Chicago
School Photography
Now Booking Fall 2025 Dates!
Chicago
Modern. Timeless. Authentic.
Transform your school's picture day with modern school photography that captures authentic expressions, not forced smiles. At Michele Taylor Photography, we specialize in bringing out your child's true personality using simple, elegant backgrounds that let their unique spirit shine.
Say Goodbye to Traditional School Portraits
Gone are the days of stiff poses and fake, outdated backgrounds. Our approach to school photography is fresh, modern, and child-focused. We believe that a photograph should capture a moment, a personality, and an authentic smile—not just a generic school photo.
Our portraits are designed to be timeless, showcasing each child’s individuality with clean, simple backgrounds that enhance rather than distract. This approach ensures that the focus remains on what matters most: your child’s genuine expression.
BOOK YOUR SCHOOL ANY TIME OF YEAR!
Authentic expressions. Real smiles.
What sets Michele Taylor Photography apart? It's our ability to connect with kids, making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. We create a relaxed environment where children can be themselves, resulting in photos that are real, joyful, and unique. Our team is skilled at drawing out genuine expressions, whether it's a sweet smile, a thoughtful gaze, or a burst of laughter.
Photography That Highlights
Your Child’s unique Personality
We understand that each child is different, and we take the time to capture their individuality. From the shy and reserved to the outgoing and bubbly, we work with every personality to create a portrait that feels authentic and true. Our focus on natural expressions means that your school portraits will never feel generic— they’ll feel personal.
A Simple, Streamlined Process for Schools and Parents
We know that school photography can feel overwhelming for administrators, teachers, and parents alike. That’s why we’ve developed a streamlined process that makes picture day a breeze.
How It Works
Easy Scheduling
We work with schools to find a convenient day and time that works for everyone.
Efficient Picture Day
Our team is experienced and professional, ensuring each session runs smoothly and quickly without compromising on quality.
Online Galleries
No more order forms and payment envelopes! Parents receive a private online gallery to view and order photos at their convenience, making the entire process hassle-free.
Flexible Ordering Options
Parents can choose from a variety of packages and print options to suit their needs, with easy online ordering.
Why Choose Michele Taylor Photography
Modern & Fresh
approach
Say goodbye to cookie-cutter photos and hello to portraits that truly capture your child's personality.
Authentic Expressions
Our photographers are experts at making kids feel comfortable, resulting in genuine smiles and expressions.
Simple Process
From scheduling to ordering, we make the entire experience effortless for schools and parents.
Exceptional Quality
We use top-of-line equipment and professional print labs to deliver stunning, high-quality portraits that families will cherish for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
The boutique photography experience offers you the customized and personal experience, high quality imagery, and the customer service of a small local studio - I bring my studio to you! I bring a modern and artistic approach, along with professional lighting to the school, resulting in beautiful portraits of each child. Each family receives a private gallery of 3-5 images to choose from, along with the option to purchase boutique products such as canvas gallery wraps and ornaments!
I limit the number of schools I photograph each month, allowing me to give excellent customer service. When the galleries go active and ordering questions come in, I personally answer any calls and emails and can quickly reference the student gallery and images. I will also be the one photographing your child so I'll likely remember what happened during their time with me!
I offer a full-service photography experience for kids in daycare, preschool, and elementary school in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. There is no cost upfront, all profit is made from ordering. I bring all the necessary equipment with me to the school and set up in a pre-determined spot on a day that is set by the school. All families will receive detailed instructions before picture day that explains the shoot and ordering process. Families will receive a link that directs them to an online password-protected gallery, which will be organized according to grade, room, class or whatever grouping makes sense for that individual school. We aim for 5 different poses for each child presented in both color and black and white. Families can place orders for digital files, prints, and other products. I offer competitive pricing that ranges to fit everyone's needs, including package and a la carte options. Prints and products are delivered to schools within 2 weeks of order close date.
My experience comes from 15+ years of family and newborn photography. I love working with children and capturing their personalities...candid shots are always my favorites, followed by the soulful gaze. I will never force a child to smile, but instead will try to coax their personality out by chatting with them as I shoot. A great photo doesn't always mean a smile but by asking them questions....and acting like a goof... will usually elicit at least one smile, even from the shyest of kids.
I have provided this service to schools as small as 50 kids and schools with as many as 1,000 children. I have worked with thousands of kids ages 0-18 since 2010.
Absolutely! Typically I ask the school to coordinate scheduling the older child at the younger sibling's picture time. At that time, both children will be photographed individually and together. Parents of siblings will also receive discounted ordering options.
Following Picture Day, the galleries are ready within 1-2 weeks. Parents will have a 7-10 day ordering window. Digital images are delivered immediately following ordering and prints are delivered in 2 weeks from the order deadline.
Yes, I can photograph your individual classes or create a class composite. Staff members can also have their picture taken and I offer a complimentary digital download for them.
There is no cost for the school. In fact, typically I donate 10% of profits, from orders placed during the ordering window, to the school or a charity of your choice. Or, alternatively I can provide marketing and branding images for your school.
I need a small space, preferably away from busy areas, that can accommodate a 8'x8' setup. I also ask for a parent volunteer that knows the children, or a staff member, to bring students from the classroom to me. Typically having a familiar face walk them over works best with the younger ones. Parent volunteers will get a discount code to use on their order! If you don't have extra hands, no problem. I can bring someone with that can help!
I take pride in making this a stress-free process for our schools. I think the most consistent thing I hear from new schools is how stressful picture day has been in the past. And once I work with schools I hear how great it went and how happy the families are with the images I took and how easy it was to order.
I will also take complimentary staff pictures as well as class photos or provide composites.
Plus, I will donate 10% of the profits to the school or you can opt for marketing and branding images. And I am happy to donate my custom studio sessions for your school fundraisers as well.
I have a portrait studio on the border of Lakeview and Northcenter and have been part of the Chicago community for more than 15 years. I continue to grow and add schools in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Northcenter, Old Irving Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Town, West Loop, Downtown, Gold Coast, Sauganash and the surrounding suburbs!
Ready to transform your school's Picture day?
Contact Michele Taylor Photography today to learn more about our modern school photography services in Chicago. Let’s work together to create a picture day experience that you, parents and kids will all love!
