School photographer commission and extra photo days checklist: before, on the day and after

Before

Book the date on your own grounds or hall so nothing else clashes.
Get 2-3 written quotes covering print prices, digital file prices and the percentage returned to the school.
Compare total family cost, not just the commission: a high rebate on dear photos may cost families more.
Ask whether the rebate covers late and online orders, and for how long (AJ Photography counts sales for 3 months).
Get the deal in writing and have the board approve it.
Add a weekend or after-school family or sibling session where the session fee comes to the school (Kirsten Walsh).
Promote order deadlines and early-bird prices in the newsletter and app.

While it runs

Help on the day with class rolls, siblings and absentees.

After

Ask for a sales report and invoice for the commission after orders close; bank it and tell families what it funded.
Thank donors, sponsors and helpers, by name where they’re happy with that.

Watch out for

Choosing a photographer for the rebate alone and getting complaints about quality or price.
Forgetting to claim the commission; it often arrives only if the school invoices (estimate).
Pushing families to buy undermines goodwill; keep it low-key.

Get the commission in writing, have the board approve the supplier, and invoice for and bank the rebate. Follow the Privacy Act 2020 on sharing class lists.

School photographer commission and extra photo days: checklist

Before

While it runs

After

Watch out for

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