Some schools work with photographers often, and others don’t. So when it comes to planning a school classroom photoshoot, naturally, some schools are more experienced than others.

Knowing what to expect when booking a professional photographer for a full-day school photoshoot for prospectuses and marketing for your school or college is key to planning and getting the most out of the day.

You’ll naturally want to get the best possible pictures, a wide variety of classroom images and, of course, all the key shots - portraits of students and teachers, and editorial-style images of the school premises and grounds, as well.

How To Plan A School Photoshoot

So, because of this disparity, I have created a booklet to help school representatives plan for a professional school photoshoot.

The idea behind this was to explain what works well and what doesn’t tend to work well during school and classroom-based shoots.

The aim is to help you effectively plan and prepare for the school photoshoot, ensuring that you get the most from the time a photographer spends with you on site.

Yes that’s really me half way up a climbing wall - always looking for the best angle!

How To Ensure The School Photoshoot Goes Smoothly

Alright, let’s talk about planning a photo shoot at your school…

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way! I've been in situations where I was told to “just wander around and see what’s interesting”, but this is not the best use of time.

On the flip side, I’ve also been shooting at schools and been handed jam-packed schedules with 5–10 minutes per stop and no buffer to walk between locations, let alone a buffer for any delays. Neither approach works.

Here’s the deal: wandering around and hoping for the best might sound relaxed, but if we hit classrooms where everyone’s quietly doing bookwork, it’s not going to make for great photos. That’s why planning is key.

A well-thought-out schedule ensures we get the best shots during the busy school day, without feeling rushed or missing photo opportunities.

Tip #1: Collaborate on the Photoshoot Schedule

I like to go over the photoshoot plan with the school I am to photograph before it’s locked in. In my years of experience, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how much time is realistic for different setups.

For example:

Setting up lights, arranging the room, and packing everything away takes time
Walking between locations? That’s another sneaky time-eater, especially in bigger schools.

Ideally, plan for 20–45 minutes per classroom or location. I’m quick, but sometimes desks need moving, students need to fix their uniforms, or the background needs tidying.

Rushing through means the students feel hurried, and that shows in the photos, as I don’t have time to build a rapport with them and only have time to boss them around!

A bit more time lets everyone relax, and the results speak for themselves.

Tip #2: Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into the day, but hopping from room to room with just 5 minutes per stop isn’t the way to go. One classroom can offer several setups, so it’s more efficient to spend extra time there rather than darting around.

Quick setups might take about 10 minutes, but more involved ones could need 25–45 minutes. Give school photographers the breathing room to do it right, and you’ll get much better results.

Tip #3: Student Selection

If possible, I prefer it if we pick students on the spot when we get to a classroom. Pre-selecting a group for the whole day can be tricky—sometimes kids seem confident but get camera-shy, and you won’t know until they’re in front of the lens.

Plus, seeing the same faces in your promotional material can limit its impact.

Tip #4: Permissions

Before the school photoshoot, it’s highly recommended that you ensure we’ve got a clear list of students who can’t be photographed. Having that upfront avoids the hassle of deleting pictures later—nobody wants that!

Tip #5: Prepping the Classroom

This is a big one: tidy up the space before the shoot. Piles of books, coats, bags, or loose cables in the classroom can really clutter the background and distract from the focus.

If possible:

Clear off desks and corners.
Check wall displays for torn edges or damage (no need to replace them, just tidy them up).
Keep the overall vibe clean and minimal.

A little effort here makes a huge difference in how polished the final photos look.

So, with a bit of planning and teamwork, we’ll make the most of the day and capture school images that truly reflect the best your school has to offer!

Key Considerations for Time Management in Planning a School Photoshoot

Determine the purpose and goals of the shoot
Choose suitable locations/classrooms that don’t have messy-looking backgrounds
Make a schedule and allocate sufficient time for each aspect of the shoot, including setup, shooting, and packing up – avoid the ‘hit and hope’ 'approach
Remember to factor in the time it takes to walk between locations on campus and plan accordingly
Consider if there is a school style that you already have and make sure that it is discussed in advance of the shoot
Check that the students won’t be away on sporting fixtures or having a mufti day that day
Prepare any necessary permits or permissions for shooting in certain locations
If planning aerial video or photography, liaise with the grounds staff so the sporting pitches and outside areas are looking their best
Let the teachers know so they can tidy the classroom and plan something visual for the students to be doing (and then remind them the day before)
Check for permissions.

Free Guide to Planning A School & Classroom Photoshoot

Below is the brochure that I created. Many schools have already benefited from the tips I have shared within this. Don’t miss out on my expert advice on planning a school photoshoot. Download your copy today!

Five Classroom Photoshoot Planning Tips (and a Free Guide)