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March 30th, 2010
7:10 am

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deidre_NC

March 30th, 2010
7:10 am

i rarely bought the school packages…they were way too expensive and were not great pictures. i have tons of pics of my kids, some professional and some that others took…unless the pics were great im not spending that kind of money for them. and they usually werent great. on important occasions i had them done professionally, like graduation etc…when they did the yearbook photos for my daughters graduation they made everyone turn the same way-that way wasnt her best side as she broke her nose when she was little and it makes that side of her profile look funny (she thinks0i think you can barely tell) the photographer wouldnt let her turn to her ‘good’ side…we had pics made just like the ones they took with the black robe and all and thats what was put in the yearbook…the main ones we ever bought were the ones they would have made extra with their friends,..they werent so fornally posed and usually turned out well so we would go in with the other parents and buy some of those…dont feel bad for sending them back….no reason you should spend that much money on something you dont like….

Dennis

March 30th, 2010
7:10 am

I’m a professional photographer. I don’t operate in the school photo business though.

Regarding the quality of the photographs: there’s two forces at work here. The first is they take 30-60 seconds per student, and the second is the “Photographer” is usually a minimally paid hourly employee if you are working with one of the big school picture companies. These companies advertise on Craigslist for seasonal help – hardly experienced and knowledgeable photographers.

Also keep in mind that this is a major source of funding for either the school system or the PTA and these companies pay money for the right to be there.

I don’t think my kids (boys age 6 and 3) since they’ve seen me work, edit photos and I’ve told them there are good photos and bad photos. The bad photos get tossed and we move on!

If you want a good photo of your kids – take your kids to somewhere where the business owner shoots the photos, and not hourly help!

Greg

March 30th, 2010
7:14 am

We tell them ahead of time we’re not going to buy them. Instead we go to Portrait Innovations and have pictures made with all of us. We get much better pictures that way at a lower cost. Still, sometimes we will buy the keychain and bookmark school picture sheets.

deidre_NC

March 30th, 2010
7:17 am

i have bought the keychains etc…but sometimes you can only buy the extras if you buy a package…grrrr

Jeff

March 30th, 2010
7:38 am

As a divorced dad, I’m not allowed input in any of those decisions. Which is fine, because when we were married my opinion wasn’t really important to the outcome of these type of things anyway. Bada Bang, I’ll be here all week, be sure to tip your waiter or waitress.

motherjanegoose

March 30th, 2010
7:38 am

@ Dennis…good points and thanks for sharing.

I almost NEVER guilt myself into spending money on something I do not want. I HAVE bought a candy bar or two that I did not need, from a neighbor kid but that is less than $5.

School pictures ( to me) are never the quality that a private portrait can be and after Dennis’ comment…I can see why.

Theresa, we have a friend who is a part time photographer and lives right near you. He took our daughter’s Senior pictures at the Lilburn Park in the fall and we were thrilled with the results . He included our family too. If you want his name, e-mail me and I could send you the link to view our pictures He is reasonable and friendly. He will come to you or meet you somewhere for an outside shoot ( our fall photos were so nice but spring ones could be too). He took pictures of our dog too and they were so cute! He was quite affordable and the personalization made it great.

motherjanegoose

March 30th, 2010
7:45 am

@ Jeff…not trying to hijack the blog but since you mentioned the tip thing:

I park at Park and Ticket ( at the airport). The parking is $11 per day for uncovered and $15 for covered. I park in the $11 lot. I drive a Chevy Malibu and my car is not by baby.

I have 3 suitcases and tip $1 per suitcase ( $3) on the way out and on the way back…in the shuttle for the airport…$6 each trip.

I assume the rule is to drop off the covered parkers first. They pay more to park but they NEVER tip the driver….just smile and say thanks. This is beginning to irk me. I think a BUCK would not hurt them? i am the last one dropped off ( many times) as I park close to the front of the lot and covered is in the back. I am often the only one who tips. I hate to not tip, as that is not fair to the driver.

I have jokingly mentioned it and the drivers agree that those who drive the nicest cars do not tip.

Your thoughts Jeff?

Sorry to jump to a different topic…everyone else…just go back to photos….:)

Dennis

March 30th, 2010
7:51 am

@deidre_NC…the trinkets have a much higher cost to the studio than prints do! Forcing you to buy a package ensures they make a profit.

LSH

March 30th, 2010
7:56 am

This is a great teaching moment for your son. He is old enough to understand that people are always trying to sell you things that you don’t want or need. You can show him that the company is using kids (and their mothers love) to try and make a profit. It’s good to start them early to become a savy and critical consumer.

MomsRule

March 30th, 2010
7:59 am

I send back the school photos most of the time. They are usually terrible so I see no reason to waste the money.

And, no, it has nevered bothered my kids when I haven’t purchased. They usually tell me if the pictures are good or awful before I’ve even seen them.

I’m not a huge fan of the school wasting time taking pictures twice a year. Once is sufficient, IMO.

Belle

March 30th, 2010
8:13 am

I bought my daughters first school pictures but I probably won’t buy any more. I prefer the professional pictures. No reason to waste the money.

Jeff

March 30th, 2010
8:13 am

Jane, what part of town do you live in? Is it within 20 minutes of the airport?

Nadia74

March 30th, 2010
8:15 am

I don’t buy them. My kids never take great school pictures. They have all gone to private preschool, and those pictures are great, and I buy those.

This last time, though, I forgot it was my youngest’s photo day (preschool). I sent him to school in a Halloween shirt (I thought it was funny, Theresa, that Walsh was wearing a Halloween shirt in his, too.), he desperately needed a haircut, and he had a small area of bedhead. However, his pictures turned out adorable. I will buy the smallest package for two of the poses.

With my girls (regular school), I told them ahead of time that it is a rip-off and that I will take them somewhere else for pictures. They know I am cheap, and they seem to understand when something is not worth the money. However, I would most definitely buy a class photo so they can have a nice keepsake of the school year.

Andrea

March 30th, 2010
8:22 am

I always try to buy the class photo, which is usually around $10 or $12 dollars. I have rarely bought the school photos except for the special ones – i.e. the graduations (K & 5th), and some of the academic photos – clubs, competitions, etc. Generally, I have their photos taken by a professional.

motherjanegoose

March 30th, 2010
8:23 am

@ Jeff…Mall of GA ( 45 miles) and when I head to the airport I am frequently leaving another client…I cannot leave my car in a random school lot and feel good about it. Do not want to get dropped back off in a dark lot when I get home.

I am thinking you may be thinking of a shuttle. Just curious about the tipping aspect as I have never worked in the service industry and depended on tips.

JJ

March 30th, 2010
8:32 am

OMG, I have every single year of school pictures of my daughter. They are priceless!!!! I look back on them and I can see my baby growing up. I purchased the minimum package every year, but I did purchase them. My mom has all my school pictures and they are hilarious to go back and look at.

Professional photogs have their place. But the school pictures, when you look back on them years later, are just wonderful. Our kids are kids, not professional models.

Theresa, this year’s picture of Walsh should be in a frame. When else are you going to see baby teeth right next to the “adult” teeth. These pictures should be put up and you should take pride in your child. You know how they feel when they see their pictures in a frame out on display? They feel great seeing their pictures out there!!!!!

My mom has tables loaded with pictures of all of us growing up. The kids absolutely LOVE looking at all the pictures and laughing. They bring back so many memories.

Buy the pictures, even though they aren’t perfect and professional, and put them in frames and put them out on display!!!!!!

Jeff

March 30th, 2010
8:38 am

I used to take a cab to the airport but I was in Va/Hi. I am not an advocate of the remote shuttle and leaving your car in some unattended lot. Here’s something I would do on a rare occasion, work out something with the manager of one of the rental car places so you can leave your car there (gated, attended) and take their shuttle over to the terminal. It may work out cheaper in the big picture. the airport lots aren’t safe enough, and the off-property lots aren’t convenient enough.

I’m a fairly generous tipper, and although I’ve never worked in the service industry either, I know a lot of their income depends on those tips. I try to think of it as; if karma turns out to be true (it’s the aethiest version of the golden rule, lol), tipping will hopefully build my credit balance. If it turns out not to be true, then all I got was a little do-the-right-thing in my pocket.

A

March 30th, 2010
8:43 am

We buy the individual photos in the fall only, and even then just the minimum package to get some wallets and a few larger ones for grandparents. Today my son is having spring pictures and class photos. We will only purchase the class photo. He also just had spring baseball photos done. I think the whole school/sports/event photography business has gotten so out of hand. I’m not even sure if the school PTA or baseball league gets any kind of kickback. If they do, it would be nice for them to tell us so we know they are benefiting financially in some way and it’s not just the photo company getting all the $$.

