Arbor Academy

Your Picture Day is Coming Up!

Picture Day Dates

Day 1: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Day 2: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Student smiling for a school portrait against a gray background.

Online Ordering Process

Step 1

You'll receive an email with your child's secure, private access code about 3 weeks after picture day.

Step 2

Use your access code to log into your child's personal online gallery and browse several edited poses.

Step 3

Browse prints, digital files, and photo gifts, then place your order securely online. Retouching is available for an additional fee.

Step 4

Your order is printed by my professional lab and shipped directly to your home. Nothing to pick up at school!

Fran Dickenson smiling and holding a camera.

Hello!

Meet Your Photographer

I am so excited to be photographing Arbor Academy students this year! Fran Dickenson Photography is a small local business, and families who choose to order are what make picture day possible. Thank you so much for your support.

Learn More

Dear Arbor Families,

I'm Fran Dickenson, owner of Cape Fear Creative here in Raleigh. My school portraits go by Fran Dickenson Photography, so that's the name you'll see on your gallery email and at checkout. I'll be at Arbor Academy on October 21 and 22 to photograph your children, and I could not be more excited!

I love the way Arbor puts it: learn, live, love differently. Every child learns in their own way, and every child smiles in their own way too. My goal on picture day is to find that real smile, the one you see at the kitchen table, not the stiff one kids save for cameras.

Psalm 127:3 reminds us that children are a gift from the Lord. As a mother of two, I believe that wholeheartedly, and it is what drives every session I photograph. Your child is only this age once, and my job is to hand you something you will still be glad to have on the wall twenty years from now.

I am a Certified Professional Photographer through PPA and a Sandra Coan Certified Photographer, a program focused specifically on studio lighting for children's portraits. After photographing thousands of students, I have learned how to draw out a genuine smile rather than a polite one, so the portraits actually look like your student.

After picture day you will receive a private online gallery with several poses to choose from. Ordering is simple, with prints, digital files, and gifts all in one place. Your prints ship straight to your home.

I cannot wait to meet the Arbor community.

Warmly,

Fran

FAQ

When is picture day?

Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM both days.

Is there something I need to fill out before picture day?

No, every student will be photographed and you'll have the option to purchase online afterward.

Can siblings be photographed together?

Yes! Let your teacher know if you'd like individual and sibling photos taken together. All siblings, including any who don't attend Arbor Academy, must be present during picture day hours (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) to be photographed.

How do I view my child's photos?

About 3 weeks after picture day, you'll receive an email with a unique access code. Visit the link in your email and browse your child's private gallery. A QR code will also be included for easy access.

How do I pay?

All orders are placed and paid for online after viewing your photos. No upfront payment needed.

How do you get paid?

I'm not paid by the school. Picture day is supported entirely by the families who choose to order, and I'm so grateful to each of you for supporting my small business. Thank you!

How much do photos cost?

Packages start at $20. Prints, digital files, and photo gifts are all available to order online.

Is retouching included?

All images are color corrected and edited. Additional retouching is available for an extra fee.

How long will the gallery be available?

Your online gallery will be available to view and order through Sunday, January 10, 2027. Need more time? Just reach out.

When will I receive my prints?

All orders ship directly to your home from my professional lab.

Can I print my digital images anywhere?

Yes! Once you purchase the high-resolution files, you own them and can print wherever you like. You can print directly from your gallery through my professional lab, or I recommend Mpix for high quality prints.

Will my child's photos be used for advertising?

Only if you complete and return a student model release form.

Is there a makeup day?

No, there is no makeup day this year. Please plan for your child to be at school on Oct. 21 or Oct. 22 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Still have questions?

Email me at: fran@frandickenson.com