---
title: What to Expect on Picture Day
description: Learn what happens before, during, and after Van Gogh Picture Day, including proof and prepay ordering and private gallery access.
---

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1. [Van Gogh School Photographers](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Picture Day & Retakes](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/picture-day-retakes?hsLang=en)
3. [Picture Day](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/picture-day-retakes?hsLang=en#picture-day)

# What to Expect on Picture Day

## Know what happens before, during, and after a Van Gogh Picture Day at proof and prepay schools.

**Quick answer:** Students are photographed during the school’s scheduled time. Van Gogh photographers guide posing and expression while the school manages the class schedule and student movement.

## Before Picture Day

Review the school’s current ordering system:

- **Proof school:** No prepay code is needed, and families do not order before Picture Day.
- **Prepay school:** Families may order before Picture Day using the current school prepay code or keyword.

Also confirm the event date, clothing guidance, and whether the school has provided any special instructions.

## During the portrait

Van Gogh’s trained school photographers guide the student into the planned pose, check basic appearance, and work to capture a natural expression efficiently. The number of poses, background process, and station setup depend on the event.

## After Picture Day at a proof school

Van Gogh prepares the images and the family receives ordering access through the school’s selected method:

- An emailed private gallery link
- A physical proof brought home by the student
- Either method, depending on the school

The family views the student’s photographs before ordering.

## After Picture Day at a prepay school

- Existing prepay orders are matched to the photographed student and fulfilled according to the event setup.
- Once the images are online, the student also receives a private gallery with a private Online Code.
- Families may place an additional or first order from that private gallery.
- A shipping charge applies to post-Picture-Day orders.

Retakes and makeup photos occur only when the school schedules them.

> **Important:** The school’s current event communication controls the schedule, ordering system, proof-delivery method, and school-specific instructions. Do not rely on a previous year’s code or ordering process.

## Still need help?

Use the [Van Gogh Help Center](https://support.vangoghphoto.com?hsLang=en) or submit a private support request. Include the student’s name, school, grade, teacher or homeroom, event type, and Picture Day date. You can also email [info@vangoghphoto.com](mailto:info@vangoghphoto.com) or call **847-382-2282**.

## Related articles

- [Ordering Before Picture Day vs. Ordering After You See the Photos](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/prepay-vs-order-after-viewing-photos?hsLang=en)
- [How to Prepare Your Child for Picture Day](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/prepare-child-for-picture-day?hsLang=en)
- [What Happens If My Child Is Absent on Picture Day?](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/child-absent-on-picture-day?hsLang=en)

*Last reviewed: August 6, 2026*

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