The Fastest Way to Photograph a School

Arrive at the school at least an hour prior to your first shooting appointment. Set up your studio lights, backdrop and camera position. Take one or two test shots of your assistant and make any adjustments that need to be done.

Write on a large 11-inch by 14-inch envelope the name of the teacher, the grade and class room number of your first appointment. Take a picture of this envelope. You will do this for each new class you photograph. This picture becomes your separation picture when it's time to edit.

Have the students line up at the side of the shooting area with your assistant. Take two or three pictures of the teacher, and then have her step to the side. The teacher will help keep the students from misbehaving as you photograph the class.

Have your assistant collect the order envelope from the first student. Place this smaller envelope inside the 11-inch by 14-inch envelope you took the picture of in Step 2. Photograph the student, taking two or three shots, and then have the student stand with the teacher. Have your assistant place the second order form behind the first in the large envelope and repeat the process until all the students are photographed.

Line the students up for their class picture after all the individual pictures have been completed. While you are taking the class picture, have your assistant prepare another 11-inch by 14-inch envelope for the next class that will be arriving.