MODERN SCHOOL PORTRAITURE

As I reflected on my kids' school portraits (and my own) after all these years, I always asked myself, "Why are school pictures so cheesy and just plain awful? Can we do them better?" The answer is yes. We can do them better. I can do them better. My specialty is portraiture so everything I have done in the fashion and commercial world can be applied to any sort of portraiture. 

I want these photographs to convey your child’s unique character. This involves no awkward poses, just your child’s authentic self on that day. The resulting portrait is more candid and genuine, nothing like the old-school cheesy pose with a distracting and artificial background.

I provide a light-hearted and fun experience, and I take pride in my reputation for naturally connecting with children and bringing out their most authentic expressions. As a parent to 4, I am an expert with children of all ages.

Because of Covid-19, our schools have decided to cancel all school portraits for the unforseable future. It's unfortunate that many will have missing school photos in their family archives. Despite my heavy work schedule, I have devided to carve out some time to give parents portraits of their kids that they will be proud to hang on their walls because, as a parent, this is important for me to do this for you.

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MY MODERN APPROACH IS TO USE PERSONABLE INTERACTIONS TO CAPTURE YOUR CHILD'S GENUINE SMILES AND AUTHENTIC EXPRESSIONS.

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MY APPROACH

While it’s fun to look back on the cheesy school photos and awkward poses – we all know that when you look at YOUR child’s photos, you’ll want to see their personality and unique essence.

My approach to modern school portraits are taken using personable interactions to capture genuine smiles + authentic expressions. No more unflattering, busy backgrounds. Children have so much personality, we like to keep it simple to focus on your child.  Parents will receive a gallery of 2-5 modern lifestyle portraits from which to choose for purchase.

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WHY ARE SCHOOL PHOTOS SO IMPORTANT?

From after school soccer games, to report cards on the fridge, to recesses spent with school friends – there’s plenty of memories, big and small, that help make up each school year as your child grows up. Most of these moments are left uncaptured with no photos taken, saved only in their memories.

But school photos help to capture the special moments that represent that year. Whether it’s braces, a different haircut, a favourite shirt, or anything else – the value a school portrait brings is the memories it captures. Missing a school photo means missing out on a tangible memento of childhood, joy, and special moments– so it’s important to document this.


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SENIOR AND GRAD PORTRAITS

The youth of today are more technologically savvy than any generation before them. They’re posting more selfies than ever, and are arguably the most photogenic group of young people to have ever lived! That may be the product of all those selfies giving them extra practice posing in front of a camera, or maybe they’re just naturally photogenic!

Whatever the reason, there’s no question that they take good photos, and their Instagram feeds are envious. However, their selfie skills don’t exclude them from needing some high-quality senior portraits when it comes time for them to graduate and go out into the big, wide, world. 

Your child is utilizing their senior/grad portraits in a whole new way. Their photos are a perfect excuse to express their own individual style and memorialize who they are at this point in their lives.

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FAQ

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE FEE?
My creative fee starts at $75 for a 10 minute session. If you are looking to add some additional photos and combinations (i.e. family members), additional fees will apply. This will be custom quoted.

*Senior/Grad portraits start at $750 for a 1 hour session with unlimited photos. All images are included.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE ?
Once your child has been photographed, it will take approximately 2-3 weeks before proofs are released depending on my work load. 


HOW MANY OPTIONS DO PARENTS GET?
The creative fee includes one (1) high resolution digital photo. Any additional purchases can be made online through your private gallery.

At the moment, I only offer digital collections given the climate of this pandemic. For those that are still interested in something physical, a-la-carte prints, mounted prints, and canvases will be custom quoted. 

HOW DO PARENTS PAY YOU?
Our entire system is hosted online. Proofs are released for viewing through an online gallery link, and all orders and payments are processed online.  

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COVID PROTOCOL
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In light of the Ontario government guidelines issued following the outbreak of COVID-19, I am adapting the way that I work in order to be able to continue my portraiture service. My priority and commitment is to keep my staff members, the children we capture, and parents safe and comfortable. While this pandemic is an ongoing situation, we have developed series of robust measures in order to protect our everyone.

MY SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Personal Protective Equipment
I will wear a mask and carry sanitization items (Lysol wipes, Lysol spray, 70%+ hand sanitizer) with me at all times.

Sanitization
All touchpoints will be disinfected in between sessions.

Social Distancing
New posing and social distancing requirements will be used to ensure a safe and comfortable photo session.

I have been working very hard behind the scenes to develop a contactless workflow process which allows us a way to capture, individual, graduation, and group photography with:

— No student-to-student contact
— No contact between the photographer and student
— No orders/money to be paid on site
 

JOEE WONG

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All images and content © 2023 Joee Wong – Toronto Photographer – Destination Wedding Photographer