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Post by crimsoncat05 on Sept 24, 2015 15:01:13 GMT
DS is only in 2nd grade, but his school hasn't done class pictures while we've been there. Our "class pictures" are 8 x 10 photo sheets with the individual kids' pictures on it, which to me isn't nearly as fun as actual group pictures we did when I was a kid. In kindergarten, I asked why they do them this way and was told that they lose too much instruction time to have all of the students out of class at the same time to do group photos. My fourth grade class photo is like this, and I'm 39. I actually like that one better because you can see everyone in the pictures and it's not a jumbled mess, with me always in the front and the middle kids sort of lost in the sea of faces. ^^^ my elementary school photos (I'm 46) are all like this, too-- I don't think we ever had a group photo taken besides our senior HS photo, and that one was only for the purposes of putting it into the yearbook.
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Post by eversograceful1 on Sept 24, 2015 15:07:51 GMT
Don't tell me they request payment before you see the product? That doesn't even sound right. Our soccer club does this and I refuse to purchase. There is no way I'm giving money before I see the product.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,896
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on Sept 24, 2015 15:13:28 GMT
We usually only get the composite at a later date after they have the retake photos. But I realized after a few years at being at school, that the yearbook they do is not only for the 4th and 5th graders (I don't know why I thought that). The year book has a composite type photo for each class. Do you have a school yearbook? The 5th graders have a year book, but it's only 5th grade related activities and the class photo for that is taken at the end of the year.
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Post by myshelly on Sept 24, 2015 15:14:14 GMT
Don't tell me they request payment before you see the product? That doesn't even sound right. Yes, we always had to pay ahead of time (with Lifetouch, if that makes any difference). Then if you really didn't like it you could either have it retaken on make-up day, or you could just cancel and get your money back. Of course they had us all on a string because who doesn't want at least a few of their kids' school pictures, even if you think it's not a great photo? lol. I know I wanted them all because it's such a cute snapshot of their growth over the years. And our county always did class pictures and still does. I would have missed those if we didn't have them. I'm sorry to be off topic, but can I ask you something about what you wrote here. I just find regional differences fascinating. Are your schools controlled by the county rather than school districts? I'm asking bc here I live in a county and my county has over 50 Independent School Districts that all act and run completely individually.
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,538
Jul 24, 2014 19:51:57 GMT
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Post by MerryMom on Sept 24, 2015 15:27:34 GMT
Maybe they are trying to avoid this?
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,896
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on Sept 24, 2015 17:10:29 GMT
And the answer is they don't have the a space in the school that is not being used already where they can set up all day...
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Post by gritzi on Sept 24, 2015 17:35:04 GMT
LOL 950nancy! My high school DS brought home his photos last week. Have you seen teen girls & older women doing the raise the eyebrow pose? Well, WTH! Guess what the photographer told my son to do "raise your eyebrows so ....". The post was ridiculous, and not what a photographer should have ever suggested! I feel like a joke was played at the expense of my son. This is the photo that will be published in his yearbook as well.
Yesterday my Jr High DS brought home his photos. Yes, he had the same eyebrow pose, just not as drastic. The photographer told him to raise his eyebrows to open them up due to the lighting.
I will likely laugh about them later when they're seniors; however, we wasted over $60 on photos that should have never been purchased. I'm shocked my DSs weren't asked to do duck lips, too.
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Post by anonrefugee on Sept 24, 2015 17:38:04 GMT
Don't tell me they request payment before you see the product? That doesn't even sound right. I agree- yet our school has requested payment upfront since boys started school. The oldest is now a senior. His senior yearbook photos are the first not requiring upfront payment!
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Post by just PEAchy on Sept 24, 2015 17:45:32 GMT
The schools my kids have attended don't sell the class picture, but it is included in the yearbook. My kids have yearbooks from kdg through high school.
The district they currently attend uses Lifetouch, so like others have said, I have to buy those ahead of time. So far, I've been pretty happy with them.
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Post by mandasue on Sept 24, 2015 17:52:35 GMT
Our school does class photo in Spring not the fall, maybe that's it!
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Post by melanell on Sept 24, 2015 18:14:00 GMT
Our kids still have class photos through 8th grade. They tend to use the entry areas of the schools now.
