Last fall, Glenda Dawson High School took advantage of Picture Day to take informal, candid photos for their folios. Photo courtesy of Leslie Sanderson
For many advisers, Picture Day is one of the most dreaded days of the year. Even though it is long and exhausting, it provides an excellent opportunity to interact with your audience. Here are some ideas to help get the most out of the day.
1. Gather Content
While students are waiting in line, distribute questionnaires and surveys. Use the questionnaires to find unique coverage ideas and feature the survey results in alternative coverage modules. Check out our checklist for prepping questionnaires on Picture Day.
2. Sell The Book
Include yearbook information on the photo package order form or attach a yearbook form to it. Hand out yearbook order forms after students take their photo AND include order forms in the photo packets when they arrive from the studio.
3. Be Visible
Let the yearbook staff help the photographers. Make sure they are wearing their yearbook shirts or have a special one made just for photo day. It will make other students want to join staff next year.
4. Include Everyone
The people section should include everyone who attends or works at the school. Be sure to include students in special programs, administrative assistants, custodians and the cafeteria staff.
At the start of Picture Day, deliver donuts and the day’s schedule to each teacher bringing students down. It’ll show the yearbook staff’s appreciation, and also assure the classes arrive on time for pictures. Photo by Edward Lich from Pixabay
5. Provide Food
Buy (or ask a local business to donate) lunch for the yearbook staff and the professional photographers. Even though they are providing a service to the school, treating them well goes a long way. Also, consider giving donuts or another treat to the teachers bringing their classes. It’s a sweet way to make the class interruption less annoying and keep the day running smoothly.
6. Give Thanks
The day after Picture Day, have the yearbook staff write personal thank you notes to every teacher, administrator, custodian, professional, and volunteer who was affected by or helped with the day. People appreciate these gestures, especially the teachers whose classes were interrupted.
