must add our negative
experience. A couple of years ago my BHS-graduating son had
his senior photos taken by Nolte. We got back a set of proofs
with nice color, nice expressions, but mostly off-center. Seriously
off-center. I called and was told to attach a note requesting that
the poses we wanted be centered. Many weeks and about $350
later we received a set of off-center photographs. At that point we
did not pursue it. It was late, kids were giving out photos, the
yearbook photo (off-center) had been chosen, etc.
This year my daughter got her approximately $35 packet of Nolte
school pictures (not senior photos)-nice expression, lousy color,
and off-center. Then she showed my her collection of photos of
her friends. One girl was almost falling off the side of the picture!
Centering a subject seems like basic photography to me. The
price of the senior photos is so high that I think some basic
competence should be expected. Perhaps they are
overwhelmed, perhaps they don't care. In any case, the contract
should be reviewed, as we are a captive audience as things
stand.
Nancy
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