FINE ART SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY IN SEATTLE
Picture day, reimagined by a former teacher — authentic portraits your families will actually treasure.
I love kids. I love schools. And I especially love picture day when it focuses on kids and their experience.
Before photography, I spent ten years as a National Board Certified teacher and taught at an arts-based public school here in Seattle. These days, while my husband and I raise our three kids, I'm active in the cooperative preschool world too — so walking into your school on photo day isn't just a gig for me. It's second nature.
I make fine art school portraits: relaxed, natural-light* images that capture who your students really are. No forced smiles, no clenched teeth, no neon backdrops. Just real kids, real light, and photos their families will actually want on the wall.
“Omg! Thank you so much.
Everyone had such a wonderful experience. We can’t thank you enough. ”
Why schools invite me back
A calm photo day that fits your schedule, not the other way around. Because I was an educator first, I know the rhythm of a school day is sacred. I build photo day around your naps, the kids’ needs, and lunch so the day keeps flowing, and I move quickly and gently so it feels like a fun few minutes, not an interruption.
Kids stay comfortable and themselves. I know how to meet a shy kid, a wiggly kid, or a whole line of little ones where they are — so even the nervous ones leave smiling. That's what makes the portraits actually look like them. I also understand that some kids might not get silly and joyful for photos and I’m here for them
Easy on your staff. I bring the equipment and personnel, run a smooth, self-contained photo day, and keep ordering simple for families and for you. Since I’m not a big company, it’s easy to make the experience of photo day a good fit for the specific needs of your school.
Your school gets the images it needs. You'll receive a complete digital download for yearbooks, ID and name badges, preschool placemats, and marketing — staff photos included.
Boutique warmth, big-company reliability. You get the polish and dependability of the national companies, with the personal touch of a small local business.
“We started using Anela for our school portraits a few years ago and couldn’t be happier. She is pleasant, calm, and organized - which are the three most important traits when photographing children. She makes the children feel safe and comfortable and doesn’t force any photos. Before Anela, about 5-10% of our students would burst into tears with the school photographer, but that barely happens with Anela. We also really like and now prefer her photography style. We think she’s great and are so happy that one of our families introduced us.”
A teacher's approach to photo day
I take just 1–2 minutes with each child. For younger classes, it helps to have a familiar teacher nearby; for older kids, I'll capture class group photos too. Parents are welcome to bring siblings before school — even siblings who don't attend the school — and I'm happy to photograph your staff as well.
“Thank you so much for all the lovely photos—everyone (parents and staff) were obsessed with them!”
Ready to book?
Want a picture day your families will actually thank you for? Let's find your date.
How it works
1. Before photo day. I visit to scout the best natural light (a big window indoors, or open shade outside) or choose a spot to bring my lighting system. then send a friendly PDF you can share with families covering my style, wardrobe tips, and the ordering process. I'll need class lists at least two weeks ahead.
2. Photo day. I arrive with everything I need — and an assistant if your group is large. Quick, calm, and genuinely fun for the kids.
3. Galleries & ordering. Within two weeks, you'll get a link to a private gallery, organized by class or age, plus a short video walking families through ordering. Each child has 3–5 color and black-and-white images to choose from; families can order prints, canvas wraps, or digital downloads. Galleries stay open two weeks, and orders arrive within a month.
* I typically use natural light because it’s a calmer setting for kids but do use a lighting system if the space at your school needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There's no cost to your school to bring me in. Families simply order the images they'd like once they get to see the gallery with no obligation to purchase. Photo day is free for your school and pressure-free for your families.
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I build photo day around your schedule, not the other way around. Because I taught for ten years, I know the rhythm of a school day matters — so I work your kids’ needs. I keep each child to a quick minute or two, and run a calm, self-contained day that barely interrupts your flow. I have plans to also help kids who need a little more time.
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You'll get a complete digital download you can use for yearbooks, ID and name badges, preschool placemats, etc. I give staff free downloads and a free print of the class they work with. I also give an 8×10 class photo for each class so you can hang it up in your school. Everything is organized and delivered in a private gallery, ready for whatever your school needs.
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When the photos are ready, I’ll send a link to your school website page on my website. For families to enter the password protected gallery, they will also fill out a media release so I know if they are comfortable with me sharing their images. Families who want a password protected album can email me.
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There's no obligation to buy anything. A few weeks after photo day, you'll get access to a private online gallery of your child's images and can order just what you love — prints, digital files, or wall art — starting at $8.
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Within about a month of photo day, you'll receive a link to a private gallery with your child's images, plus a short video showing how to order. Galleries stay open for two weeks, and orders typically arrive within a month.
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I'm a former teacher and a fine-art photographer, so this isn't an assembly line. Instead of a forced smile against a fake backdrop, your child gets photographed in a relaxed setting and you get portraits that actually look like them. It's a boutique experience with the reliability of the big companies.