Bay Shore selects Joe Art Photography for middle‑ and high‑school portraits

Bay Shore Union Free School District staff told the board they will move middle‑school and high‑school portrait services to Joe Art Photography, a family‑owned vendor in Seville. Staff said they convened a committee that included yearbook advisers and parent representatives, met with the current photographer and vetted other companies before recommending Joe Art.

Staff reviewed package details they received from the vendor. They said senior portrait packages start at $139 for a multi‑pose package, and noted that Joe Art’s lowest digital download option was described as $1.99 and includes two poses; staff contrasted that with the previous photographer’s $2.99 charge for one pose. The district noted Joe Art will pay commissions on underclass portraits (25%) and athletics portraits (15%), which the district will receive to support yearbook and related activities.

Mr. Saxs, identified in the meeting as the owner of Joe Art, told district staff he will accommodate team photos, proms and graduation sessions and is willing to cover graduation photography if last‑minute coverage is needed. Joe Art also described retouching and package construction (units such as 8×10 and 5×7) and said the vendor’s gallery delivery typically arrives to families within days using an emailed proof link.

Staff said Joe Art’s offers for families include a multi‑student discount (if three children, the third package would be free) and the option for seniors to have additional studio sessions for props and multiple poses. The board praised the vetting process and approved moving forward with the new vendor arrangements as presented during the work session.

District staff said they would continue to coordinate photographer logistics with yearbook staff and athletic teams to ensure timely galleries and integration with school publications.