Delivering high-quality, enduring photos that families will cherish for generations.
Timeless Keepsakes
Utilizing contemporary photography techniques to produce vibrant, dynamic images.
Modern Aesthetics
Capturing the natural joy and spontaneity of students, not just posed smiles.
Authentic Moments
Celebrate Each School Year
A modern Approach to Traditional Bay Area School Photos
Your Bay Area School Photographer
Hi, I'm Sara Pietras -
With seven years of experience as a family photographer in the Bay Area and over fifteen years in early childhood special education, I have a deep understanding of children’s unique personalities and needs. This allows me to connect with them in a way that brings out their genuine emotions and authentic expressions in every photo.
As part of my commitment to giving back to the communities I serve, I donate a portion of my gross revenue to the schools I photograph.
Why Choose Me?
Natural Approach
Flexible Packages
Effortless Process
I create a relaxed environment where children can truly be themselves. This way, their joy and spontaneity come through naturally, without the need for stiff or unnatural poses. By using a child-led approach, I capture authentic moments of childhood that feel genuine. Natural light helps enhance these moments, giving the images a softer, more flattering look that reflects each child's unique personality.
I offer various package options to fit different needs and budgets, ensuring every family and school can have access to high-quality, meaningful photographic memories.
From scheduling to photo delivery, I make the entire process as simple and stress-free as possible for both schools and parents. My goal is to create a seamless experience that fits into your busy schedule, leaving you with beautiful images and none of the hassle.
Capturing Childhood Naturally
My photography celebrates each child's individuality, avoiding forced smiles and stiff poses. Whether it's a burst of laughter or a contemplative look, I focus on capturing those authentic moments that truly characterize childhood.
This child-centric approach not only produces more meaningful photos but also makes the entire photo day relaxed and enjoyable for both children and their parents. There’s no need to prompt children to smile—instead, they're free to express themselves naturally.
By concentrating on genuine expressions and unique personalities, I help schools and families preserve the cherished moments of childhood with images that accurately reflect each child's distinct personality.
“Sara’s background in early childhood education shows in how she approaches a child and family during a session. She never forces a moment or a pose—she follows the child and family needs which allows for beautiful candids.”
“Sara is absolutely amazing at what she does. She’s able to capture the feelings in a moment so beautifully. She’s personable and easy to work with, making taking photos fun.”
Kind Words
School Photography Services
SeamLess Booking Experience:
We'll collaborate to coordinate dates that seamlessly integrate photo days into your school calendar, ensuring smooth logistics.
Effective Parent Communication:
I provide clear and direct communication to ensure a stress-free experience for both staff and parents. Parents receive all essential details about photo day through emails, preparing them well in advance.
Streamlined Photo Day Operations:
Natural Light Expertise:
Parent volunteers are always welcome to assist, aiming to minimize classroom disruption and ensure each student receives the attention they deserve during their photo session.
Safety First Approach:
The safety of all children is paramount. I adhere to strict safety protocols to maintain a secure environment during photo sessions, giving everyone peace of mind.
I specialize in using natural light to create softer, more lifelike portraits that capture students in the most flattering light. This approach not only sets my services apart but also reduces the need for extensive setup, allowing the school day to proceed with minimal disruption.
Guaranteed Quality and Professionalism:
As an experienced photographer and early childhood special educator, I deliver high-quality images that capture the unique personalities of students with the highest level of professionalism
Flexible Photo Packages:
I offer a variety of packages to meet diverse needs and budgets, making high-quality school photos accessible to every family.
Personalized Experience:
Authentic Memories:
I take the time to understand your school's specific needs, ensuring that our photo day is tailored to provide a personalized and engaging experience.
My focus is on capturing genuine expressions and moments, providing photos that truly reflect the spirit of your school community.
The School Photo Experience
I collaborate closely with schools to select dates that integrate seamlessly into your academic calendar, tailoring each session to align with school events and themes, ensuring minimal disruption.
01/ Select Dates
On photo day, I utilize natural light to create a relaxed and welcoming environment, allowing students be natural. This approach speeds up setup and minimizes classroom interruptions, making the day smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.
