Picture day is just one week away (Monday, Oct. 25)! We can’t wait to see all our students’ smiling faces. In preparation, here are answers to some frequently asked questions. You can also visit our picture day page here: https://iloveschoolphotos.com/ps303/4902
Who’s taking the photos? We’re using the same trusted vendor AEA has used for years, Stomping Ground Photo. In a survey last spring, families overwhelming said they wanted Stomping Ground back. The PTA and school have had good experiences working with the company, which is impressively organized and understands schools’ Covid protocols. All photographers are vaccinated, and will have to show proof to be allowed in the building. They are also required to wear masks.
Will the background be white? That wasn’t very flattering last year. Good news: We will be having indoor photos this year, and so we can use a colored background again. In consultation with the administration, we chose “gulf blue”; here’s a sample:
Wait, did you say indoor photos? How does that work with masks, distancing, etc. There will be four photo stations, spread out on the theater floor, and students will be kept a safe distance apart from masked photographers, teachers, and other students. Please let your students know it’s OK to remove their masks for this purpose. Or, this could happen to you.
What about class photos? Normal class pictures are still not allowed under Covid rules. A class composite will be made available in early 2022, which will look a bit like a yearbook page and include the teacher’s picture, too.
What makes Stomping Ground different? The company’s photographers try to capture students’ personalities, including different full-body poses and even an action “jumping” shot. You can see more on the company’s website. And here are its suggestions about how to prepare: https://help.stompinggroundphoto.com/article/120-tips-on-how-to-prepare-for-picture-day
How do I order photos? You don’t have to pay in advance. Proofs will be made available to you by Nov. 11, and you order through the Stomping Ground website with a code that’s unique to your student. Because of the ongoing pandemic, photos will once again be shipped to your home, and there is a shipping fee. (Sorry! We tried but couldn’t change that.) There’s also an option to buy digital rights.
Tell me more about the cost. Professional photography is expensive; there’s no way around it. It might help to know that no money is exchanged between the school and the company in setting up photo day, and everyone is photographed for the class photos regardless of whether you plan to buy prints. Photo sales are also a fundraiser for our PTA: We receive a percentage on all packages bought before the second deadline in January. We’ll remind you of that date later.
What if I don’t like my student’s smile or their hair is all messed up – or, worse, they’re sick that day? We’ll have a makeup and retake day on Monday, Dec. 13. Please talk to your student in advance about expectations, like whether they’re supposed to take off a sweatshirt or not.
Will my student be photographed before lunch? Or after art class? I’m worried about them keeping their shirt clean. Unfortunately, we can’t make any promises. The schedule is complex, and has to take into account lunch periods, as well as keeping the theater and hallways from getting crowded. There’s always makeup day.
Is Stomping Ground taking sibling photos this year? We heard you when you asked about this popular service, and we’re working on it! It will be on the makeup day in December, for siblings who are enrolled at AEA, and it will be by request only. Don’t worry: Once we make arrangements, we’ll be sure you know how to sign up.
Any more questions? Please reach out to us at 303pta@gmail.com.
Last, but certainly not least: A huge thank you to Elaine Lee-Wong for coordinating this event for the PTA. It’s an enormous task, and we’re grateful for her expertise and dedication.