What will the background be for my child's portrait?
What should my child wear to Picture Day?
Should I order before my child's picture is taken?
How do I order pictures?
How can I order a class photo?
Can my children be photographed together during Picture Day?
What if I miss the order deadline?
How long does it take to receive my picture order?
What if my child missed the original Picture Day?
Will my child's picture be used in the school yearbook?
What if I don't like my pictures?
Can I order more portraits after I receive my picture order?
I didn't receive what I ordered. How can this be fixed?
Can I make copies of the portraits on my own?
Can I purchase portraits from previous years?
Q: What will the background be for my child's portrait?
Unlike most school pictures, our unique portraits are often taken outdoors whenever possible, allowing for a beautiful, natural background. If your school has requested indoor photo sessions or if circumstances do not allow for outdoor photography, portraits may be taken indoors with a backdrop selected by the school. For specific information about your school's background, please contact our Customer Care department by calling (508) 907-6633 extension 0 or emailing lifeguards@coffeepond.com.
Q: What should my child wear to Picture Day?
Our photography looks best when your child wears clothes that are neat and comfortable, with bright, solid colors or simple patterns. Black and white do not usually photograph as well as colors and we recommend avoiding neon colors and sequins since they can cause reflections on children's faces. Portraits typically feature the student from the chest up, but could potentially show most of the upper torso and even the tops of legs. Be sure your child wears an outfit that is appropriate for this composition. Please also keep in mind that our photographers are not permitted to make physical contact with the children and therefore, will not be able to fix their hair or straighten their clothing. If you have specific style requests, we recommend communicating those requests to the teacher.
Q: Should I order before my child's picture is taken?
Yes, portrait orders at your child's school are meant to be placed before pictures are taken. We want everyone to be happy with the pictures they receive, so we offer a free Retake Day and a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee. You will also have the opportunity to wait to see your student's picture before placing an order, if you like. We print a mini order form for every student who did not have an order placed before Picture Day. This form has a small proof of the child's portrait printed right on it. It's delivered to the school with the other students' portrait orders and usually handed out at the same time. If someone chooses to delay ordering until they've received this form, they'll be able to see their student's portrait before determining what they'd like to purchase. The same products and prices will still be available after Picture Day, but starting approximately three days after Picture Day a handling fee will apply to every order. Families should be sure to order children's portraits before the end of the school year.
Many schools choose to use school portraits as a fundraiser, and a portion of every sale is returned to the school to support a variety of extracurricular and enrichment programs. Only those orders received within 5 days following Picture Day will be included in this fundraising program. Be sure to get your order in during this window to have your purchase count toward this contribution to your school!
Q: How do I order pictures?
It's simple! Prior to Picture Day, your child will bring home an order form. You can either fill out that form and return it to the school with payment before Picture Day or order online at www.coffeepond.com. For the lowest prices, be sure to order before Picture Day! A handling fee will apply to orders placed after Picture Day.
Q: How can I order a class photo?
At most schools where class photos are taken, every student will receive a print for free. We provide enough complimentary copies of each class photo for every student to receive one. We also a send a few extra, free copies for each class. These class photos will be distributed by the school. They will not necessarily be included in the envelope with your child's individual pictures. If class photos have already been distributed and your child hasn't received one, please check with the teacher or with someone in the office at the school. They should be able to give you one of the extra copies we provided.
Q: Can my children be photographed together during Picture Day?
If it is OK with your school, we are happy to photograph siblings together. Please check with your school to make sure they'll allow sibling photos to be taken during Picture Day. If the school approves sibling photos, be sure to make all your children's teachers aware that you'd like them to be photographed individually and together. Please place a separate online order (or submit a separate order form) for the sibling photo. When ordering sibling pictures online, type the word “Siblings” in the field that asks for the student's first name, then type the children's last name(s) in the last name field. Any grade can be selected. If you're ordering two children's individual portraits and a sibling photo online, for example, you would fill out the online order form for the first child, click Add to Cart, and indicate that you'd like to order for another child. Follow the same steps for the second child. The third time you complete the online order form, please type the word “Siblings” in the first name field. If you're using paper order forms to order two children's individual portraits and a sibling photo, please complete three separate forms: one for the first child's individual portrait, one for the second child's individual portrait, and one for the sibling photo. On the third order form, please write the word “Siblings” in the field that asks for the student's first name.
