Seana Williamson Studios
playground portraits
playground portraits
parent faq
Everything you need to know about picture day, how it works, what to expect, and how to order your favorites.
01
About Playground Portraits
What makes Playground Portraits different from traditional school photos?
No backdrops. No "say cheese." No bribes.
The Playground Portrait Method photographs children where they actually thrive: outside, during play, in the environment where they feel most like themselves. Each child is approached individually, met where they are, and given space to just be a kid.
The result is images that actually look like your child. The real one. The wild, curious, funny, sometimes-shy one you know and love.
The Playground Portrait Method photographs children where they actually thrive: outside, during play, in the environment where they feel most like themselves. Each child is approached individually, met where they are, and given space to just be a kid.
The result is images that actually look like your child. The real one. The wild, curious, funny, sometimes-shy one you know and love.
How did the Playground Portrait Method come to be?
The Playground Portrait Method was born out of a deep love for children and a belief that they deserve to be photographed on their own terms.
Seana Williamson, the founder of The Playground Portrait Method, spent years working in early childhood education before taking photography full time. Passionate about play-based learning, and a long time advocate for play-based curriculum in public schools across Massachusetts.
Seana’s current work focuses on documenting families at home and creating more visibility for local women-owned businesses.
What started as one photographer on one playground has grown into a team of trained associates working with school communities across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Philadelphia.
Seana Williamson, the founder of The Playground Portrait Method, spent years working in early childhood education before taking photography full time. Passionate about play-based learning, and a long time advocate for play-based curriculum in public schools across Massachusetts.
Seana’s current work focuses on documenting families at home and creating more visibility for local women-owned businesses.
What started as one photographer on one playground has grown into a team of trained associates working with school communities across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Philadelphia.
02
Picture Day
What if my child is shy or having a hard day?
Children are whole human beings, and some days are just hard. We get it.
No child will ever be pushed past their comfort zone during a Playground Portrait session. If your child is having a difficult day, we will not force it. We respect children as the capable, feeling humans they are, and that means honoring when they are not feeling up to it.
If our photographer is already scheduled to be at your school on another day that week, the school may be able to arrange for your child to try again then. Please speak with your school administrator about options.
No child will ever be pushed past their comfort zone during a Playground Portrait session. If your child is having a difficult day, we will not force it. We respect children as the capable, feeling humans they are, and that means honoring when they are not feeling up to it.
If our photographer is already scheduled to be at your school on another day that week, the school may be able to arrange for your child to try again then. Please speak with your school administrator about options.
What if it rains?
Rain is usually workable and we adapt. If the weather poses a risk to children or staff, we reschedule. Your school will communicate any changes as quickly as possible.
What if my child is absent on picture day?
Please reach out to your school administrator. If our photographer is already scheduled to be at the school on another day that same week, the school may be able to arrange for your child to be included.
Please note that we are not offering a dedicated full makeup day at this time.
Please note that we are not offering a dedicated full makeup day at this time.
03
How to Prepare Your Child
What should my child wear?
Wear what feels like them. The best images come from children who feel comfortable, not children wearing something stiff or unfamiliar.
Seasonal, natural tones photograph beautifully. But there are truly no rules. Trust your instincts as their parent.
Works well
Solid colors, layers, textures, their favorite outfit, something they would normally wear to school
Try to avoid
Busy logos, neon colors, graphic tees with large characters (these pull focus from their face), anything they will be uncomfortable in
Solid colors, layers, textures, their favorite outfit, something they would normally wear to school
Try to avoid
Busy logos, neon colors, graphic tees with large characters (these pull focus from their face), anything they will be uncomfortable in
Seasonal, natural tones photograph beautifully. But there are truly no rules. Trust your instincts as their parent.
Should I do anything special?
Whatever they normally wear to school is perfect. Natural, lived-in hair photographs beautifully. If your child has a special style they love, go for it. Confidence reads in images.
If your child wears glasses, they are welcome to wear them. If you would like photos with and without, just let their teacher know in advance.
If your child wears glasses, they are welcome to wear them. If you would like photos with and without, just let their teacher know in advance.
How do I talk to my child about picture day?
Keep it simple and low pressure. Something like: "You get to spend a few minutes outside with a photographer who loves kids. You can be silly. You just get to be you."
Try to avoid saying "make sure you smile" or "be on your best behavior." That kind of pressure shows up in photos. We like to keep things light and playful. They are only little once.
Try to avoid saying "make sure you smile" or "be on your best behavior." That kind of pressure shows up in photos. We like to keep things light and playful. They are only little once.
04
Ordering
How do I order photos?
You will receive an email from your school that includes a PDF with a link to the gallery. From there, navigate to your child's classroom, browse the images, and select your favorites.
You can order digital downloads, prints, and packages. All digital downloads are delivered straight to your inbox. All printed products are shipped directly to your home. Easy peasy.
You can order digital downloads, prints, and packages. All digital downloads are delivered straight to your inbox. All printed products are shipped directly to your home. Easy peasy.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes. There is a $45 minimum order. Please also be aware that there is a print house delivery fee on all physical orders. This is set by our print lab and is outside of our control.
How long do I have to order?
Galleries are open for three weeks after delivery. You will receive a reminder email from your school before the gallery closes. Once the gallery closes, orders can no longer be placed.
Please note that we cannot guarantee images will remain accessible after the gallery closes.
Please note that we cannot guarantee images will remain accessible after the gallery closes.
Can I share the gallery link with family?
We ask that you keep the gallery link within your immediate household. Please do not share it with others.
Once you have downloaded your personal images, you are welcome to share those however you would like. But the gallery link itself should stay private.
Once you have downloaded your personal images, you are welcome to share those however you would like. But the gallery link itself should stay private.
05
Your Gallery
When will I receive my gallery?
Galleries are delivered approximately two to three weeks after picture day. You will receive an email from your school with a PDF that includes your gallery link and instructions for ordering.
Please check your spam folder if you do not see it.
Please check your spam folder if you do not see it.
How many photos will my child have?
Most children will have a small selection of images to choose from. Every participating child will have at least one photo, with the average being three. This is largely dependent on the day, and the energy present during their session.
We work at a rate of approximately two minutes per child and meet each kid exactly where they are. Some sessions flow effortlessly. Others take a little more patience. We always do our best to make it equitable, and we strive to improve with every year we return to a school community.
If you feel your child did not receive enough options this year, we hear you and will strive for more next time.
We work at a rate of approximately two minutes per child and meet each kid exactly where they are. Some sessions flow effortlessly. Others take a little more patience. We always do our best to make it equitable, and we strive to improve with every year we return to a school community.
If you feel your child did not receive enough options this year, we hear you and will strive for more next time.
06
Siblings
Can siblings be photographed together?
Yes. Sibling photos are arranged when possible for children who are both enrolled at the same school. Please let your school administrator know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
My children go to different schools. Can they be photographed together?
Sibling sessions during Playground Portrait day are available for children enrolled at the same school only.
If you would love images of your children together, a private family session might be just the thing. You can learn more by clicking “families” in the menu bar.
If you would love images of your children together, a private family session might be just the thing. You can learn more by clicking “families” in the menu bar.
Still have a
question?
Happy to help. Reach out directly and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
seanawilliamsonstudios@gmail.com