I do agree Theresa that the photo companies are putting a huge guilt trip on parents by sending completed photos home. We’ve never had this happen, but for today’s pictures we got a flyer where you actually pre-order photo packages…before you even see a proof! This was new to me.

Evil Toothfairie

March 30th, 2010
8:43 am

My son still has his baby teeth. He is in the first grade. This is terrible, but its quite simple and honest. The children who still have their baby teeth are cute. The children that don’t are awkward looking.

I know its horrible, but I think it every time I visit his class.

He wants to lose a tooth so badly, and I dread the day.

Oh, and I am not much on pictures. I regret not taking more over the years.

motherjanegoose

March 30th, 2010
8:46 am

Thanks Jeff…the lot I use is gated and attended…so that seems o.k. Outta here now…have a great day all!

A

March 30th, 2010
8:50 am

@Evil Toothfairie–my son (also a first grader) lost his 2 lower front teeth last year, but the adult teeth were right behind them and came in quickly. He just lost his first front upper tooth a couple weeks ago, and the new tooth is nowhere in sight, so he’ll have that big gap for a while. And yes, it may look awkward and he may sound a little different with that space in his mouth, but when it’s your own child it’s just wonderful. You know your child is growing up! And that new tooth will come in before too long, and in a few short years he’ll have a full mouth of permanent teeth and you’ll wonder where the time went! So just enjoy the normal changes your son is going through.

Evil Toothfairie

March 30th, 2010
9:01 am

A, its still cute when the tooth is gone. But its when they get those HUGE two front teeth that looks not cute anymore.

Kids are cute when they’re little, then askward and not cute for many years. Then as adults they are either attractive or not.

But all little kids are cute.

VaLady

March 30th, 2010
9:07 am

A parent has a right to not buy an unflattering picture of his/her child. The “hurt feelings” enter the scene when said parent buys the pictures of the other siblings.

I have always bought my boys’ pictures. However, I have to select and pay for the package I want before the photographer appeared at the school. No money; no picture. After the package arrives at home, I have the option to order more pictures. There is also a “retake” opportunity. I don’t know if it costs more, since I have never had to use it.

By the way, on picture day this year, my high schooler wore a shirt that read,”You know you’re ugly when…”

Since this picture will appear in the year book, I considered having it re-taken. I decided not to because this shirt will always remind me of this time and his unusual taste in clothing.

JATL

March 30th, 2010
9:21 am

I would send anything back I didn’t want! I always buy a few, but rarely the whole package. My son has always taken REALLY good pictures -the youngest one has only had one “school” photo experience -both are still in preschool. They do send the whole package though, but I don’t need that many!

Denise

March 30th, 2010
9:28 am

I took some UGLY pictures some years and rather than thinking “oh, look at me in the 3rd grade” I think “dang I hope Mama didn’t give these out”. I think parents should be consistent, though. Either buy pictures each year or not. Or at least have pictures made each year or not. I could see a person feeling bad about not having a 3rd grade picture to look back on because that was their “ugly” year. People remember what they want to remember and how they want to remember it. “Mama thought I was ugly” is different than “I didn’t take a good picture that year” but you never know what the feeling is going to be. I doubt seriously anyone wants their child to think their parent thinks they are ugly.

RJ

March 30th, 2010
9:40 am

I haven’t purchased school pictures in years. I have a hard time paying for pictures upfront. Olan Mills does the “Watch Me Grow” program which I used for both of my kids. I was able to choose everything which I really enjoyed.

cld

March 30th, 2010
9:55 am

My parents usually bought the smallest package of the fall photos – the ones that went in the yearbook. But back then, those were the only ones done at school, and we didn’t have access to SO MANY photos via digital technology. By the time I got to middle school and we moved to a district that did twice-yearly photos, my parents sent back the spring photos every single time. By high school, the only year they bought the formal photos, was senior year. The other three years, we went to a Wal-Mart or similar, and got packages for less than $10.

My parents told us before pictures were taken, that we weren’t buying any. There wasn’t any extra money for that stuff – we were old enough by then to know that would be the case. Because we knew going into the photo shoot that we wouldn’t buy any, there were no hurt feelings over thinking that Mom and Dad just didn’t think the pictures were “good enough”.

cld

March 30th, 2010
9:55 am

Also, my son has had a couple portrait days at daycare so far. We have yet to order any from them . . .

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
9:59 am

@Theresa, I really don’t understand the filter… every now & then a seemingly mundane post gets eaten up.

nurse&mother

March 30th, 2010
9:59 am

Sorry, no time to read through all of the posts. I think the school/photographers DO try to guilt you into pics. I’ve also noticed that 9 times out of 10, the spring photos are much better than the fall ones. Most of the time they are not good quality. I usually buy the cheapest package 12 or 14 dollars, NOT out of guilt, but so that I can say these are the school pics.

nurse&mother

March 30th, 2010
10:02 am

I spend a good deal of money on my favorite photographer every year. Plus, I personally take thousands of photos of the kids every year. I’m quite certain my children will not think that I am ashamed of their looks.

A

March 30th, 2010
10:32 am

Does anyone know why schools are doing 2 pictures days now? When I was in elementary school in the late ’70s/early ’80s (and even later in middle and high school), it was one day a year and you got your individual and class pictures done at the same time. Now it’s individual fall and spring and class in the spring. As I said earlier, if I knew for sure the PTA was somehow getting some financial benefit out of this, I wouldn’t object so much. But if they are not, then why are schools…especially the public ones that are laying off staff and cutting programs…wasting 2 days out of the year on pictures?

DB

March 30th, 2010
10:34 am

$42 a package?!?!?!/ GEEZ!!! I think we were lucky — at our kids school, a minimal package (8×10, wallets and 1 5×7) came as part of the tuition (I don’t say “free”!) and if we wanted more, we could buy more. (The yearbooks were included in tuition, too, so we have a complete collection of those, too.) The arts guild also had a professional photographer come out in the fall that families would sign up with, and those pictures were lovely, people used them for Christmas pics, etc. Of course, the fees from those pics went towards the arts guild.

Even if the photos are hideous, I still saved them — they will make great photos when you’re putting together the wedding rehearsal Power Point show! Everyone is not always perfect. My mom still has my 8th grade picture — truly, truly hideous. We had been water skiing the weekend before, my face was blotchy from sunburn, my lips were chapped, my hair was wild and I had just brushed it back with a hairband. Lets not forget the dark-rimmed cat-eye glasses, shall we? And I put on my favorite multi-colored striped shirt — and then realized, in horror, when I got to school that Monday was PICTURE DAY! Omigod . . . a truly, truly hideous photo. And yet — whenever I see that picture, I remember what a wonderful time me and my family had the weekend before swimming, skiing and crabbing . . . :-)

Smoked Oyster

March 30th, 2010
10:48 am

I don’t need photos of my kids. They are annoying and worthless.

Cammi317

March 30th, 2010
10:51 am

There were 3 school years in a row where I looked at my daughters photos and told her I would not be paying for them. Usually the reason was “wild hair”. I made it a point to buy them this year since it was her first year of middle school. I’ll buy the 8th grade, 9th grade and Senior Year, but that’s about it.

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
10:53 am

@Smoked Oyster – the kids or the pictures?

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
10:59 am

OK, since my last post got lost in cyberspace…

My son’s school does the deal where they send home the whole package and then you are supposed to send back either the money or the pictures. His pictures were cruddy as usual (How hard is it to get a 14 year old to at least look at the camera before you take the picture??) so I sent them back to school. About a week later, I see them in his bookbag. Uh hello, I don’t want to pay for those things. My son says, “Mr. Homeroom teacher told us not to bother turning them in because he’s just going to throw them in the trash. The photography company doesn’t really care about getting them back.” I was a bit surprised so I took them out of his bookbag and put them away thinking that if I did get a message [or a bill], I would return them. That was in September. I have never been asked or billed for them. I do wonder what these companies do with all the leftover pictures. Hopefully they recycle. I guess they make enough money off the people who do buy them not to have to worry about those who don’t.

A

March 30th, 2010
11:11 am

@TechMom, when we’ve gone to Picture People in the past (before they went digital), you’d have a full package of pictures (of 5 different poses, I think) waiting for you when you went back to the store an hour or so after your sitting. Their prices back 5-7 years ago when my son was a baby/toddler were something like $18/sheet, which you can imagine adds up quickly. We’d buy a few and then right in front of us they would throw the rest away!! It’s not only heartbreaking for the customer, but extremely wasteful for Picture People in terms of labor and supplies.

