Thankful – Fall 2020 Preschool Wrap-up

The last time I posted about school pictures, our governor had shut schools down. The only school I was able to photograph just before the shutdown was so special to me. I did my part to comply with the stay at home order for non-essential businesses. When businesses were allowed to reopen, I was unsure what my fall schools would be doing, and many of them were as well. Each worked so hard with so many new protocols and requirements. We too, changed much of our practices to accommodate new guidelines. These schools were already scheduled a year in advance, and I’m so thankful that every school reopened and are doing an AMAZING job taking care of these little ones.

But you know what impressed me the most? These children are taking this all in stride. Sure, there are transitions, but watching these children navigate these new requirements is exemplary. I’m thoroughly impressed and these parents should be so proud.

These images are all from one of my schools this fall. I’m so thankful so many parents provided model releases. As I share this fall update, I’ll share their inquisitive, joyful, serious, playful, darling faces.

Schools adapted

Each school handled their new protocols differently, depending on their size and facilities. From temperature checks to personal bins to hold water bottles and masks, there were so many changes. Lunches were in classrooms and schools made new, creative outdoor classrooms. Drop-off and pickups were staggered. I know these teachers and directors were working to hard to ensure the safety of these children, and I’m sure parents were so thankful for them.

We adapted

For the first time, we photographed schools outdoors. We used a canopy to create a mobile studio that took advantage of fresh air while still maintaining the same look we provide.

When weather did not allow outdoor photos, we transitioned to using lights indoors. I don’t normally use lights with children as my style is to have students at ease and take photos as we talk and laugh together. They forget I’m even taking photos and that gives me the most natural expressions. However, using natural light requires both the children and I to be near a window. In order to create more space between me and each child, I used lights with several schools.

This gave us two important benefits. I could use a long lens and be as far from each child as needed. We could also choose a space with the best ventilation and space for distancing, and not limit our space to the best natural light. The children of course noticed the lights, but they still were natural, delightful, and just themselves.

My assistants are heroes, too. I’m so thankful for them. They were geared up in masks, gloves, and shields for hours to help children prepare for their photos. They not only check for runny noses, but they talk to the children kindly and are so sweet.

The children adapted

Watching the children handle school with their same joy and sweetness was refreshing. Even under a mask, I sensed the same delight they had last year. Sure, many of the very young ones were still unsure about school, and months of quarantining didn’t help with the transition, but I really didn’t see much of an overall difference from last year. Their resilience and adaptability is comforting and hopeful. I was thankful I got to witness their just normal days at school.

I hope you enjoy these collages of these amazing children!

Thankful to be looking forward

With much gratitude for a full fall, I am looking forward to the spring. I know there’s already a lot of uncertainty about a winter covid case increase, but we are forging ahead with plans with our spring schools. Spring is a great time to get school photos – children have been in school longer and are used to the routine. There is also a lot more time to spread out the schools. Check out the information on school portraits and fill out the form below to get more information.

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