Questions frequently asked by schools

  How long do you keep school photos?
We keep them for one year.
  How long do you take to photograph the children?
For single pose, individual photographs, each class takes between 15 and 20 minutes to photograph, depending on the age of the children. Nursery and reception classes may take longer. Multi pose can add a further 5 - 10 minutes per class. For class group photographs, please allow approximately 5 minutes per class.
  How long does it take to get the pictures back to us?
Delivery time depends on the method you choose for parents to purchase photographs. Sale or return prints are supplied two weeks after photoday. Proof cards are normally returned within 5-7 days, and finished packs are supplied two weeks after the order cut-off date. ‘Buy online’ orders for delivery direct to the pupil’s home will be supplied two weeks after the order cut-off date (if ordered before the cut-off date), or two weeks after later orders.
  How much space will the photographer need on photo day?
Each photographer will need floor space of about 4 metres square with access to at least one power point.
  What happens after photo day?
Proof cards are available for distribution 5-7 days after the shoot. Proof on the Day proof cards are given out with payment envelopes and ordering details. Depending on how far into the term it is, we normally give parents 1 - 2 weeks to place their orders before a cut-off date. Orders will be sent to the school for distribution 2 weeks later. Sims discs are normally back at the school within one week.
  What happens on photo day?
Our photographer will arrive to set up the equipment at least 30 minutes before the first class is due to be photographed. For individual photographs, each class should be lined up in register order. Please advise the photographer about any pupils who are absent on the day. We will give each child a unique barcode which should be presented to the photographer as they step forward to have their picture taken. For class group photographs, the children should be lined up in height order, with the tallest children being presented to the photographer first.
  What information do you need from us before the shoot?
We will confirm with you at the time of booking what you would like us to photograph but if you change your requirements please let us know at least a week before the shoot so that we come prepared. For individual photographs, we will need a Microsoft Excel file containing the details you require for your system, for example forename, surname, year, class and admission number of each child all in separate columns. Please send this to us via email at least one week before the shoot.
  What steps do you take regarding Security & Data Protection?
All our photographers are CRB checked All pupil data is stored in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act and deleted after photoday. All our online photos are password protected, so only the school and the parents can access them.
  When will the school receive our commission?
We will pay your commission at the end of the term in which we shoot.
  Who owns the copyright on the school photos?
Oakhouse Photography owns the copyright. Photographs may not be copied, published or reproduced in any form without our written permission, in accordance with the 1988 Copyright Act. However, we are happy to provide schools with images for use on Sims or other similar school software programs.

Questions frequently asked by parents

  Can I buy part of a pack, or swap items between packs?
We regret that our photos are available in preset packs only. These are arranged with the school to allow us to offer you the best possible value.
  Can I still order after the proof card deadline?
Yes. If your school is using our ‘buy online’ service, you can order online and pay from £3.00 to cover postage and packing costs for delivery direct to your home. If your school is using the proof card system only, please fill in the proof card and post it to us together with your payment including an extra £5 for admin, postage and packing. Our address is 92 GRATIAN CLOSE, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO4 9EZ.
  Can parents and/or siblings who are not in the same school be photographed at the same time?
Please contact the school to discuss whether they are prepared to offer this option.
  How can I order additional prints?
If your school is using our ‘buy online’ service, you may order copy prints online up to the end of the academic term. If your school is not using our ‘buy online’ service, please call us on 01206 845866 and we will try to help. You will need to tell us the name of the school and give us the password from the proof card.
  How do I know my online order has been processed successfully?
We will send you a confirmation email to the email address you provided when you ordered.
  How do I order online?
Go to www.oakhousephotography.co.uk, select Online Ordering from the menu and enter the password from your proof card. This gives you access to your images and details of the sizes and combination packs we offer. Click on the image/s you want to purchase. You will see enlargements of your chosen images beside the online order form. Add the items you require to your shopping basket and proceed to checkout.
  How environmentally friendly are you?
We take all photographs digitally, so reducing the need for processing chemicals. Our card mounts are made from 100% recyclable material.
  How long do you keep school images?
We keep them for one year.
  I lost my proof card, how can I order?
Please phone us on 01206 845866 and we will try to help you.
  If I ordered online, how will I know when my order has been despatched?
We will send you a confirmation email to the email address you provided when you ordered.
  Is it safe to give my credit card details online?
Yes, all payments are secure You will see the secure padlock at the bottom of the page as you move into the checkout process. If you do not want to give your credit card details online, you may phone us on 01206 845 866.
  Is there another way to pay for online orders?
Yes, we also accept credit & debit card payments over the telephone and cheques sent by post. Please post cheques to 92 GRATIAN CLOSE, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO4 9EZ. Cheques to be made payable to OAKHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY with your schools name and order details on the reverse.
  My child will be absent on photoday – what can I do?
Please contact the school to see whether an additional visit has been booked.
  My prints are damaged – what do I do?
Please return them to us in the packaging supplied and we will replace them free of charge.
  There is an item missing from my order – what do I do?
Please call us on 01206 845866 and we will help you.
  What if I place an order and then change my mind?
You may cancel your online order within 24 hours, however we reserve the right to charge an administration fee of 25%. Orders may not be cancelled after 24 hours.
  What steps do you take regarding Security & Data Protection?
All our photographers are CRB checked. All pupil data is stored in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act and deleted after photo day. All of our online photos are password protected, so only the school and the parents can access them.
  When will my order arrive?
If you ordered via the school, your photos will be delivered to the school within two weeks of the cut-off date. If you ordered online after the cut-off date, your order will be delivered two weeks later.
  Who do I contact if I have a query about my order?
These FAQs address most common questions, but if you can’t find the answer there, please phone us on 01206 845 866 and we will try to help you.