Thankfully the last time we went there about 2 1/2 years ago, everything was digital and while they will show you about 100 different pictures, they only print out what you actually order.

FCM

March 30th, 2010
11:16 am

School photos are a rip off….I buy the smallest pkg possible in the Fall….I buy the Class Photo in the spring. I do not usually buy the package in the spring.

Yes they have a photo of my favorite subject matter. Yes I want to capture these precious years. Yes the school gets a kickback on the orders.

They are still WAY over priced and I am not going to feel guilty about sending them back. I do not send them with the child though. I walk them to the front desk at school

stepmom2

March 30th, 2010
11:25 am

@ TechMom I did the same thing. She had received the pictures back on a Friday that she went to her mom’s and they were in her bookbag. Her mom took them out and helped herself to some of them (w/o sending any money of course). She came home on Sunday and gave them to us. I just said oh well. Waited a few days, nothing came and the teacher didn’t send home any note so I cut out one to replace the last year’s in the frame and the rest are sitting in a box in the closet. It is such a waste.

Smoked Oyster

March 30th, 2010
11:27 am

The kids. Thank god they live with the ex and her even more worthless boyfriend. They are all living off my money.

Seems child support and alimony are paying for the 17 year old’s car that he is always wrecking, or having to install another stupid looking wing. I need a new lawyer.

ARiley

March 30th, 2010
11:29 am

I used to struggle with this as well. As I’m a semi-pro photographer, my kids see me get rid of bad photos all the time and this year they came home complaining that the color was bad on the pictures. We got the single sheet, but I really prefer the pictures where you catch them off guard. Soooooooooooo much better. Guess that’s why I’m in sports photography…

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
11:35 am

@Smoked Oyster are you actually involved in the 17 year old’s life (i.e. have you given him a reason to think of you as anything other than his bank?)

Jesse's Girl

March 30th, 2010
11:43 am

If I don’t like it…they go back. End of story.

A

March 30th, 2010
11:43 am

@FCM, I am exactly the same. Smallest photo package in the fall, class photo in the spring. Nothing more. We take our own pictures throughout the year, and every few years go to a Picture People/Portrait Innovations place for professional family pictures. As I’ve said in my other posts, if the school or the PTA is not getting a cut from the exorbitant school picture fees, then why are they wasting precious school time on this twice a year?

Wounded Warrior

March 30th, 2010
11:50 am

I take my kids to walmart and get their picks done at different times, and then together for the holidays. Henry County school employees’ get their kids’ pix for free. Is this the case in other counties? One girl in middle school pix, the cheapest $38, and my elementary daughter was $30 for the cheapest package.

penguinmom

March 30th, 2010
11:50 am

Send them back. If you have photos this year of your child, you don’t need to buy these. Especially don’t buy the photos just out of sheer guilt. You are NOT rejecting your child, just rejecting a poor photo attempt by some unknown photographer.

My favorite photo guy is Ken Rada. He does several pics of each kid then posts them online and You choose which pics you want, what sizes and how many.

In today’s digital world, getting actual prints before you’ve previewed the pictures seems like a big waste.

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
11:58 am

@penguinmom I’m with you. I don’t understand why they don’t put them on a website and send home the web address and an access code. If you want them, you buy them. BUT obviously it’s a marketing ploy – once they’re printed and home, more people buy them than would otherwise.

A

March 30th, 2010
12:01 pm

I think schools should stop the practice of photographers sending pictures (not proofs) home with the child. It’s an aggressive selling tactic that should not take place at a school and use kids as the messenger, since the photos are coming home with them. Agree with Penguinmom about posting proofs on a secure site and allowing parents to make their own decisions about what to purchase in the comfort of their home or office. For parents that may not have access to a computer, sending home a proof would fulfill the same thing without guilt-tripping parents.

JJ

March 30th, 2010
12:24 pm

How sad. You tell your kids they look awful in their pictures and you don’t buy them……can you image what that does to their little self images??????

I NEVER told my child her pictures weren’t good enough. Even if I thought it, I would never say it to her. Every school picture went into a frame on the fireplace mantle, and stayed there until the following year’s picture was put up.

I think this is very sad. What kind of message are you sending to your kids?

Lissy

March 30th, 2010
12:25 pm

go to sears, they usually have a package for 7.99 or 9.99. it’s one pose but it’s a lot cheaper than the school pics and i believe you get more. i’ve purchased the fall pics at the lowest price and just scanned the pic in and made copies. can’t tell which one is the “real” thing

Lissy

March 30th, 2010
12:29 pm

@jj seriously, not all pics are good and letting your child know is not a bad thing. tell them the truth just in a tactful way. you’re probably like a parent of one of the awful ppl on american idol that think they can sing b/c their parents told them so.

Oh Yeah

March 30th, 2010
12:36 pm

SCAM ARTISTS! That’s what these so called “photographers” are. They need to be expelled to Pluto! I used to buy these pictures but then when I saw them coming twice a year and then the price jacked sky high I put a brake on that nonsense! Even my daughter’s HS graduation was a scam. We took one of the samples and went to a regular photo studio and their picture and price was much better that the SCAMMERS that prowl the schools! Don’t be duped by these clowns and also beware because some of them are relatives of teachers so that’s why some teachers push the photo sales! PAHHHHHHH!

HB

March 30th, 2010
12:53 pm

As a photographer myself, I’m very picky about photo quality (missing teeth and mussed hair wouldn’t bother me, but boring studio shots and cheesy backdrops do), so I’d probably just make a point of never buying the school pictures, but find a really good local photographer to do a family shoot each year. As someone said earlier, these days, the school pictures are usually taken by an hourly wage employee of a big school photo company with limited experience and training in photography. That doesn’t mean the photos won’t be decent, but you’d likely do just as well at Sears or Walmart for less money — very similar set-up. And please don’t scan and print your own after purchasing. The photographer or company holds the copyright and you are stealing their work by doing so.

Meme

March 30th, 2010
1:33 pm

@Oh Yeah I don’t know anyone related to the photographers. I don’t like when they come because it disrupts the whole school day.

Meme

March 30th, 2010
1:35 pm

I get my pictures free but the kids of teacher and other employees do not.

cld

March 30th, 2010
2:03 pm

@ A: I went to The Picture People last summer. They actually printed a handful of enlargements and collages, framing some, to show me how they would look. Probably 5-6 prints of 8×10 and larger. Most of the photos were shown digitally, but they did print some for the upsell factor.

irisheyes

March 30th, 2010
2:09 pm

I got ripped off with our pictures in the fall. I ordered the smallest package, simply because I wanted the class picture. Come to find out, they aren’t taking the class picture until the spring!!! Then, when I get the picture in the spring, it just has the teacher and principal’s names, not the names of the kids. I was so irritated!! I never feel guilty about not buying the spring pictures. I just tell my kids that I can get their pictures for a lot cheaper at Target, and I can pick the exact poses I like. They’re old enough to understand the value of money.

mom2yana

March 30th, 2010
2:30 pm

We never buy the school pictures any more. They are absolutly HORRIBLE every time. I also don’t want all the crap that they sell in each package. I don’t want 20 zillion “wallets”. ALL I WANT IS 1 or 2 8×10’s and I will not pay $60.00 to get 1 8×10 and a bunch of pictures we will just throw away. Anything smaller than a 5×7 is just a waste of MY money.

doode

March 30th, 2010
2:45 pm

Great article! I cracked up about the Halloween shirt in Feb. Kids are too funny.

FCM

March 30th, 2010
2:45 pm

HB you bring up an excellent point “The photographer or company holds the copyright and you are stealing their work by doing so.” I think that is SO WRONG. The subject matter is mine. I should hold the copyright to the work I paid for a service. Then I can print 0 or 1 billion.

Mary

March 30th, 2010
2:49 pm

Two comments:
1. Since when do you have to buy what the company has sent you FOR FREE, without an order? It’s a major guilt trip that too many parents fall prey to. They sent them without an order, they’re yours.
2. Why are you people not taking the train to the airport? I’m pretty sure you’re not all single, so you could have someone drop you at the station. If you are single, get a taxi. It saves a lot of wear and tear on you if you don’t have to worry about parking. Don’t have public transportation in your county? Drive away, but stop whining.

lmno

March 30th, 2010
2:49 pm

My kid has never said anything about it. He just pulls the envelope out of his back pack, puts it on the table and runs to the backyard to play.

A discussion with him about the pics is not something that has ever come up.

I usually buy the most basic package.

