Preschool Portraits Done Right
By Ethan Righter – Preschool Photographer | Inland Empire
Preschool portraits aren’t just about capturing cute smiles (though let’s be honest—the cuteness is next-level). They’re about freezing a moment in time when shoelaces are always untied, grins are proudly toothy, and those little personalities are already shining bright.
As an Inland Empire photographer with over 15 years in the game and experience in photographing thousands of preschoolers I’ve learned that the best portraits aren’t the stiff ones where the kid is told to smile. The magic happens when the child feels seen, safe, and… maybe even a little silly.
The “5-Minute Friend”
Preschoolers don’t care about how many shoots I’ve done or what kind of camera I use. They care about one thing: Are you fun, and do you see me?
So I become their 5-minute friend.
That means I get down on their level, literally. I sit in the mulch, lay on the carpet, and talk to them about dinosaurs, waffles, or the glittery rock in their pocket. We’re not just doing “school picture day” we’re hanging out for a second. And in that space, something real shows up.
Being Silly Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
Let’s be honest if you want a toddler to light up in front of the camera, you better be ready to be silly.
I cross my eyes, make ridiculous noises, pretend to sneeze glitter whatever it takes. Because when kids see you being shamelessly goofy, they feel safe enough to be themselves.
More importantly, they can smell inauthenticity a mile away. Kids have this wild ability to sense when you’re faking it. If you’re not genuinely showing up, they’ll shut down. But if you’re really there with them, they’ll let you into their little world—and that’s where the best preschool portraits live.
Why Preschool Portraits Matter More Than You Think
These portraits aren’t just for the fridge or school records. They’re part of a bigger timeline a visual story of a child’s growth. They’re the first in a series of school photos that parents will treasure for decades.
As a preschool photographer, I don’t take that lightly. I aim to give parents more than a stock photo smile. I want to give them a glimpse of who their child really is in that moment: playful, thoughtful, wild, shy whatever makes them them.
Serving Preschools Across the Inland Empire
I’ve had the joy of working with preschools all across California and the Inland Empire, offering a photography experience that’s easy for directors, simple for parents, and unforgettable for kids.
There are no forced poses, no fake backdrops, and definitely no pressure. Just honest, playful, personality-filled portraits that parents love to print and frame.
Let’s Make Picture Day Awesome
If you're a preschool director, school administrator, or parent searching for a preschool photographer in the Inland Empire, I’d love to connect. I bring experience, patience, and a camera-ready sense of humor to every shoot and I make the process as stress-free as possible for your staff.
📧 Reach out: RighterPhoto@gmail.com
📍 Based in the Inland Empire | Now Booking Fall Portrait Days
Because when it comes to preschool portraits, you don’t need perfect, you need real.
And that’s exactly what I capture.