When I was younger, and the schools didn't have big entries, they took our photos in the gym.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 8, 2024 1:29:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2015 18:15:10 GMT
The state of NC has school districts by county (they are however funded by the state to the county and then the county to the district/schools). I really wasn't used to it until we moved here from TX where there are still quite a few towns that have their own very very small districts. It does sometimes cause issues where one side of the district is very very rural and the other is very very suburban/cosmopolitan. But I think it works quite well. And allows for things like magnet/specialty schools.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 24, 2015 19:16:39 GMT
Don't tell me they request payment before you see the product? That doesn't even sound right. Our school uses Lifetouch too, and so yes, we have to pay before the photos are even taken. Picture day is tomorrow and I'm already stressing about it trying to figure out something for DD to wear that will look good with the purple background she wanted and trying to figure out how I can fix her waist long hair in 15 minutes in the morning with my (very) limited hairdresser skills... Ugh. I already have the retake day noted on my calendar, just in case.
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Sept 24, 2015 19:26:48 GMT
My daughter had a friend in elementary school whose parents were well off and the dad was an international business guy. They were very worried about kidnapping. Their DD was not to be in any kind of photo that might go home with other parents, be in the news, etc. it was a security issue. Rather than leave her out, there were no group photos done for any class. This is ridiculous. They certainly have the choice to opt out for their daughter, but to deny the whole SCHOOL just because one set of parents didn't want to participate? They shouldn't even have skipped it for that one girl's class - just kept her out of the frame and noted her name as "not pictured".
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 24, 2015 19:54:59 GMT
LOL 950nancy! My high school DS brought home his photos last week. Have you seen teen girls & older women doing the raise the eyebrow pose? Well, WTH! Guess what the photographer told my son to do "raise your eyebrows so ....". The post was ridiculous, and not what a photographer should have ever suggested! I feel like a joke was played at the expense of my son. This is the photo that will be published in his yearbook as well. Yesterday my Jr High DS brought home his photos. Yes, he had the same eyebrow pose, just not as drastic. The photographer told him to raise his eyebrows to open them up due to the lighting. I will likely laugh about them later when they're seniors; however, we wasted over $60 on photos that should have never been purchased. I'm shocked my DSs weren't asked to do duck lips, too. I have two words for this scenario: RETAKE DAY. Seriously, I would tell my kid "You're getting your school picture retaken, don't do anything you know will look stupid no matter what they tell you!" (This coming from the mom who KNOWS if someone tells her kid to "Smile and show your teeth!" It will come out looking like she's either really scared or trying to poop. Every.time.)
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Post by anxiousmom on Sept 24, 2015 20:03:14 GMT
Funny-we got senior picture proofs today (the kind from the school for the yearbook.) The school is using a local company and the photos aren't awful. And...for the first time ever?? We can buy ONE photo if that is all we want. I haven't bought school pictures in forever, mostly because we are a well documented family (we have a photographer) but also have zero need for all the photo package pictures.
I haven't seen an offer for a group shot since elementary school. I love those though-I have one on my refrigerator that was taken in third grade and my son is still friends with about four of the boys in the photo. The difference between then and now makes me smile.
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Post by gorgeouskid on Sept 24, 2015 20:08:17 GMT
Ours have always been set up outside.
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Post by jcmom04 on Sept 24, 2015 20:18:53 GMT
Don't tell me they request payment before you see the product? That doesn't even sound right. Our kids' school always required payment first- which is why I only buy the class photo. They take fall (uniform) and spring (free dress) photos. The class photo is uniform (which is fine). But never have I seen any of the kids pictures (mine or their friends) look good. Hair out of place - just bad shots. So, I take my own.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 8, 2024 1:29:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2015 20:30:29 GMT
Our DSs' schools have never taken class photos. Jenje, our school has always required payment first before the photos are seen. The photos are always horrific!While this isn't appreciated when you get your photos back, years later they are awesome! I have a great one of my son and the Valentine package that was offered. "He had a big old eff you" look on his face with a heart background. Last year, I told them, let his stacking cups be in the picture if he's smiling. I like class photos. I don't mind if they are group or composite. Where I live, it depends on who the school picks. Some do and do not have group shots.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 8, 2024 1:29:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2015 20:34:39 GMT
Don't tell me they request payment before you see the product? That doesn't even sound right. Our soccer club does this and I refuse to purchase. There is no way I'm giving money before I see the product. That's why I usually only pay for the class photo. It's $7-$8. I think we are given a week or two when the photos come back to decide if we want to buy more.