We are really picture people anyway. I wish I could say that we have scrapbooks and stuff, but honestly, sometimes we go months without any pictures taken and even when we do take pics, they are just on some memory card somewhere.

I mean, you work all week, you run around like a chicken with your head cut off just to get all the things done you have to get done, you stretch every dollar and minute to get what you can, who has time for picture?

@Mary

March 30th, 2010
2:50 pm

They don’t take the train because they think its scary. You have to dig deep on this blog to find anyone living within 15 miles of 285.

doode

March 30th, 2010
2:51 pm

Jeff- you should have tried a little harder to close Jane! You are divorced, shoulda gone fir it!

Ele Mom

March 30th, 2010
2:51 pm

My child’s school has a photographer that requires the $45 upfront before the pictures are taken, “blind sale”. This is probably the only way parents will order the pictures! Two 5X7s and 4 wallets. NO, this is NOT a typo, two 5X7s and 4 wallets. When the pictures finally arrive, I am NOT pleased with my child’s pictures and the other students’ pictures, which are included in the yearbook. The pictures are awful. They’re always taken outdoors when the weather is not so great. Sometimes the pictures are taken after P.E. or lunch. I’m not sure why the school uses this photographer year after year. Other parents, faculty, and staff have complained the pictures are awful. Maybe the photographer’s related to someone at the school. The poses are awful. It’s my understanding there are 2 poses taken and the photographer chooses which pose to print and deliver. Parents have no choice whatsoever. AWFUL!! You’re forced to purchase at the time the pictures are taken before seeing the proofs. In fact, there are NO proofs. Extra pictures may be purchased “after” the first delivery at an even higher price. No, we are not allowed to order extras during the initial (first) order phase. We have 2 package choices, two 5X7s and 8 wallets OR one 8X10 and 8 wallets, each package is $45. I don’t know of anyone that has ordered extras after receiving their initial package. Sears, Wal-mart, or Wolf Camera are much cheaper and better quality. Plus, you get more choices of the poses. AND you will be able to see proofs immediately after taking the pictures. Some places, they give you the proofs on a CD or DVD to take home. That way you can order what you WANT, not what the photographer wants!! Some places put the proofs online so not only you can place an order, but family members can order as well. I forgot to mention the class pictures are ordered before the school year ends. Yes, they’re expensive too!! And no proofs. Another blind sale. In my opinion, this is not good customer service.

Greg Heller

March 30th, 2010
2:51 pm

Twice a year is absurd – obviously the school system is getting a kickback. You can bet they aren’t disrupting the school day for the Photo companies benefit without something in return. Refuse to have your child’s photo taken and spend the money with a professional. You’ll be much happier!

Gman

March 30th, 2010
2:55 pm

Buyer Beware….Standards ladies and gentlement. Why are you playing to the PTA/PTO and the photographer. If the photo is not good do not spent your money. As a single father I teach my sons, yes I teach my sons, that you get what you pay for.

Rex Mom

March 30th, 2010
2:57 pm

My daughter took pictures this morning in school. I don’t buy the packages because of the expense, they are not all that great and they want you to pay for them before you see them. I take advantage of the Wal-Mart Portrait Packages.

Gus

March 30th, 2010
2:57 pm

I was steaming one year when my kids brough the pics home and his hair was flying everywhere and he looked sweaty. I had already paid for the pics.

I called the studio and they told me it was up to the parents to volunteer to stand by and comb the kids hair, straighten their shirts, etc.

The cost of the school pictures is too high, I just send them back now and just straight out tell my kids they are too expensive.

Actually, Mary and friend...

March 30th, 2010
2:57 pm

…taking MARTA from anywhere IS scary. And it takes a long time to drie to the station, wait on the train and then take the 1 hour trip to the airport. And, if your plane is late at night on the return, it is even more scary on that 1 hour ride back to a very unsafe MARTA parking lot.

Prop U

March 30th, 2010
2:58 pm

Rarely bought them—overpriced, average quality. In the of digital photos, these prices should have come way down, but instead, the companies raised the prices—bad business decision making, leading to losing money. Some never learn.

Ele Mom

March 30th, 2010
3:01 pm

The schools are definitely getting something back. One school, I inquired about the free gift (photo canvas bag) that we were supposed to receive and the photographer responded the school made arrangements to receive ____ (I forgot her exact words), but it was something along the lines of the monetary terms equivalent to the cost of the canvas bag went to the school instead of the gift going to the parents (families). The package prices were outrageous. Pre-printed packages, about $110, sent home in return for a check, or send the pictures back. We sent back. Where my child had a missing tooth, the pictures looked as though he had rotten teeth. The pictures we took at Sears during the same month were much better and cheaper!!

Grumpy Parent

March 30th, 2010
3:02 pm

Excuse me.. but I was always told that if I received something I did not order, that is was considered a gift. Would love to see the waiver/permission slip I signed in regards to the photos being taken and they way they would be marketed to me.

jw

March 30th, 2010
3:03 pm

The companies will learn very soon, like they did in my district, that parents won’t pay the money and won’t send the pictures back either. What prevents you from taking them home and scanning them? We had the problem with photos leaving and never returning – so now they do it this way:

Everyone gets a picture made at the the fall setting – yearbook pictures and you can order a package to be delivered later – money up front. In the spring, it’s money up front before you can have a photo made – pretty simple – the photo folks got tired of losing money!

BigBlueTiger

March 30th, 2010
3:04 pm

Being a photog I know these companies are playing a numbers game. The prints cost them pennies on the dollar so if only a fraction are returned with payment it’s a profitable day.

Brian

March 30th, 2010
3:06 pm

Seeing as everything is digital, it costs so little to produce them. It would cost the photographer more in postage to get them back. Buy the cheapest thing, but keep all the pics.

Church Man

March 30th, 2010
3:07 pm

Churches are doing this now, too – under the ruse that it is for the “church directory”. The picture for the directory is free, then they ask you to buy sets of the photos for yourself. I am a single man whose parents are deceased and have no need for yearly updated professional photos of myself so I decline and get strange looks every time.

Diane

March 30th, 2010
3:11 pm

Yes I do send them back. If the photos turn out really nice, I might buy one sheet (1 – 8×10) for $12, but other than that, they go back. Twice a school year this happens. We are able to go to Walmart and take pics with me there to ensure their clothes & hair are neat and get many more pics w/better backgrounds AND EVERY year the prices go up. Imagine doing that for 3 kids!
I don’t hurt the kids feelings, but I do tell them we’ll go to WalMart and that I want to be there and they can choose the pose they like out of all taken. It works out well.

Mad Dawg

March 30th, 2010
3:13 pm

There is one questions that I do have. If the photos were sent to you without you requesting them, not only are you not obligated to buy, you’re not even obligated to return them, and you can’t be legally sued for the cost.

This happened to me with my youngest son a few years ago. I never even knew he got the pictures and I received a bill from the photo company. I called, got told I old money for something I did not order, refused to pay,got a threatening letter from the school about how my child owed this money and so did I, called the school back, and stood my ground. The school had to back down and never heard from either again about it.

You cannot be held legally or financially liable for goods that you did not order that gets sent to your house; even if the school is a partner to it. If more people did this, schools would stop the practice.

xyz

March 30th, 2010
3:14 pm

The law is if a company sends you something in the mail and you didn’t order it you don’t have to pay for it or pay the postage to mail it back to them. My mom said that this is an old practice from 60 years ago. The law was changed to prevent people from wasting money on shipping back things they didn’t order.

rita

March 30th, 2010
3:16 pm

My kids school have now made it so that the child’s final report card can’t be released in the Spring or that they can’t register for school in the Fall until the pics are paid for or returned. Is this legal? I don’t know, but it works. Pic packages at our school are now $60 at the top or $12/page. It gets costly with more than 1 child & true, they don’t always look so great since I don’t expect my kids to make sure their clothes are straight or hair isn’t standing up. Kids are kids and will never come home looking the way they went out the door in the morning.
We take pictures once a year ourselves for our kids at K-mart or Wal-Mart for much less and better pics and backgrounds too & the kids are happy.

FacebookSux

March 30th, 2010
3:16 pm

Enter your comments here

Stacy

March 30th, 2010
3:18 pm

Yes, I send them back because it’s a ripoff. They cost too much and more every year with plain, boring backgrounds. Maybe is they had something unique for the kids the pics would be better.
The only one I want anyway is the class pic so my child can look back and remember his classmates. I’d rather have them taken myself.

Mad Dawg

March 30th, 2010
3:19 pm

No Rita, it’s not legal and that’s exactly the battle I had to fight with them. I won, they lost.

