The Unexpected Skills I Picked Up

When I started working for the country’s biggest school photography company, I had no idea how much I’d learn. I already knew my way around a camera, but what really mattered in this job wasn’t just the technical side—it was making people feel at ease. Kids (and let’s be honest, teachers too!) often get nervous in front of the camera, and when you’ve only got about 20 seconds per shot, you have to work fast. Over two and a half years, I got really good at helping people relax, and that’s something that’s stuck with me ever since.

The Little Details That Make a Big Difference

School photography has a set style, and we had to stick to it. At first, it felt a bit restrictive, but it actually made me super aware of the tiny details that make or break a shot—things like hand placement, flyaway hairs, and wonky collars. In such a fast-paced environment, there’s no going back to fix things later, so I learned to catch them in the moment. That attention to detail has been a game-changer in my work today.

Learning to Take Charge of Big Groups

One of the biggest surprises? Getting comfortable directing big groups. When you’re standing in front of 50+ people, trying to get them all in place, it can feel pretty intimidating at first. But after doing it hundreds of times, I learned how to give clear, simple instructions, keep things moving, and even make it fun. Now, when I’m shooting weddings, I actually enjoy organising big group shots. A bit of banter, some quick direction, and suddenly, what used to be stressful is now one of my favourite parts of the job.

Why Getting It Right in Camera Matters

A huge lesson from school photography? Get it right in camera. Tempest’s workflow didn’t leave much room for editing—what you shot was what parents got. That forced me to be precise, nailing the lighting, composition, and expressions on the spot. Now, that mindset helps me work way more efficiently, saving me loads of time in post-production.

A Great Training Ground for a Photographer

Looking back, school photography was the perfect training ground. The fast pace, the sheer volume of work, and the constant people interaction sharpened both my technical skills and my ability to connect with people. Would I go back to school photography one day? Maybe. But for now, I’m just grateful for everything it taught me—it’s made me a much better photographer today.

I’d recommend it to anyone starting out if you need to build up your confidence. You won’t grow a portfolio, but you’ll grow as a person!