02/ Photo Day
Each photo is professionally edited to highlight the natural beauty and unique features of each child while maintaining a natural look. This meticulous process ensures that every photo captures the individuality and spirit of the students.
03/ editing
Parents can conveniently view and order prints and digital images from a secure online gallery. This platform is designed for ease of use and is secured to protect student privacy, making it safe and simple for families to access their children’s photos.
04/ Delivery
“Sara is the best. I love how she’s taken the “school” out of school portraits/photos.
"Instead, she somehow manages to capture my daughter’s truest self, the one I see when I look at her.”
Kind Words
Helpful Tips
how to prepare for photo day
Comfort is Key:
Encourage your child to choose outfits they love and feel comfortable in. It’s incredible how the right clothes can bring out authentic smiles and let their personalities shine through. Comfort leads to stunning, natural photos.
Choosing Outfits:
When selecting outfits, aim for simplicity. Avoid neon colors and busy logos as they can be distracting in photos. Also, steer clear of heavily branded or cartoon-character clothing. Instead, choose simple patterns or solid colors that complement your child's appearance.
Color Schemes:
Need some style inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for outfit ideas that reflect each child’s unique style and personality, ensuring they look their best for photo day.
Flexibility:
If your child isn’t feeling up for photos on the designated day, don’t worry. We'll plan a makeup day to ensure we capture cheerful, relaxed moments when they’re feeling their best.
Outfit Inspiration Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it all work?
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Is there a cost up front?
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Will you Take sibling photos?
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Do you use artificial Light Such as a Flash?
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What should I expect after picture day?
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how does the school benefit?
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what packages do you offer?
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What if my child is shy or uncooperative?
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do you offer retakes?
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HOW MUCH DO YOU EDIT THE PHOTOS?
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DO YOU SHARE RAW IMAGES?
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WHAT IF WE'D LIKE TO BOOK A FAMILY SESSION?
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How does it all work?
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Approximately 4 weeks after picture days wrap up, families will receive a link to a private online gallery containing 2-4 edited images of each student. You can choose which print package works best for you and which digital images you would like to purchase for digital download. There will be a la carte options for purchase as well if you’d like additional prints to share with family.
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No. Your only cost is through online ordering after picture day.
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Is there a cost up front?
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Yes. If the school is okay with it, I am happy to provide an image of your children together if they are both in school together and the staff are able to coordinate.
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Will you take sibling photos?
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No, I only use natural light. We will be outdoors for photos, so lighting shouldn’t be a problem.
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DO YOU USE ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SUCH AS a FLASH?
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You’ll receive a link to a private gallery that will contain 2-4 edited images of each child organized by classroom. The link will also include access to a gallery store where you can select a print package and digital downloads for purchase. All payments can be made online.
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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER PICTURE DAY?
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I volunteer my time for photos. The school will receive an online gallery with all edited images at no cost. These images can be used for class photos or other needs at school.
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HOW DOES THE SCHOOL BENEFIT?
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I offer 3 different print packages and high-resolution digital images are also available for purchase. A la carte products are also available. I’ll send all of this information in an email that your school will share with you.
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WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?
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I’m experienced in working with children and understand that they may need time to warm up. We’ll take breaks as needed and engage in activities to help them feel comfortable and relaxed.
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What if my child is shy or uncooperative?
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I provide light edits that may include adjustments in lighting, color, tones, and cropping. I'll remove little blemishes and polish things up, but I want your photos to represent reality.
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HOW MUCH DO YOU EDIT THE PHOTOS?
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I do not share RAW images. The photos I take with my camera are not the final product and are considered unfinished works of art. I spend a great deal of time in post-processing and it’s the combination of capturing and processing the photos that allows me to artistically create the final images I share.
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DO YOU SHARE RAW IMAGES?
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Booking is easy! Contact me via my website to schedule an initial call. I'd love to work with your family and it helps that your student will have already met me!
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WHAT IF WE'D LIKE TO BOOK A FAMILY SESSION?
Book now for a hassle-free, customized
school photo session.
Ready to capture the authentic spirit of your school year?
Let's create lasting memories together. Contact me today!