Tonya

March 30th, 2010
3:21 pm

Mad Dawg: You’re right! You don’t have to pay for anything you don’t order. I never send the form back choosing a pose or anything and my child can’t be held responsible either since they automatically include him due to the whole class picture taken with the teacher. Thanks for the reminder.

Speedygurl

March 30th, 2010
3:22 pm

My son is a junior in high school this year. I can say that I have only purchased 5 school picture packages in all of his years. The photos were not that great. JCPenney…of all places did a much better job. Don’t let them rip you off!

Dale

March 30th, 2010
3:22 pm

The schools get a kickback for sure.

AJ

March 30th, 2010
3:22 pm

I buy the yearbook! That way, his picture is in there and he has all of his memories for the price of $25, compared to $45 for just the photo package. Plus, my sister is a professional photgrapher, so I get my fall and spring photos done RIGHT!

dawggirl

March 30th, 2010
3:23 pm

Speaking as a teacher, I hate this way of doing the pictures! It requires that I keep up with who paid and who returned the pictures, and I end up having to hound the kids who haven’t returned theirs. It’s more work for me and I have enough, thank you. This year I decided that if the company was going to insist on giving the parents the entire package, then the company could take the loss when the parents didn’t send them back. I don’t work for the company and I’m not profitting as their collection agent.

George Johnson

March 30th, 2010
3:27 pm

If you receive something in the mail you didn’t order, you can keep it without paying for it. I would think if the photography company just sent the photo’s to you without your ordering them, the same rules applies.

Keep ‘em, don’t pay for ‘em. I think by the time they take a hit of a couple (hundred?) grand or more, they’d stop doing this underhanded tactic.

Courtney

March 30th, 2010
3:28 pm

Once again the schools get rich, the parents get bothered. And the teachers get stuck doing something other than education.

MiltonMan

March 30th, 2010
3:31 pm

Theresa, why did you state “No mother…” without any mention of the father? I am personally offended by this sexist statement. BTW: I have just sent my daughter’s pictures back to school for a remake.

I am a father who is gainfully employeed & am very active in my children’s life & education. Thank You

MiltonMan

March 30th, 2010
3:33 pm

dawggirl, the school should insist that the picture company do the leg work. It sounds like your school admin need to develop a backbone & not allow this treatment. If an outside company comes to my place of employment (and they do all the time) and they are not willing to conduct business my way, they receive nothing.

MiltonMan

March 30th, 2010
3:35 pm

For the majority of you whiners & complainers, please learn to say no.

smh

March 30th, 2010
3:37 pm

Not only do I send them back, if they are really horrible I have them re-taken. The prices are high, quality is less than stellar and I typically don’t like them. I do find that historically the spring pictures are better than the fall ones. I do not like pre-paying for fall pictures so I do not order them. I will wait for spring pics. If I like them, fine. If not, they go back and it is a non-issue.

tanyadewitt

March 30th, 2010
3:38 pm

TO: VaLady
Your post about your son’s shirt made me laugh out loud sitting here alone at my computer. How funny that your son wore a shirt for yearbook pictures with the words, “You know you’re ugly when…” That is just hilarious!

Hey, MiltonMan...

March 30th, 2010
3:39 pm

…get back to work…

Rod

March 30th, 2010
3:42 pm

Tell your child not to bring a thing home period. They aren’t the only companies doing this sort of thing. I had and I say had a magazine subscription to this publication who decided to send me a dvd. They then sent me a bill. I called them up and said I never received the dvd that I didn’t request and to cancel this bill and the subscription when it is up. This is nonsense billing people for something they didn’t even request!! I still have the dvd though. I could have sent it back but I had to take it to the post office. Again that wasn’t going to happen since I didn’t request it in the first place.

Jason

March 30th, 2010
3:44 pm

So you throw them away and claim your child never brought them home. How are they going to prove that your child brought them home? If they claim that they are going to report you to credit agencies for non-payment, challenge them. They have no record of your signature, and a minor can’t be held responsible for his signature.

Peter

March 30th, 2010
3:44 pm

If they send them to you without you ever have ordering them, then they’re free. I mean, what can they do? Did you sign a contract? why should I spend my time and money sending them back to the photographer? They take that risk.

HB

March 30th, 2010
3:46 pm

FCM, some photographers will sell that service to you, but you do not automatically have a right to it when you sit down to have your picture taken. If you pay $5 specifically for a print, then you do not have the right to copy and distribute that photo however you wish. That’s like like buying a CD and then sending free tracks to friends.

There are several common arrangements. The traditional one for these types of pictures is the photographer holds the copyright, but the people retaining the service do not give permission for sale and distribution of their likeness. So the customer can’t just make as many copies as they want, and the photographer cannot sell copies to anyone but the customer. Other times, a photographer might sell the digital file or negative as part of the service, granting an unlimited license to the purchaser to print/distribute as they wish, and price that service accordingly. That is becoming more common for social media purposes, and photographers will sell often low resolution digital files of suitable quality for Facebook, but not high res enough for additional prints. In my own work, I sell both prints and files. For a family shoot, I will usually sell low res downloads and prints, all priced individually, and they can pick and choose what they want from proofs. When I’m hired for an event, like a softball game, I usually charge an up-front fee and just provide a CD of files, but sometimes the team prefers to pay a lower price for me to show up and then individually order prints and downloads from my site. So there are many options, but the arrangement should be determined at the time of purchase and the price set based on those terms. If you pay $5 for a 5×7 print, as opposed to for rights, and scan and reprint it, depriving the photographer of additional revenue, then that is theft.

Dew Fuss

March 30th, 2010
3:49 pm

I like bannanners.

Matt

March 30th, 2010
3:50 pm

this is such a racket. My wife is a teacher and hates to send these photos home because 1) they take away from instructional time twice a year, and 2) it creates a lot more headache when parents keep the photos and companies have to go through the school to collect. It’s such a hassle, and the pictures aren’t that great.

My parents almost always sent the photos back because we were able to find other photographers that would do school-like photos and make me look good.

SouthEastAtl Mom

March 30th, 2010
3:53 pm

Jeff, are you single now?

Aileen

March 30th, 2010
3:53 pm

I sent the whole package back. My sons smile was forced and he was wearing the same shirt he had on in the fall pictures. Actually it looked like the exact same picture with a different backround. My son knows that the pictures don’t determine my love for him. They can try all they want, but they are not putting it past me.

Matt

March 30th, 2010
3:57 pm

If I did not order it, it’s going back.

Schools are just becoming giant funraising machines anyway. Between the candy sales, the PTO golf tournament, the Mother’s Day cakes, the school cookie dough sales, it is just plain insane!!

I pay my taxes, provide for my daughter’s supplies and will participate in ONE fundraiser and that it ALL you are going to get out of me.

Stacey

March 30th, 2010
4:06 pm

Agree with everybody – the school photos are way too expensive and generally not as good as the ones we have done at Target. And this year our elementary school really made it difficult – they required us to choose and pay for a package before the photos were ever taken, and it was promoted as a fundraiser for the school. But it turns out the school only gets something like 1% of the purchase price! What a ripoff!!!

motherjanegoose

March 30th, 2010
4:07 pm

@ Mary…I live 45 miles from Hartsfield International and 30 miles from a Marta Station. I think I am the only one complaining, so here is the scoop:

I travel for business, I have 2 carry ons and 2 fifty pound trunks. HOW WOULD I HANDLE THIS ALONE AT THE MARTA STATION?

If someone drives me to the airport, that is 90 miles to drop me off ( round trip) and 90 miles to pick me up ( round trip). A lot of driving and yes my husband did do this 10 days ago…he arrived at the airport when I called to tell him I was sitting in Huntsville, AL….our flight was diverted due to weather. I was gone for 6 days and thought I would save the $66 plus $6 in tips ( for parking). He waited for me for 2 hours…not really worth his time.

I love how folks shoot off answers when they really do not know what is going on. This is not about getting to the airport….I do it 24 times per year with no problem. It is about being peeved at those who do not tip and tend to get the better service. ( Jeff mentioned tipping this morning)

I bill my clients for the parking and tips but it irks me when I drive a Chevy, park in the uncovered lot and tip the most…when I am dropped off last. Guess I will just have to deal with it and realize that I tip because those in the service industry rely on it. I am fully aware that those with the most money are not always the best tippers.

I am all about public transportation, when it is convenient. I have taken it in DC, Boston, New York, Chicago, Denver and Philly….anyone else? Taking 4 suitcases…not so much.