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Post by monklady123 on Sept 24, 2015 20:47:59 GMT
Earlier this evening I received an email from my kids school that informed us picture day was next week and not to purchase the class photo (not included in the portrait packages) because they were not taking one this year. That was the extent of the email, no explanation about why. I would like to write something to the school saying that it was disappointing this was decided without asking the parents, or giving a reason. I would also ask if the school going to provide an alternative because I can't replace the class photo on my own... Or am I being stupid and class photos are so 2014? This is elementary school if that matters. UPDATE: The reason they are not doing class pictures is they don't have space to set up the photographer all day that is not already being used (gym, cafeteria, music room). The person who told me this didn't know if they were doing a composite. That's too bad that they can't use one of those spaces for just one day. That's what they've always done at our school, always in the library. Any class who had library as their special on that day just doesn't go. Instead kids from those classes are offered the chance to come by after school or on lunch or whenever if they want to take a book. Otherwise they just wait till next time they have library scheduled.
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,123
Jul 1, 2014 20:20:18 GMT
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Post by rickmer on Sept 24, 2015 22:17:54 GMT
i have 3 kids and my eldest is grade 10...i have had lots of photo days. we never have to pay ahead of time, that sounds crazy!! we get a proof sheet/envelope a couple wks after photo day (now with digital they give you several background options of the same 2 photos taken) and you fill in what you want to order, put your credit card info or a cheque inside. i have noticed they have shortened the "pay $10 fee if orders not received by....... "date to less than a week. they make a killing off than $10 fee I AM SURE! you can also order your photos from their website and the code to view/order the photo is on the proof sheet.
and my kids still get class photos (well not the one in high school), everyone gets the class photo whether you buy a package or not. we have had joston's and lifetouch and neither expect you to pay first. retake or no retake, i would be pissed.
now on the privacy/security thing, when my eldest started, we used to get class lists of each student and their parents' telephone number and email address. that stopped a couple of years ago as parents complained. mind you, inclusion was optional but i guess while they didn't want to be included, they didn't want anyone to know they chose not to be included?
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Post by Karene on Sept 25, 2015 0:02:37 GMT
I actually work for Lifetouch Canada. My office's territory does not charge anything for class photos. That way, every child gets a photo whether or not they can afford to buy a package. I take the class photos and I can tell you, it is hard work! Especially now that the kindergarten classes have 30 students each. Trying to get them all to look at the camera, smile, keep their dress down(!) and hands out of the face, all at the same time. I've had teachers say to me "you sure earned your pay today!" There is also the kids who think it is great to make a face or stick up inappropriate fingers. Lots of times, I let them take a funny photo after they give me a good one, and then I print it for them to hang in their classroom. They love that. I work very hard to get a good class photo. And if we have a child in a wheelchair we are NOT allowed to stick them to the side like the photo above showed. We are to make sure they are right in with the other students. I will often have a teacher standing right behind them.
I love the job but it is not easy and not for every one; we have a high turnover because some people can't stand the pace. And I am pretty tired by the end of the day. I used a pedometer a few times to track how much I walk while photographing, it works out to 5 or 6 miles a day. I get sent to the really big schools because they know I can organize the day properly to finish the job in time. Almost all of our schools still do the timeless class photo on the benches, but a few do the composite. If a parent is concerned about a child having their photo out in public, they just don't have their child photographed at all. It is rare.
Most of our high schools are prepay. It is the choice of the individual school. But you have a chance of a retake and if you still don't like the photo, you get a refund. All our elementary schools are proof, so you don't pay before you see.
Funny story from this week: I was taking a class photo of a Junior/Senior Kindergarten class and one of the little JK students came with his backpack still on his back. I asked the teacher if he was going to take the backpack off for the photo and she said no, we'd leave it on. He had not removed the backpack from his back since the first day of school (3 weeks earlier) and that was who he was at this time in his school career, so he would get the photo with the backpack.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 8, 2024 1:29:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2015 0:11:53 GMT
Karene, I think school photographers always get a bad rap! They are given so little time! My husband's aunt works for Lifetouch in the U.S. and she's had nothing but good things to say about them as an employer. I also think it's great the service they give to other countries. She went to the Dominican Republic once with them. I think Lifetouch does do class pictures in our area. My son is at a different school that uses another place.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 8, 2024 1:29:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2015 0:15:25 GMT
Our class photo was always taken in - believe or not - the classroom. The picture people would come in, set up a camera on a tripod, take a shot of the whole class and done. Sometimes, we stayed seated at our desks, sometimes we stood in a group. There was no going somewhere else to get a class photo.
Even though those old class photos aren't 'aesthetically' great, I love looking at them. Seeing the very desk I sat at, all our class and project work on the walls. They are truly like a little time capsule for me.
L
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Post by Tamhugh on Sept 25, 2015 1:53:45 GMT
We have always had to prepay for the school photos. Our district used to use Lifetouch but now they use Christmas City Studios. Both had the same prepayment policy.
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