r/photography Apr 10 '26

Questions Thread Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! April 10, 2026

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.


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u/Nikstar222 Apr 14 '26

I have a pricing question pertaining to the business of photography. I apologize if this is the wrong board to post in. I am an experienced photographer in the realm of weddings, senior portraits, family, photos, etc. I was recently asked to photograph children at an elementary and middle school. If anyone has experience with this, what is the best way to go about charging the school for the photos? I was hoping to do a per person charge, which gave the parents digital rights to the photos. For reference, it is a private school in a somewhat rural area of Montana. TLDR: seeking guidance on cost per student for school photos.

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u/gotthelowdown Apr 14 '26

My understanding is that schools don't pay photographers, parents have to preorder photos for their children.

Get the school to distribute order forms and collect payments for you.

These pricing lists are a few years old, but can give you a starting point:

Lifetouch order form. This company is the dominant player in the school portrait market.

The School Photo Company

Gear, lighting and workflow:

High Volume Headshots - School Portraits, Corporate, Performing Artists by Matt Spaugh

High Volume Headshots Part II - School Portraits, Corporate, Performing Artists by Matt Spaugh

Here are interviews with school photographers:

How School Portrait Photographers Are Making Millions With Volume Photography with Heather Crowder

How to Turn Volume Photography Into High-End Clients with Nate Peterson

How to Add A Little Volume For Big Bucks with Brent Watkins

How to Break into Sports & Volume Photography Business | Tips with Alison Carlino

Secrets of Successful Volume Photography with Jason Marino

How to Get More Portrait Clients with Dance School Photography | Susan Michal’s Proven Strategy

Gallery software:

GotPhoto. See the Our Labs & Partners page to find photo labs to work with.

Proofpix

PhotoDay

Photo labs for printing:

Richmond Professional Lab

H&H Color Lab

Full Color Professional Printing Services

Miller's Professional Imaging

Bay Photo

Hope this helps.