This is not your typical school photo.
No cheese.
Just real kids.
Because parents deserve the real thing.
Gone are the days of forced smiles and cheesy props. Instead, I aim to capture the very thing that makes each kid UNIQUE. I create a fun and light experience for my subjects which allows them to feel more themselves. The result is often a very genuine, honest portrait- complete with giggles and personality.
I photograph the eye-roll, the giggle mid-sentence, the kid who won't stop making a face. That's the photo parents actually want to frame.
Preschool
Hello!IPreschoolK–12
"I genuinely believe great photos happen when the person in front of the camera feels comfortable, valued, and seen. For little ones — sometimes that means letting them lead, getting silly, or spending the first 60 seconds pretending I don't have a camera at all.
No performance required. No "say cheese." Just you, being you — which is always more than enough.
The partnership difference
One of the things I love most about preschool photography is building a real relationship with a school over time — so that photo day becomes something kids actually look forward to.
I remember them
Year after year, I get to watch these kids grow. They remember me too — and that trust shows up in every frame.
I'm the goofy one
I have zero shame making a ridiculous face or doing a silly dance to earn a real laugh. The kids love it. Parents love the result.
Anticipated, not dreaded
Photo day shouldn't be stressful — for kids, families, or staff. I come prepared, move efficiently, and make it genuinely fun.
A true school partner
I handle all parent ordering online. No paperwork, no hassle for teachers. Just gorgeous images families will love.
How it works
Simple for schools, seamless for families.
Step 01
We connect & plan together
I'll talk with your director or coordinator to understand your school's vibe, schedule, and needs. Everything is tailored — no cookie-cutter packages.
Step 02
Picture day (the fun part)
I bring all the equipment. 1–2 minutes per child, in-class order, minimal disruption. Natural light or simple studio setup — always gorgeous.
Step 03
Private online galleries
Every family gets their own gallery. I handle all orders and questions. You don't have to lift a finger after picture day.
Let's make picture day something different.
Whether you're a preschool director, a PTA coordinator, or a school administrator — I'd love to talk about what photo day could look like for your school.
Get in touch ↗
School Photography That Feels Nothing Like School Photography
Let's be honest — traditional school photo day isn't exactly anyone's favorite day. Awkward backdrops, rushed sessions, kids who freeze up the moment a stranger points a camera at them.
That's not what I do.
After more than a decade working with schools and preschools throughout Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, and the Triangle, I've built an approach to school photography that is warm, unhurried, and genuinely fun for the kids. I'm told I am pretty great with kids. I know how to get down to their level, earn their trust in about thirty seconds, and capture the kind of genuine expressions that make parents absolutely melt when they see the final images.
For preschool photography in particular, I understand that this is often one of the first times these little ones have ever had their photo taken professionally. That means patience is everything. I move at their pace, follow their lead, and never push for a smile that isn't ready to come out on its own. The result is images that look like them — not a performance of them.
If you're a school administrator, preschool director, or PTA coordinator looking for a photographer who will show up prepared, be genuinely wonderful with your students, and deliver images families will love — I'd love to talk.
For Schools
How does this work?
I aim to make the entire process easy and stress free. Other than picture day, the process is entirely online. I handle all orders online, and all questions from parents about online ordering and products.
Prior to photo day, each family will receive a web link with detailed instructions on ordering and shoot day prep.
Picture Day!
I provide all necessary equipment on picture day. I will use either a simple studio setup inside or a covered outdoor space or room with a large window to utilize natural light to get beautiful, simplistic portraits. A parent volunteer or staff member is helpful to have on hand to keep the kids looking their best (faces wiped and hair fixed) while they wait for their photos.
I spend 1-2 minutes with each child, in whatever order of classes makes sense for the school. I understand the importance of minimizing disruption to their class time, so I work hard to get the children back to the classroom as quickly as possible.
In addition to individual student photos, I also offer images of siblings that attend the same school as well as staff photos.
Ordering
All families will be provided with their own private online ordering gallery. Galleries are organized by grade, classroom or whichever works best for the school. There will be 2-8 images of each child for parents to choose from. All products will be professionally packaged and delivered to the school *(organized by grade or classroom) in 3 weeks from final order date.
Scheduling
My services are available throughout the academic school year so I am available for your best time frame. I will only take on a small number of schools per year in order to ensure the best attention for each one.
Expense
Even though I aim to deliver not-so-typical school portraits filled with personality, my packages are still very competitive to the more corporate photography companies. I offer a variety of affordable packages as well as high resolution digital images. There is absolutely no purchase necessary. Feel free to take a look at my sample school photo pricing here.
Giving Back
I give 10% of gross sales back to schools!
I’m Danell Beede, a Chapel Hill preschool photographer specializing in natural, relaxed school portraits for schools and preschools throughout Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. My approach keeps picture day simple for teachers and fun for kids while creating portraits parents truly love.