DFphotography - Education photographer at schools and Universities in London, Surrey, Kent and Sussex

Schools have a unique energy which comes both from the students desire to investigate and try new things but also from the teachers themselves whether it is in the class room, a drama production of a sports match.

A great school photographer has to be able to adapt quickly. Students aren’t going to be relaxed in front of the camera for long and the longer it takes to set up the more awkward they will start to feel so it is important to to position and set up lights quickly.

Schools offer such a wide range of activities you need some one who is experienced as a sports photographer, a portrait photographer, an event photographer and a performing arts photographer. These are quite a range of skills which can only be learnt with experience. However the ability to relate and talk to both headteachers, teenagers and 6 year olds is equally as important and often can’t be learnt.

Universities are quite different in their requirements when it comes to photography. Universities often need environmental portraits of staff members, discrete photographs taken during important lectures and events as well as imagery around campus showing the facilities and teaching areas.

Video is becoming a more and more intrinsic part of the online presence for a school. I have been commissioned to produce virtual tours, film presentations from headteachers as well as dance shows and even fun school leavers videos.