@ HB…I am with you on the copyright. I have children’s CDs and often hear teachers say:

I am going to buy a set of her CDs and then I can burn you a set…we can split the price.

There are many out there who do NOT understand what a copyright is. I have given up trying to make folks understand.

I Love Latinas

March 30th, 2010
4:07 pm

If Jeff’s personality is as good in real life as it is here, a lady would do well to get to know him (if he’s single now).

Jeff, if you are having a hard time in life travel on down to South America and get a latina woman. Real women, very loving, not fatties like here, and your opinion will actually matter to them. I speak from experience. :)

A Way Around It?

March 30th, 2010
4:10 pm

I don’t know why anyone didn’t suggest this:

If you like the way the pictures look, why not make copies and send back the originals?

You can go down to Wal-Mart, etc., and make copies of the original photos, including resizing them. They’re fairly inexpensive using the Kodak machine.

Then send back the originals.

After all, if you didn’t order the photos, they’re taking up your time. Why not get a benefit out of it?

JesusFreak

March 30th, 2010
4:12 pm

No problem sending them back! I have trained my son to know when companies are trying to take the consumer for a ride or at the least trying to turn a quick buck as in this case. They did the same thing with us and unfortunately for us, one of the times he really did look great so we ended up buying one of the sheets though the other time we had no qualms about sending them back. They just did Spring photos (like once a year isn’t enough) so we’ll see what they send back, we didn’t sign up at all. Smart move on their part, who can resist when their kid is particularly adorable? :-) But, $14 for a class photo?? That is a ripoff, especially considering they are digital. We recently went for a church pictorial directory photo shoot, talk about high pressure sales! When we informed the saleslady that we weren’t purchasing their $45-110 package, just getting the church photo for the directory, her smile turned into a scowl so quickly that we couldn’t help but chuckle as we left, it was THAT dramatic. The photo companies are obviously hurting though they have to realize that as demand dwindles, they have to adjust their prices downward or they will be making even less money. Like I told the lady, our choice is to blow a lot of money on photos, or pay a bill. She can smile or scowl all she likes, we weren’t going to be swayed either way. I doubt we’ll forget that moment of hilarity for years to come, it was worth it to endure the heavy sales pitch!

Mike

March 30th, 2010
4:12 pm

It’s been a long time since anyone foisted a school picture on me, but I’m reminded of the people who do the pictures at the Peachtree Road Race. They’re set up across the road on a bridge, snapping photos, then they send you a dozen solicitations by mail. The “last chance” letter somehow really wasn’t, and I got another one a few months later.

I’m not a runner, but I have the stamina and determination to do a 10K. By the time I reach 10th Street I’m sweaty and unattractive. That’s not something I want a picture of.

Susan

March 30th, 2010
4:13 pm

Have only had time to read a few of the comments, but as to the price of the school portraits, I don’t think they’re that expensive. If I had to dress my kid, take him to a studio and get his picture made, then sit through their sales pitch, my time and frustration would be far more valuable than the $42 I just paid for 5 portrait sheets from his school. If I don’t like the pictures, I don’t buy them, but I personally appreciate the opportunity to have pictures of my kids taken twice a year for a nominal fee because the reality is that I’m not going to make it to a portrait studio that often and kids grow fast. As to whether the kids look like movie stars in their school portraits, give me a break. I want a record of my kids’ real growing up years. All kids go through awkward phases when they’re missing teeth or they refuse to brush their hair in the morning. Those are part of the memories I want to look back on when they’re grown.

EmptyNestMom

March 30th, 2010
4:14 pm

By the time we finally graduated/escaped from our Cobb high school, I never wanted to hear the word Lifetouch again. They beat you down with annoyance on so many school issues, though.

Pro Photographer

March 30th, 2010
4:16 pm

I am a part-time professional photographer. When my son was a mere sprogling of 8, he told his teacher that he didn’t need to take the picture package home, “My dad is real photographer. We don’t need these.”

School pix look like what they are – cheap mementos. I don’t blame folks for buying them, however. They are less expensive than hiring me, but then, you get what you pay for.

“A Way Around It?” – what you suggest is violation of federal copyright laws.

YUKI

March 30th, 2010
4:23 pm

Well said, Susan!!!

mac

March 30th, 2010
4:26 pm

I buy one school picture for each kid every year and stick them in an album with all their school pictures. It’s nice to see the progression of time, but I don’t think any of them are really outstanding photographs.

If I want nice portraits of my kids, I take them myself. I’m a hobbyist and have even had several of my photographs published in a national magazine, so I feel somewhat qualified to do it. The pics look a lot more like the kids I know and love, and my cost is much less.

chris

March 30th, 2010
4:30 pm

Its a racket top to bottom and the schools have so blocked out competition from other photographers because of the kickbacks you get as many have stated an hourly employee shooting pics and under unrealistic time constraints to shoot as many kids as they can. On the other hand one must also remember these are school pics and if you choose to want more than that – take them to a local photographer and have them take the time you desire and ultimately have a product worth investing money in. Bottom line – send the crap back if you dont like em

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
4:31 pm

@ A way around it – most stores won’t let you make copies of professional photos. I’ve seen many a person turned away at our local Sam’s club who were trying to do that. Plus get real, those copies are definitely not good quality and as crappy as school pics are, the copies just make them worse.

I can’t stand school photos and I’d put Olan Mills, JCP, Sears, Target, etc. in the same category for quality. They just aren’t real photographers (b/c real photographers wouldn’t work at any of those places!) Hire a REAL photographer every couple of years and you’ll cherish those photos way more. I’d rather have a handful of awesome photos, blown up and framed on my wall than 12 years of crappy 8X10s. (I can do crappy 8X10s with my digital any day I want!)

Art

March 30th, 2010
4:35 pm

I agree with Greg! If you didn’t order them, I don’t think you’re under any obligation to send them back. This is an out-and-out scam and the school system should be ashamed that they are involved.

Gail

March 30th, 2010
4:38 pm

Every Spring I send them back. I didn’t ask for them. I buy the Fall Photos. I have asked that they not even be taken, to no avail.

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
4:41 pm

You know, speaking of things that you didn’t order. I remember when I was like 13 or 14 signing up for one the mail order CD clubs. I got the 8 for a penny or whatever and then they kept sending me CDs. My mom was mad because you had to pay to return them and I was evidently under contract to buy 4 more or something like that. She called and ended up getting me out of the contract because I was underage (she of course threatened me with my life if I tried it again) but it just goes to show that this isn’t anything new.

pam

March 30th, 2010
4:41 pm

At the elementary school where my children attend, they actually sell the packages to the parents, photos unseen. That’s right! They expect me to order photos whithout seeing what they look like! They are crazy! I would never buy anything, even school photos, without proofing them. Yes. Even photos of my children. These folks must be nutty.

Bcatl

March 30th, 2010
4:43 pm

Original poster sez: “If you don’t return them, you owe.” Really?

I tend to disagree with that. The child is under 18, and is unable to form a contract.

It is the photo company that takes the risk of sending the photos to the parents without being asked to do so. They can’t create some liability for you by sticking a piece of paper in with the photographs containing legal jargon.

One thing for sure, let the school administration know what you think about this. Call the district, not the local school. Make noise.

A Way Around It!

March 30th, 2010
4:43 pm

““A Way Around It?” – what you suggest is violation of federal copyright laws.”

Oh, lawds!

So what. A black van labeled “SWAT” is not going to pull up in your front yard with guns drawn.

Please, no more melodrama.

Sam

March 30th, 2010
4:46 pm

Your School gets a 60-70% commission of the package price, the reason the school takes pictures twice a year is that they need the money.. School pictures are the largest single fund raiser for most schools.

Polytron/E2M Sucks

March 30th, 2010
4:46 pm

If you’re taking copies of the pictures for personal use, and keeping at home (as opposed to selling them, distributing, etc.) there’s no case to pursue for “federal copyright super mega laws.”

Case dismissed! Lack of merit… :)

HB

March 30th, 2010
4:46 pm

TechMom, thanks for the info on Sam’s — I’m glad to know they are prohibiting reprints of copyrighted material. In my experience, Kinko’s is pretty good about that too. I print notecards there and have been questioned about my copyright on the back. I show that my ID matches the photo credit and then they make the prints, but I’m pleased that they are checking.

KDFatlanta

March 30th, 2010
4:48 pm

The’ve gotten smart at my child’s school. They no longer send home the package because, apparently, parents were not returning them NOR were they paying for them. I’ve been suckered into buying the entire package a few times in the past just because they sent them, but there were those photos over the years that got sent back because I, like you, was unaware that it was picture day and my child looked unprepared for the occasion!

