Boutique School Photography

Heather Vogt Photography, LLC, is a fully insured, locally owned and operated, full-service family business registered right here in O’Fallon, MO. Heather (that’s me pictured below!) is the sole photographer, so you can rest assured that the service and images you receive are exactly what is represented here. While I do often have an assistant working with me, all imagery is created entirely by me personally. Heather Vogt Photography services all of St. Charles County and parts of St. Louis County. Contact me to find out if we can travel to your school. In the meantime, you can check out my portfolio or view my awards and publications or learn more about me.

Boutique School Photography is a modern photography experience offered to select private schools and childcare centers in the St. Louis and St. Charles County areas. We provide personal and friendly service, and we deliver genuine professional images of children. Boutique School Photography is a modern approach that offers the best of both worlds – professional artistic imagery in a convenient school setting.

These are not your typical school headshots. We take extra time to allow your child to warm up to us and feel comfortable in front of the camera. We don’t force smiles or mold them into awkward poses. Our friendly and laid-back approach allows the children to relax and interact with us authentically while I capture those genuine expressions and playful personalities. They might be smiling and laughing with a twinkle in their eyes, or they might be pensive and calm with a more thoughtful look. We aim to capture it all! We dance, play, laugh, jump, and spin! The results are gorgeous and timeless photographs that highlight who each child is at this exact moment in time.

No, it isn’t what you are used to. Yes, it is outside the box of industry standards. But who wants “standard” photos these days?  Partner with Heather Vogt Photography, and let’s kick the norm to the curb and raise the school picture industry to a whole new level! 

For schools: We take care of everything! We provide our own assistants as needed, so your teachers and parents don’t have to step in. We offer a choice of different colored backdrops, or we can photograph the children outdoors on your campus if preferred. All proofing and ordering take place online, so there are no envelopes to pass out and no cash to handle. We coordinate picture day according to your schedule so we can be as least disruptive as possible. We’re also able to provide extras for your business, depending on your needs. Staff headshots? ID cards? Marketing photos?  Yearbooks? We’ve got you covered! Because we are a small family-owned business, we can work with you to create a setup that suits the needs of your school or center.

For families: Our entire process is simple and convenient. Families will be provided will all the information they need prior to picture day. Afterward, image proofs will be posted in a personal online ordering gallery. All digital images will be delivered online. All prints and other physical products will be delivered to the school in an organized system. The availability of other services, such as class photos, holiday sessions, sibling groups, or family sessions will be determined by the director.

Before the Big Day – Our communication system is designed to keep families informed and well-prepared for picture day ahead of time. Prior to picture day, parents will receive a detailed guide to help everyone prepare for the day and choose clothing and accessories. And don’t worry! It’s all online, so there are no brochures to pass out and no lost papers left behind. We can handle all questions and communication regarding picture day and the ordering process. Our entire process is designed to be stress-free for parents, children, and school directors!

Picture Day! – My assistant and I show up bright and early to set up as needed and get organized. We keep track of everything throughout the day with minimal help from teachers and directors. We always clean up and try to leave the place even better than we found it!

Ordering Process - The ordering process is simple and convenient for parents. Remember, I am a parent too, so I get it! We’re all busy, and we don’t have time for a complicated and drawn-out process. Families will have access to a personal online gallery. They can select their favorite images and choose the prints, wall art, digital files, and other products they desire. I offer everything from wallet-sized prints to large canvases to display on your walls. If digitals are your style, you’re welcome to choose individual images or purchase the entire gallery at a discount.

 Delivery – If digital images are purchased, they will be delivered through the online gallery. If printed products are ordered, I will deliver them to the school, organized and ready to be handed out to the families.

For schools – There is absolutely no cost to the school. We offer a choice of incentives, depending on your situation and preferences. Incentives can include up to 12% of the profits as a fundraiser/donation, yearbook services, professional staff headshots and ID badges, and/or campus photos for your website and marketing. One of the perks of working with a small business like Heather Vogt Photography is that we are flexible enough to work with you to provide the experience that suits your business best.

For families – There are no upfront costs or sitting fees. There is no obligation to purchase, and there are no minimum order requirements. Parents only order what they love, and they can create their own collection to suit their needs. You are never forced into a pricey package you don’t need. We offer a variety of products to accommodate different budgets, and our pricing is competitive. Some people spend about the same as they would with traditional basic school pictures, while others choose our high-end boutique products. Either option is certainly more affordable than a typical studio session.

Don’t worry, it happens – especially with little ones! Some children have had a bad experience with photos in the past where they felt uncomfortable. Some children are just shy and don’t like all the attention on them. Some children have special needs and struggle with bright lights and unfamiliar people. Believe it or not, I was once that kid who hated having her picture taken! I have more crying pictures of myself than I’d like to share. So I get it!

First of all, I will never force a smile or a particular pose that a child does not enjoy. I never ask a child to “say cheese!” I work quickly to establish a connection with the child and then I elicit true expressions as we engage naturally. Because of our unique approach, we are able to provide an environment where the kids can relax and be themselves. Additionally, I am of mother of three, I have years of experience successfully photographing children with different needs and abilities, and in my younger days I worked with high needs children and adolescents in a mental health setting.

Keep in mind that as much as we love a big bright-eyed smile, we also respect every child in the moment. The truth is that kids are real people with real feelings, just like you and me. Some days they are a little more serious or cautious, and that’s okay. That sweet little pensive look is just as beautiful and worthy of documenting. While I cannot guarantee a model-perfect image of every child, I can assure you that I strive to make every child feel like they can be themselves in front of my camera, and parents appreciate seeing their child’s beauty revealed when they are comfortable and content.

I work with each school to determine the best time of year to host these boutique sessions. Most schools choose a fall session and a spring session, typically one indoors and one outdoors. We can also offer sibling and family sessions, holiday sessions, and graduation sessions.

Would your students and parents treasure the opportunity to have this boutique service? It’s easy to get started! Fill out the contact form, or give me a call to discuss your options. Then just choose your date and customize your options, and Heather Vogt Photography will take it from there. I can’t wait to hear from you!