Bay Area · peninsula · east bay · marin · south bay
Modern School Photography
Editorially inspired school portraits for Bay Area preschools and K–8 schools.
Now booking a limited number of pilot schools for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027.
A little less school picture. A little more portrait.
We create modern school portraits with an editorial eye and a simple approach. Each child is photographed individually, with enough direction to create a polished image and enough room for the unexpected moments in between.
The result is a small collection of photographs that feels considered without feeling overly posed.
No cost to the schools. No purchase required for families.
Easy for schools
No cost to the school. Minimal lift for your team.
Picture Day is planned around your existing school schedule and designed to keep disruption to a minimum. We coordinate the setup and student flow, provide parent communication, photograph the students, manage private digital galleries and ordering, and handle parent questions directly.
Your team gets a well-organized Picture Day. Families get an easy way to view and purchase photographs they actually want.
We handle:
- Picture Day planning
- Photography + professional setup
- Parent communication templates
- Secure online galleries
- Ordering + payment
- Parent customer support
- Editing + digital delivery
- Print fulfillment
Picture Day, simplified.
1. We plan
We start with a short planning call to learn about your school, enrollment, schedule, available space, and what you'd like Picture Day to look like.
2. We photograph
We bring the portrait setup to your school and photograph students efficiently in small groups throughout the day. Sessions are quick and flexible, with time for a few different expressions.
3. Families view & order
Each family receives access to a private online gallery where they can view their child's portraits. Digital photographs, prints, and portrait packages are purchased directly through the gallery. There is no obligation to buy.
4. We deliver
We handle digital delivery, print fulfillment, and parent support directly.
no cost to schools
There is no photography fee for participating schools and no requirement for families to purchase. Families view their portraits first and order directly from their private gallery if they choose.
Your school can also receive:
- Staff portraits
- Class or group photographs
- One student portrait for internal school use
- Images formatted for yearbook or school records, where applicable
Families choose what they love.
After Picture Day, families receive a private online gallery with a small selection of edited portraits. Digital images and prints can be purchased individually or as a collection.
Packages start at $39
Become one of our first school partners.
We're currently looking for a small number of Bay Area preschools and K–8 schools to partner with as we launch our school portrait program.
As a pilot school, you'll receive a hands-on planning experience and an opportunity to help shape a Picture Day program designed around what works best for students, staff, and families.
There is no cost to participate.
Based in the Bay Area, we photograph preschools and K–8 schools throughout San Francisco and the Peninsula, including San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and surrounding communities.
We work with private schools, independent schools, Montessori programs, nursery schools, early learning centers, and other school communities looking for a more modern approach to Picture Day.
FAQ
Does Picture Day cost our school anything?
No. There is no photography fee to the school. Families view their portraits afterward and decide whether they'd like to purchase.
How do parents order?
Families receive access to a secure online gallery and order directly through the gallery. We handle payments, delivery, and parent support.
How long does each student spend being photographed?
Portrait sessions are intentionally short, about 1-3 minutes each and designed around the child's age and comfort level. We work efficiently while leaving enough room for natural expressions and variation.
Can you photograph siblings?
Yes. Sibling portraits can be incorporated depending on enrollment and the structure of your Picture Day.
Do you photograph teachers and staff?
Yes. Complimentary staff portraits can be included as part of Picture Day.
Can our school use the photographs?
We can provide designated student and staff images for approved internal school uses such as records, directories, cubbies, or yearbooks.
Do you offer retakes or makeup days?
Yes. Retake and makeup options can be discussed when planning your Picture Day.
How is student privacy handled?
Student images are delivered through private online galleries, and we do not use children's photographs for marketing without appropriate parent or guardian permission.
Plan Your Picture Day
School Photo Day
by Melissa de Mata Photography