BEDDINGTON, SURREY
NATURAL SCHOOL WEBSITE PHOTOGRAPHY – BEDDINGTON INFANTS
Truly natural school website photography requires acute observation, patience and timing. The value is in showing children really learning rather than being directed or posed.
Beddington Infants is unlike any other school I’ve worked with. For example, the school follows the Reggio Emilia philosophy to learning under the leadership of Headteacher Liz Kearney. The approach is all about the infinite potential of the child.
Each day, pupils choose which subjects and activities they do whilst still covering the curriculum. In addition, children aren’t bound by classrooms or fixed groups. Furthermore, assessment of each child happens in the moment. Specifically, through observation and interaction and across multiple subjects by multiple teachers. The progress of the children thrives on constant, open communication amongst the teaching staff.
THE BRIEF
- Fully understand and illustrate the school ethos by capturing key examples of teaching and learning.
- Work with school staff and specialist school website design agency Creative Schools.
- Document a wide range of learning styles, resources and activities.
- Produce natural images to be used to create a new website, prospectus and large scale prints.
- Work with Creative Schools web design on site specific image scale and format.
PLANNING
I called Liz several weeks before the shoot. She explained the school ethos and values and the importance to her of showing real learning – children as they really are.
We discussed key styles of learning and acivities to cover, the date of the shoot and the schedule.
We agreed 15 minute slots to cover each ‘scene’. In addition, we kept a degree of flexibility as I often spot an opportunity whilst moving round the school.
THE PROCESS
Firstly, I met with Liz who showed me round before the children arrived.
Whilst working, the school ethos quickly became clear. For example, maths and english lessons were outside using chalk on the ground.
In addition, a member of staff came in voluntarily on her day off. She’s developed an outdoor area of the school and in the pictures below is showing the children the rather elusive (and just out of frame) frogs!
NATURAL SCHOOL WEBSITE PHOTOGRAPHY – ADDING VALUE
Liz Kearney, the headteacher spent the whole day with me and it was clear that she knows her school inside out. For example, from activities during breakfast club to outdoor painting, she was keen to document the variety of learning styles the school has to offer. My images add significant value to the school website and prospectus in showing real learning in the moment.
For more information about how I work and planning your school photography shoot, click here.
