As the summer winds down the beginning of school is right around the corner. For some, even, it’s already started. This time of year always leaves me with a mixture of emotions. On one hand I’m excited for the new school year but I will miss my kids. I also feel so sad that the laid back summer is over, despite feeling like it only just begun. However I love the fall season and get super excited about upcoming activities.

With each passing day the commencement of school gets closer and closer. With that comes new outfits, new friends and of course the school photo. As a photographer I dread that day. I don’t like to feel that I am not giving my kids all the experiences as the other kids, but I cannot in good conscience buy the photos that the kids take through the school. Very rarely do the kids create a school photo that I enjoy looking at. They seem uncomfortable and their smiles are not their true smiles. Each year I take this time to create a relaxed photo that represents their energy, creativity and style. I always prefer a true location shot. I don’t really like the fake backgrounds. That’s my own personal taste though. I believe it’s the combination of a relaxed, on location shoot that create the best images.

Here are some samples of my back to school photos.

I offer hourly sessions for $100 an hour as well as minis for $35 for a 20 minute session. Both will create enough photo choices for school photos to decorate the house or hand out to family and friends. I can also get you scheduled for the senior photo headshot if you still need it. The fall is also a great time to take your relaxed senior photos. These images will create the wallets you hand out at your open house or placed inside your graduation invitations. There’s still plenty of time to schedule your fall sessions.

Happy School year!

Ariniko O'Meara is a professional photographer in the Lansing, Michigan area. For over twenty years she has created the images that families adore. Her art hangs in a multitude of homes throughout the area as well as being featured in many local publications. Ariniko is available for family portraiture, glamour and beauty portraiture, senior and child photography, event photography and business photography. - See more at: Location, Location, Location.