What Lifetouch and Shutterfly do with your school photos
Lifetouch and Shutterfly are the two largest companies that manage school photo days in the United States. Lifetouch (owned by Shutterfly since 2021) takes the actual photographs at your child's school, while Shutterfly handles the online ordering platform where families buy prints, digital files, and photo products. When your school schedules a photo day, one of these two companies is almost certainly running it — and understanding how each one works helps you know what to expect, what you'll pay, and what happens to the images afterward.
The two companies work together as a single operation: Lifetouch photographers show up on the scheduled day, take the pictures, and then Shutterfly's website becomes the place where you view and order. You don't interact with both separately — your school handles the coordination, and you deal with whichever platform your school uses.
Key Takeaways
- Lifetouch photographers come to your school on a set day to take individual and class photos; Shutterfly runs the website where you order prints and products from those photos.
- You do not have to buy anything on photo day — your child can still be photographed, and you order later online if you want prints.
- Prices for prints and products vary by school package, but a basic 8x10 print typically costs between $10 and $20.
- Both companies keep digital copies of photos on file; you can request your child's digital image file, though policies on free versus paid downloads vary by school contract.
- If you miss the scheduled photo day, most schools offer a makeup day several weeks later through the same company.
How the photo day itself works
On the day Lifetouch comes to your school, photographers set up a studio space (usually a classroom or gym) and photograph students one at a time during scheduled time slots. Your child will have their individual portrait taken, and the class photo is usually shot separately with the whole class. You do not need to purchase anything on photo day itself — the photographer takes the image regardless, and you order prints and products later through the online portal.
Before photo day, your school sends home an order form (either printed or digital) that shows the available packages and prices. These packages typically include options like a basic package with a few 5x7 prints, a deluxe package with more prints in different sizes, or a digital-only option. Some schools also offer class photos, sports team photos, or other group pictures. You can choose a package, skip ordering entirely, or wait until after photos are taken to decide.
Ordering prints and products online
After photo day, Shutterfly sends families a link to an online gallery where your child's photo appears. You log in with a code provided by the school and can view the image, select a package, and add products. The standard products are prints in various sizes (4x6, 5x7, 8x10), but you can also order wallets, magnets, mugs, calendars, and other items with your child's photo printed on them. Prices for these add-on products vary widely depending on what you choose.
The ordering window typically stays open for several weeks (often 30 to 60 days, depending on your school's contract). You can place multiple orders during this time, and most schools allow you to reopen your gallery later if you need additional prints or want to order for relatives. Shipping is usually included in the price, or you may have the option to pick up orders at school.
What happens to digital files and image rights
Lifetouch and Shutterfly retain digital copies of all photos taken on photo day. Whether you can read your child's digital image file for free, or whether you must pay for it, depends on your specific school's contract with the company. Some schools include a free digital read with certain packages; others charge a separate fee (typically $10 to $25) for the high-resolution file. A few schools do not offer digital downloads at all and only sell prints and products.
You own the rights to your child's image once you purchase it, but the company retains the right to use school photos for marketing, yearbooks, and school-related materials unless you opt out. If you do not want your child's photo used in the yearbook or on the school website, you can usually request this in writing before or after photo day — check with your school office for the specific opt-out process.
Makeup photo days and missed appointments
If your child is absent on the scheduled photo day, or if you want a retake, most schools offer a makeup day several weeks later. Lifetouch or Shutterfly will send a notice home with the makeup date and time. The process is the same as the original day — your child is photographed, and you order prints online afterward. Makeup photos are usually available in the same online gallery as the original photos, so you can compare and choose which version you prefer to order.
Some schools allow you to request a retake even if your child was present on the original day. This is usually free or low-cost, but policies vary. Ask your school office whether retakes are available and how to request one.
Pricing and what affects the cost
The cost of school photos depends on which package your school offers and what products you choose to order. A basic package with a few prints might cost $15 to $30, while a deluxe package with more prints and a digital file could run $40 to $60. Individual prints range from about $3 for a 4x6 to $15 to $20 for an 8x10. Specialty items like mugs or calendars typically cost $10 to $25 each.
Your school negotiates the pricing structure with Lifetouch or Shutterfly, so prices can differ significantly from one school to another. Some schools subsidize photo day costs, meaning families pay less than the retail price. If cost is a concern, ask your school office whether any reduced-price or free photo packages are available, or whether the school has a fund to help families who cannot afford to order.
Ordering, shipping, and delivery timelines
Orders typically ship within one to two weeks of when you place them, though delivery time depends on your location and shipping method. If you choose school pickup, photos are usually ready within a week and you'll receive a notice when they arrive. Tracking information is usually sent to your email address.
If you order multiple times during the ordering window, each order ships separately unless you specifically request to hold orders until a certain date. You can usually change or cancel an order within a few hours of placing it, but once processing begins, changes may not be possible. Check the website for the specific cutoff time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy photos if my child is photographed on photo day?
No. Your child will be photographed regardless of whether you plan to order. You can view the image online and decide later whether to purchase prints or products. If you do not order anything, you will not be charged.
Can I get a digital file of my child's photo without buying prints?
It depends on your school's contract. Some schools include a free digital read with certain packages, while others charge a separate fee for the high-resolution file. A few schools do not offer digital downloads. Check your school's order form or contact the school office to find out what your school offers.
What if I do not like how the photo turned out?
Most schools offer a free or low-cost retake during the makeup photo day. You can request a retake even if your child was present on the original day. Ask your school office how to request one and whether there is a important date.
Can I order photos after the ordering window closes?
Policies vary by school. Some schools reopen the gallery for a limited time if you request it, while others close ordering permanently after the important date. Contact your school office or the Shutterfly customer service number on your order form to ask whether late orders are possible.
How do I opt out of having my child's photo used in the yearbook or on the school website?
Contact your school office before or shortly after photo day and request to opt out in writing. Keep a copy of your request for your records. Schools are required to honor opt-out requests, but the process and important date vary by district.