5 Steps to Awesome Back to School Photos

Back to School photos

It’s that time of year again, another chance to capture the start of a new school year. If you’ve got little kids (our son is 6 and going into First Grade this year) you know they grow up fast. Don’t miss those opportunities to make photos that will soon be memories. Young kids develop and change so much within a school year which makes it fun to capture images from the first and last day or one from year to year.

Below I’ve listed some tips to get that “ready for a new school year” look that you’ll be proud of.

1) It doesn’t have to be the exact first day of school.
Any day within the first month is fine. The first days / weeks can be hectic. Family members might be anxious about their new classes, friends, teachers, where to park, drop off time, etc. If taking the photos on the actual first day is too stressful, don’t worry about it. Put it off a few days or weeks when everyone is more relaxed and tension free.

2) Prep the clothes and props the night before.
Set aside EVERYTHING they’ll wear in the picture the night before. This will get you organized and also prevents any surprises which lead to stress “I’m not gonna wear that!”, “You’re gonna wear it and like it with a smile on your face!!!”

3) Scout out your shooting spot.
If you can, choose a spot where morning light, coming through windows, will be behind you. Morning light, coming through windows is some of the most beautiful / complimentary light around. Clean up the clutter. Practice your composition and take some test shots. This will also give your kids a chance to “practice” their poses with their props.

4) Get up earlier than usual.
Less rush, less stress, better pictures.

5) Shoot before breakfast, not after.
Avoid grape jelly stains on that nice white shirt that you had all planned out. You also don’t want to make the photo shoot the last thing that you do as everyone is rushing out the door.

Bonus: Once you’ve got your shots, print a bunch up at Walmart / Costco. I’ve found prints as low as 9 cents for a 4×6! Send ‘em off to family and friends and show them your beautiful stress-free child in that nice white jelly free shirt! Post them on facebook, twitter, etc! Watch LIKES and comments come pouring in and enjoy.