How Does Everyone Do It? A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Permission, Procedures, and Precautions for Taking Photos in Front of Your Alma Mater

2019.09.09 published

Alumni School Photo Shoot, I Want to Try It!＊

It’s becoming a trend among brides who are marrying the person they met during their student days. That is "Alumni School Photo Shoot"◎

Regular location photos are wonderful, but taking photos at school definitely has a special feeling!

It’s a privilege for couples who spent long years together in the same educational environment from their student days♡

For guests who shared their青春時代 (youthful days) together, these photos will surely evoke nostalgia and smiles＊

What Should You Be Mindful of for Your Alumni School Photo Shoot?

Whether it’s elementary school, middle school, high school, vocational school, junior college, or university... there are precautions to take when doing a photo shoot at your alma mater.

Even if you could freely enter and exit the school buildings daily back when you were a student, now as a graduate, it’s unfortunately not that easy to enter casually...!

If you want to take photos, you need to obtain permission from the school and follow their rules◎

So, how do you go about getting that "permission"?

Here’s how to go about planning your alumni school photo shoot♩

First, Call Your Alma Mater for Your Photo Shoot!

If you're planning an alumni school photo shoot, first check with the school by phone to see if you can take photos＊

Larger universities may have several phone numbers, but it’s fine to call the general reception or main phone line!

Important: Don’t make contact on the day of the shoot or take photos without permission; that would be a nuisance, so prior notice is essential◎

Here’s What to Mention When You Call the School＊

☑ Explain that you are an alumnus, and you would like to take commemorative photos at the school you once attended because you and your partner, who is also an alumnus, are getting married.

☑ Desired date and time (try to accommodate the school’s schedule to avoid inconveniencing them)

☑ Number of people

☑ Names and contact information

Some schools may grant permission on the spot, but in most cases, it seems to take some time to get permission and set the date for the shoot＊

Besides regular classes, there are school events and club activities, often necessitating schedule adjustments from the school’s side.

If you want to do an alumni school photo shoot, make sure to contact them well in advance◎

Additionally, there have been suggestions like, "Why not contact a teacher you were close to directly?"

However, just having a close teacher does not mean that you can freely take photos; in most cases, you must get permission from a teacher with authority (like the principal or dean).

To avoid unnecessary hassle, it would be best to obtain permission on your own before reaching out to the teachers who helped you♩

Here Are More Precautions for Your Alumni School Photo Shoot＊

Furthermore, I’ve compiled additional points to be mindful of when doing an alumni school photo shoot＊

☑ Do not capture students’ names (personal information) or personal belongings

☑ Do not capture bulletin boards or notices

☑ Do not use school supplies (some schools may allow the use of blackboards and chalk*)

☑ Make sure not to inconvenience students or teachers

There may be other points to consider depending on the school, so let’s have fun taking photos while adhering to the instructions from the teacher in charge♩

Make Sure You Get Proper Permission for Your Alumni School Photo Shoot＊

I introduced some precautions to take when planning your alumni school photo shoot＊

The rules vary from school to school! Some schools may welcome you with open arms, while unfortunately, some may not allow photos due to security concerns. Be sure to check and confirm via phone before planning your alumni school photo shoot＊

Following the school's rules, please have a fantastic commemorative photo shoot filled with cherished memories at your alma mater♡