BL

March 30th, 2010
4:52 pm

Legally, if someone sends you something with out you authorizing it, it’s considered a gift and you are not required to pay for it or return it.

Wayne

March 30th, 2010
4:54 pm

If you do come to an agreement with a photographer about copyright laws, make sure you have it in writing. I’ve worked with a couple of photogs now and when I buy the pictures (printed and on DVD) I get a release of copyright from the photographer, in effect transferring them to me. That way, the photog can’t come back on me, and I’m covered when I want to print them out anywhere.

TechMom

March 30th, 2010
4:55 pm

You know it’s a slow day in the news when this blog makes the front page of ajc.com. Did all the gangsters and baby-killers take the week off or something?

FormerSchoolPhotographer

March 30th, 2010
4:58 pm

All are correct when you say that the quality of the pictures are bad. When you are shooting 80 -150 kids a day (many not in a very good mood or plain PO’d) at some point you stop caring about how the kids look or that you are off on the focus a bit. It quickly becomes an assembly line….sit, turn to your left, turn your head a bit to the right, smile, SNAP!…Next!..all of 5- 10 seconds a shot.

I do however buy a sheet of the school photos as some of the money benefits the PTA and sort of a sympathetic gesture for some 20 year old working for $8.00 an hour. ( like myself 20 years ago )

Pro Photographer

March 30th, 2010
5:08 pm

Full of myself? Not really. I’m a good photographer. There are others who are better. I make a decent supplementary income shooting sports, portraits, weddings, etc. I have been published most recently in Atlanta Magazine and Creative Loafing.

There’s no need for animosity. School pictures are like school lunches – cheaply made of questionable quality, but sometimes the best you can do.

Richard Bagge

March 30th, 2010
5:14 pm

Just lay the photo on your flatbed scanner, get a 600 dpi copy to send to friends and return the package. Nothing simpler.

Polytron/E2M Sucks

March 30th, 2010
5:14 pm

“I’m glad to know they are prohibiting reprints of copyrighted material.”

That’s right, because you’re a good little woman, and always do what you’re told. Please pass the Kool-Aid.

;)

HB

March 30th, 2010
5:28 pm

Polytron, as I said before, I’m a photographer, so yeah, I appreciate businesses helping to prevent theft of my intellectual property. No Kool-Aid — just a financial interest.

fer

March 30th, 2010
5:36 pm

Who ever heard of a child being upset because his/her school pictures were sent back? Oh, my goodness, it’s just amazing what happens in today’s world…. The pictures are often too expensive, so what’s the big deal? (Do keep in mind, tho’, that they are a fundraiser for the school.) My parents sent mine back, I sent my children’s back, and in 30 years of teaching, I saw many sent back. Never ever heard of a child getting his/her feelings hurt!

In the Industry

March 30th, 2010
5:42 pm

I have been in the School Photography Industry for over 12 years now doing everything from photographing on pic day to training other photographers to being an account rep trying to sign new schools and have worked for both nationwide companies and smaller local ones. Most of you are correct, for the most part the industry hires people with no experience, does some training and sends them out. And for the spring pictures, most of the time they are done as “spec” jobs, and the company has no idea who returns the packages and who does not unless the teacher keeps track of it (and most do not).

A lot of the issues are not necessarily with the school photography company, but the demands the school is placing on the photographers. Most schools want the photography company out of the school as fast a possible, and will actually set the schedule during the picture day, only allowing 30-45 seconds with each student. With the current cash strapped situation our schools are in around Georgia, most of them rely on the school picture program to pay for a lot of extra items around the school that are not covered in their budget. As for the prices, trust me, the company is not getting rich, especially in Georgia. The industry standard for Georgia is to give 50% of the sales back to the school for the fall shoot and up to 25% of the sales from other shoots throughout the year. The schools need to do a better job letting parents know that this is a fund raiser for the school. For some of my larger accounts, I could be giving the school as much as $20,000 – $30,000 back in commission per year. But a lot of schools do not generate enough sales to cover the expense of equipment, backgrounds, and the salaries of photographers throughout the year and the company can actually loose money in those schools.

Just giving you guys this information so you are properly informed.

Denise

March 30th, 2010
5:46 pm

We tried to make a copy of a school picture of a deceased cousin for a family collage at Wal-mart and were told that we couldn’t make a copy of a school picture that was less than 75 years old. They took our copies, tore them up, and put them in the trash. Kind of ticked me off but I guess the rules are in place to protect photographers. Of course there are plenty ways to get around that (scan and print at home) but I’m sure most people won’t go thru the hassle and will find another way to get pics of the kids.

Mike

March 30th, 2010
6:14 pm

I wouldn’t feel bad about returning the photos. In fact I wouldn’t have bought even one sheet. I might have told my kid either one to stop crying, and if he did, have fun with the digital camera and photoshop next opportunity, or even at the table if she/he mellowed out fast.( Mine generally do if the tears are fake. ) I hate school pictures as a rule, and that method is the real hard sell. I would also make a point to contact the school and complain about this method. If they make money off of guilting parents, return the guilt.

Linda

March 30th, 2010
7:07 pm

Most of the parents keep the pictures without paying for them. It is difficult to get them back. Of course there are some who pay while the rest steal them.

A

March 30th, 2010
7:28 pm

@In the Industry–I really appreciate your comments. Our elementary school doesn’t state anywhere (weekly newsletter, etc.) that picture days are fundraisers. I personally think it is unnecessary to have picture days more than once a year, but if I knew for certain that the school was getting a kickback, I wouldn’t feel so bad about the inflated picture prices. We all do have a choice: buy the pictures or don’t buy the pictures, but schools needs to be upfront about if they are making anything off our sales, and if so what specifically are the funds going toward. Parents like to know these things!

catlady

March 30th, 2010
8:55 pm

Our school won’t send them home because too many parents keep the pics and refuse to pay.

I agree they are expensive. Ours are not nearly as bad as yours, however.

Teresa, Please remember that this is how Walsh looks NOW. In 20 years you will love these pictures, scraggly teeth, bad shirt, and all. Take my word for it. Buy a few.

FCM

March 30th, 2010
9:16 pm

HB I was agreeing with you, that the photographer holds the copyright.

I just think that practice should become obsolete. I think I should just pay for the service and the digital version of photos be mine. I don’t see the purpose in buying photos when I can print them myself. Or better yet send them via email and let the various family print if they want too.

I think the days of packaged photography should come to an end…I realize on that aspect you and I will agree to disagree.

JATL

March 30th, 2010
10:00 pm

I love the pure retro, kitchsy memorabilia factor of these photos! We have lots of photos we make and we have professionals make, but I already love my album of my oldest’s preschool pictures. I have some real doozies of school pictures (especially those awkward junior high years), but they’re kind of priceless now! Not sure about all schools, but our preschool makes a lot of money off of the photos and uses it as a fundraiser. Considering how much help most of our schools need, I wouldn’t be too proud of keeping them without paying. At least send them back!

starr

March 30th, 2010
10:10 pm

I buy both the fall and the spring pictures.the prices are way too high and your right the pictures never turn out good.but i cant say no.my kids wouldnt care if i bought them or not but i cant say no.so i’m one of the dumb mothers that they sucker into buying them everytime.

HB

March 30th, 2010
11:36 pm

FCM, some photographers, including myself, will agree to selling digital files, or retaining copyright but granting you an unlimited license to reproduce, but it will likely be at a higher cost or at least a higher sitting fee (they have to make it profitable). Most home printers are not as high quality as pro print shops, so I think many people will continue to want to purchase pro quality prints. Most pros I know have their own equipment or have scouted out reliable printers that work primarily with pros. Shutterfly and CVS don’t match up with the company I work with who hosts my site.

Hilary

March 31st, 2010
12:14 am

My mom did. My eighth grade picts were horrible. I even thought so. So my mom had me take them back and get our money back.

cw

March 31st, 2010
1:13 am

In many states, you cannot be forced to pay for something you didn’t specifically order. They can bill you, they can whine, but they cannot actually collect. Find our your local laws, and let the company and the school know that anything sent home that you didn’t order… will be kept and not paid for. If enough of you fill the school in, it’ll stop.

And yes, the average school photo by the big guys isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. We use a local photographer for our school. He charges about $5 more per package than the big guys – but he takes AMAZING photos. And, he’ll take sibling group shots. We end up spending way more with him because we order lots of copies and copies of multiple shots. Consider hiring local.

Karah

March 31st, 2010
7:34 am

My biggest problem with the spring school pictures is that they have already printed them so if I send them back what do they do with all those pictures? I’m sure they probably just throw them away. Why not let me keep my kids pictures free of charge instead of helping fill the local landfill!

