School Portrait Photography Redefined: Expect the Best for Your Child
Ever experienced the frustration of receiving your child’s school portrait, only to find it falls short of your expectations? You meticulously prepared them for the day, ensuring their hair was just right and their outfit impeccable. But the end result looks like they faced a wind tunnel or wrestled with their lunch? We understand the disappointment, especially when you’re paying for a “professional” service. At Zerbe Photography, we believe you should expect the best, and it’s absolutely okay to demand it.
As a parent myself, I’ve been in your shoes. Our commitment at Zerbe Photography is to ensure every child is captured at their absolute best. We take the time to talk with each child or teen, ensuring their appearance aligns precisely with your expectations. This not only contributes to the quality of the school portraits but also helps your child feel at ease during the process.
Our Promise:
- High-Quality Standards: Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the prints you order. It begins the moment we capture the images, ensuring that every detail is perfected.
- A Fun Experience: We want your child to not only feel comfortable during their school portrait but to remember it as a fun and positive experience for years to come.
- Simple Ordering: Recognizing the prevalence of technology in our lives, we provide both an efficient online ordering platform and the traditional paper order form. This way, every family can choose the method that suits them best.
- In-Studio Make-up Sessions: If your child’s initial portrait doesn’t meet your expectations—whether it’s their smile, hair, or outfit—we offer a free* in-studio appointment with you present to ensure everything is captured exactly how you want it.
- Easy Access to Our Team: We understand the importance of addressing your concerns promptly. As a smaller, dedicated team, we deeply care about your experience. Reach out via email or phone, and expect a swift response during office hours or a timely one outside of them.
School Portraits Galleries:
Please click here to access our online ordering system, GotPhoto, for the following schools.
Lorane Elementary School
Alliance Christian School
Hogan Learning Academy
Antietam Academy
Little Mates
Dance Dynamics
Culture Shock Performing Arts Center
📸 School Portrait FAQs
Ordering & Packages
What packages do you offer?
We offer a variety of print and digital products so you can choose what works best for your family. Options range from simple prints to all-inclusive bundles.
Can I order digital files instead of prints?
Yes! High-Resolution digital files are available so you can print and share as you wish.
Can I mix and match poses in one package?
Packages are typically based on a single pose. For most school portraits, we only take one “pose”. Keep in mind, this differs specifically for preschools.
Do you offer sibling or family discounts?
Yes, ask about our family bundle options if you have more than one child being photographed. Please reach out to us so we can apply the discount appropriately.
When is the ordering deadline?
Technically, there is never a true order deadline. However, the portraits will be taken down (6) months after the portraits have been taken. They can still be accessed, but only by reaching out to us directly up until 1 full calendar year from the date of the original portrait day.
Retakes & Absences
What if my child is absent on picture day?
Don’t worry! A retake day will be scheduled, and details will be shared by the school.
Do you offer retakes if I’m not happy with the photo?
Yes, retake opportunities are available. We want you to love your child’s photo. One perk with our studio is that we offer in-studio make ups at our location at 530 Penn Ave. in West Reading. Sometimes, it’s an easier environment for your student versus capturing the portrait during school hours.
Delivery & Turnaround
When will we receive the photos?
Orders are usually delivered within 6-9 weeks after picture day.
How are photos delivered?
Photo orders are delivered to the school to be distributed to students upon completion.
Payment & Ordering Online
How do I place my order?
You’ll receive a secure link through a paper form with your child’s unique access code to order online.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept most major credit/debit cards, checks and cash.
Can multiple family members order separately?
Yes! Anyone with the access code can place an order.
Photo Options & Extras
Are the photos retouched?
Basic touch-ups (like stray hairs or blemishes) can be added on by selecting the “Retouching” add-on.
Do you offer specialty products?
Yes! In addition to prints, we offer digital downloads, magnets, keychains, fun-packs, and class composites.
Will the digital files be high resolution?
Yes, all digital downloads are print-ready and suitable for large prints.
Customer Support
Who do I contact if I have an issue with my order?
Our studio is here to help! Contact us directly with any concerns or corrections. (contact@zerbephotography.com)
Can I reorder photos later in the year?
Yes, reordering is available anytime through your child’s online gallery (subject to availability).
What if I’m not satisfied with the photo?
We stand by our work — reach out to us and we’ll make it right.
We have provide many student portraits in and around Lancaster, Exeter, Wyomissing, Philadelphia, Allentown, and the Greater Reading Area, with the school portraits they are looking for. Children we’ve previously photographed include K-12, preschool children, private school children, and dance studio schools. Our photographers have the patience and the expertise to work with any student to get the photographs you are looking for.