Q: What if I miss the order deadline?
Don't worry! We photograph every student during Picture Day, whether or not an order has been placed for their picture. If you'd like to purchase a package after Picture Day, you can either order online or mail your order form directly to us. Just be sure to order before the end of the school year! Keep in mind that a handling fee will apply to orders placed after Picture Day. Late orders may be delivered to the school or mailed directly to your home within approximately 3-4 weeks of the date they're received.
Q: How long does it take to receive my picture order?
Portrait packages will be delivered to your school approximately 4-6 weeks after Picture Day. The school will handle distribution to students.
Q: What if my child missed the original Picture Day?
No problem! If your child is absent or unavailable for the original Picture Day, they can be photographed during Retake Day, which is usually scheduled to take place a few weeks after the original packages are distributed.
Please keep in mind that our photographer will not be able to seek out students to be photographed during Retake Day. It will be the students' responsibility to see the photographer if they want to sit for a retake portrait. If your child is in elementary school or younger, we strongly recommend letting their teacher know that you'd like them to participate in Retake Day. There is only one Retake Day and we will not be returning to the school again after that date.
Q: Will my child's picture be used in the school yearbook?
Please contact your child's school with any questions about the content of their yearbook.
Q: What if I don't like my pictures?
If you're unhappy with the results of your child's portrait for any reason, you may elect to have a retake (if retakes are offered at your school) or to receive a refund. Please check with your school office to see if retakes will be offered. Retake Day is typically scheduled to take place shortly after the original portrait packages are distributed.
If you choose to have your child's portrait retaken, please have them bring their original pictures to school to be returned to the photographer during Retake Day. A few weeks later, we'll automatically send another package to the school for you, this time with the retake image. Be sure to hold on to your class photo!
If you'd like to provide instructions to our retake photographer, please use the Retake Form that can be found in the Forms section of our website. Parents are not required to complete this form; however, if you're interested in passing along a message to the photographer, please print the form, fill it out, and then attach it to the outside of your child's portrait package. Specific instructions about a child's hair or clothing should also be communicated to their teacher.
Please keep in mind that our photographer will not be able to seek out students to be photographed during Retake Day. It will be the student's responsibility to see the photographer if they want to sit for a retake portrait. If your child is in elementary school or younger, we strongly recommend letting their teacher know that you'd like them to be photographed during Retake Day. There is only one Retake Day and we will not be returning to the school again after that date.
If you would like a refund, print this form, fill it out, and mail it to us along with the entire, undamaged package within one month of receipt.
Q: Can I order more portraits after I receive my picture order?
Absolutely! Reorders can be placed online at www.coffeepond.com or by calling our Customer Care department at (508) 907-6633 extension 0.
Q: I didn't receive what I ordered. How can this be fixed?
If you don't think you received exactly what you ordered, please contact us right away by calling (508) 907-6633 extension 0 or e-mailing lifeguards@coffeepond.com. We're always happy to help. Please be sure to contact us as soon as possible. Once the school year has ended, we will no longer be able to replace or correct orders at no charge.
Q: Can I make copies of the portraits on my own?
Coffee Pond Photography's images are protected under copyright law and therefore cannot legally be copied without permission; however, digital sharing files are available for purchase. Purchasing a digital sharing file would allow you to reproduce the portrait as often as you'd like. It also enables you to share the image with family and friends.
Q: Can I purchase portraits from previous years?
If you wish to purchase pictures from previous school years, please call our Customer Care department at (508) 907-6633 extension 0. We're able to accept orders for pictures from prior school years between January and July. These orders must be placed by phone with a representative. Please be aware that orders from prior school years are non-refundable and additional fees apply. When ordering from a previous school year, parents must provide the calendar year when the picture was taken.