Momof4

March 31st, 2010
8:17 am

I’m a photographer. The kids knew that unless by some fluke/miracle the school photos turned out fantastic (I think this happened once, it was just a super cute look on my son’s face), we weren’t buying the school package. Now we homeschool…so it’s no issue! The school photos have bad lighting, bad contrast, no color correction, are horribly staged and almost any parent at home can do better. We always bought the yearbooks though, and usually the class group photo.

Judy

March 31st, 2010
8:47 am

I raised three kids, and as of last year all are now graduated from HS and into college.

My thought is that school photos are a racket, and here’s a friendly warning to parents: if you think $42 is steep for unsightly 6th grade pictures just wait until high school graduation portraits get made. All I can say is that if you want your kid to look good for the grand finale of childhood school photos, you better go along with him for the sitting to make sure he looks right.

Your school will tell you where to send Junior for his photo and automatically charge you a sitting fee (we paid $10) to cover the proofs and submitting the picture to the yearbook staff. However, when it comes time to buy you better hang on to your wallet – expect to pay anywhere from $200 for the cheap package and as high as $500+ for a deluxe package of photos.

Now, what parent would say NO to their child’s high school portraits??

AmyS

March 31st, 2010
9:11 am

Is this a serious topic? Really? No wonder our students are becoming more and more spoiled/sensitive. Why don’t you focus on the real issues? You are usually on point, but today you just showed me that you are an enabler.

AmyS

March 31st, 2010
9:13 am

The real issue here is the photographer’s/company’s insensitivity to the environment. How many trees were killed for photos that will just be returned and trashed? Do they even recycle? Shame on them!

fer

March 31st, 2010
9:14 am

Like many of you here, I also used photographers in stores. My favorites were at J C Penney (they were called Pixy Photos). The backgrounds were plain, the poses weren’t cheesy, and the prices were reasonable. But now comes the sad part: Some 30 or so years later, the color has changed, and they all have a pink tinge. On the other hand, the pictures from Olan Mills still look great.

LAYLA

March 31st, 2010
9:16 am

They can call it whatever they want, but I am not buying it. I send those pictures back in a heartbeat. I typically spend about $200 on professional family photos every year for my family, I refuse to pay even more money for school photos. Half the time I send my kids to school looking very decent, but throughout they day they come home looking like homeless kids, because I am not there to fix their messy hair, or make sure there are no food stains on their clothes. Its not worth it in my opinion. My daughter came home with some photos of her two pony tails sticking straight up in the air because the twists had came undone, those that are african american can relate to what I am talking about,

Sharon

March 31st, 2010
9:29 am

What a sham. Pictures for school 2 times per year, soccer pictures, baseball (someone takes high speed photos from the fence, $40 for 6 pictures, as an extra “benefit”), basketball, and on and on and on. When I had my youngest in the hospital 2 years ago I sent the photographer away because we had our still camera and the video camera why did I need expensive photos of a sleeping baby. The same with our wedding 5 years ago, we had a top quality camera and a very capable friend took the pictures. Sorry, photographers, but other industries have died due to technology also.

Nicole

March 31st, 2010
9:58 am

Pft. I have no shame. Scan them and send them back!

Andrew

March 31st, 2010
10:41 am

School photos are such a RIPOFF now! Im 30 years old, But when I was in school they use to let us take home “samples” of our pictures so our parents could see what the pictures looked like before they bought them, Now you have to buy the pictures without even seeing what they look like!

Mom in Larryville

March 31st, 2010
12:41 pm

Here’s my pet-peeve… School photographers need to learn to take pictures of 1. kids in glasses and 2. kids in thick-as-coke-bottle-bottom glasses! My child has worn glasses since the age of 1 year and I have a real beef with the photographers who would try to convince her to take off her glasses. She had to wear her glasses every waking minute so a picture without them would not have been a picture of our little girl! Luckily she’s always been strong-willed and basically told the insensitive clods where to stick it! Her glasses ere not only for vision, but to help keep her eyes from turning inward (crossing). If she had removed them like they suggested her eyes would have been crossed in the photos! However, that being said, most photographers didn’t know how to get her to position her head so that there was no glare off the lenses, or in such a way that her eyes weren’t magnified even more than they already were due to the thick lenses. Out of 12 years of pictures I returned at least half, at my daughter’s urging! She knew a bad picture when she saw one.

Renee

March 31st, 2010
1:34 pm

A student telling an adult where to stick it…nice. I guess we know why society is deteriorating daily.

Funnygrlga

March 31st, 2010
2:00 pm

At my children’s day care, we had to prepay for pictures before they would even take them! I have never heard of that before. I really wanted the pictures taken, but there was a no refund policy!! Luckily, my kids are too young to know that they were being excluded.

Kassie

March 31st, 2010
2:18 pm

I buy if I like them…if not I don’t. Luckily my daughter doesn’t care. Your child will get over it…….I can take her to Wal-mart for $4.99!!! LOL

pj

March 31st, 2010
2:29 pm

JJ: my KIDS are the ones who determine if the picture is good enough to buy! This parent loves them all. For me, the decision is financial, and as thrilling as it isn’t for kids to know this, it’s reality.
In honor of Gman, MiltonMan, and all the other Dads who contribute to this blog, PLEASE replace “Mom(s)” with “Parent(s)” and help us all move forward out of sexism! Cutesy (Momania) takes a back seat to equality.

carolyn

March 31st, 2010
2:46 pm

I work in a school and we send all of the pictures home and no one buys them and no one brings them back

JJ

March 31st, 2010
3:26 pm

I don’t want every picture of my child to be a professional family shot. I like the ones where her hair is messed up, where two adult teeth are in, where one baby tooth is missing, where she has on a Halloween shirt in April. It’s the MEMORIES of these pictures that I love.

I look at the professional shots we had done when I was growing up, and I don’t care for them. I love the “candid” shots better.

Mike S

March 31st, 2010
3:31 pm

We usually will buy at least a small package once a year, but that’s about it…Photography is my favorite hobby, so I am sitting on THOUSANDS of pics of my kids. We’ll get one “official” school picture to go on the “official” school keepsake, but truthfully, those end up sitting in a drawer. It’s the ones of our kids actually living, not fake smiling, that make all the difference to us!

I will also say that if the pics are not good, yes they ALL get sent back. Usually there is a make-up day (especially for the fall pics).

Mike S

March 31st, 2010
3:34 pm

@Funnygrlga-when our oldest took Dance, we had to prepay those, so we know what you’re talking about. The difference was that we had a real professional working with our child who kept at it until we had something we liked (although the first year she wasn’t smiling, but that little sulk was just too adorable).

Clay

March 31st, 2010
3:37 pm

We send them back all the time. Most are horrible. My daughter is now old enough that she’ll refuse to bring them home if they’re bad enough.

Christina

April 4th, 2010
1:51 am

I buy every school photo and buy enough to give to close family relatives…my sister, our parents and grandparents, an 8×10 for us to display on our wall and one for each child to keep in a keepsake album. Even if they aren’t the greatest pictures of my kids (I LOVE the ones we take and the professional photographer we go to) for me, it’s a rite of passage…something to look back on. I have every school pic of mine since I was in kindergarten and will do the same for my kids. I didn’t buy the keychain sheet this year though…I bought 3 sheets to keep and share with family.

Elise

April 8th, 2010
1:06 pm

I work for a proffessional photographer who does school pictures and takes them himself. First of all, the school principle expects us to take photos of the whole school and be done before lunch starts. This leaves very little time per student. 90% of the children come to us with totally messed up hair, stuff on their face, clothes not buttoned,etc.. We have tried to instruct the teachers to take 5 minutes prepping the students before they come to the camera but to no avail. Then the smaller kids can’t sit straight, stay still or smile a “real” smile. The middle school kids are just totally unruly and act up, pull pranks like switching names, etc. The high school kids are the absolute worst about everything because they are just “too cool” to be there in the first place.
The most important aspect however is: The photographer covers ALL the school’s photo needs for $0. This means taking all the group and team photos, action shots at the games, staff photos, etc. All this is done to hopefully be able to sell some kids photos and HOPEFULLY make a profit.
So, please don’t be so quick to bad mouth your school photographer!

bruno

April 13th, 2010
12:01 am

Lifetouch they give the photos to your child to bring home and expect you to mail them whether you purchase it or not, what happens to the unsold ones?

Dare to send back your child’s school photo?

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Dare to send back your child’s school photo?

175 comments Add your comment

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