How to Take a Better First Day of School Photo

It’s back to school time here in the Charleston area! And whether you have a little one heading off to kindergarten for the first time, a preschooler, or a child that’s ready to head off to college, you’re probably planning to take at least a couple of pictures of them on their way out the door.

As a portrait photographer, I have the luxury of time to set up for sessions, get the lighting perfect, and plan out a portrait that truly captures that beautiful little face. But I’m also a mom, so I know that time is usually scarce when you’re trying to get little ones out the door for school--even on the first day!

You probably spent time helping your child choose the perfect outfit, styled his/her hair, and did everything you could to help them make a good first impression on the first day.

It’s a great time to take some photos that you can look back on your child’s first day in a new grade and remember the special day. Of course, it’s fun to see how your child has changed from the first day of school to the last, and from year to year, too. I always enjoyed that!

Tips for Making Better First Day of School Photos

1. Give yourself a little extra time.

I know, I know. That’s easier said than done. But if you get everyone ready just 15 minutes early, you’ll all be more relaxed and take better photos.

2. Find the right light.

I know that most people snap a quick photo of their kids (backpacks in place) right outside their front door on the way to school. But if you take a little more time to find a nice spot, with soft, even light, it will be a much more flattering image. Outside, early morning light is usually pretty good, so that’s the good news for parents who aren’t used to getting up early! If the sun is already up and casting long shadows, you might try having your child stand under a porch or utilize the shade of a tree!

3. Choose a simple background.

Avoid having a lot of "clutter" behind your child - a simple background will make your child the focus of the image.

4. Take time to tidy your child's clothing.

Tame flyaway hairs (my favorite simple tip is to use a baby wipe!), smooth out wrinkles, fluff skirts. These little touches can make all the difference in getting a cleaner, more classic look.

5. Show your child’s personality.

Did your son choose a new backpack that he’s excited to show his friends? Did your daughter just HAVE to have a hair bow as big as her head this year? Make sure that your photo shows these special touches. (Place the backpack at his feet so you can see the character or monogram on it, for example.) You’ll look back on them one day and smile at your child’s innocence and remember more about what they were like at this age.

6. Take pictures of siblings together and separately.

You never know. One day you might want to put all of your first-day-of-school photos together into a book and having your child’s picture alone and with siblings will give you more options.

7. Make sure signs are easy to read.

I’m sure you’ve seen those Back to School signs that children hold up for photos that say the child’s grade. These can be so cute! But they can also be busy and hard to read in photos. If you’re going to have your child hold a sign, consider a simpler one with big, clear font in a dark color. Busy backgrounds will can make your photo look cluttered. Or, to make your photos even more sentimental, consider making your own sign. Lastly, make sure you do not have glare on the sign! If so, change the angle of the sign to avoid that ugly white spot.

8. Take your own photo, too!

The first day of school can be an emotional time for moms and dads, too. Make sure to set the timer on your iPhone and take a couple of photos WITH your children, too. Maybe even have your spouse get a sweet goodbye kiss photo before you get in the car. Even if you’re not looking perfect, it’s a photo you’ll be glad to have one day! I promise! I always tell my clients that if you don't like how you look today, call me in 10 years! :)  Forget the 5 lbs you said you were going to loose but didn't. They dont care - they LOVE YOU!

9. Have fun!

Don't forget that the most important part of this special day is making sure your kids have a great first day back at school. So, don't get so caught up in getting the perfect picture that you forget to have some fun with your kids, too. Make them laugh. Write sweet notes in to put in their lunchboxes. Make it as enjoyable and stress free as possible for the whole family. Life is short, time goes fast so ENJOY it!

10. Give yourself some grace.

It's OK if your pictures aren't perfect. You can capture a few sweet moments that will make you smile when you look back on them even if you're not a great photographer. These snap shots aren't supposed to look like works of art you'll hang on your wall. That's what I do, and believe me when I say it is NOT possible to get perfect pictures in the morning rush before school! It takes planning, artistic vision, color coordination, impeccable lighting and a lot of computer art media skills ... so much more work than people realize. So, just do your best, Mom! (& Dad!)

And know that when you're ready to get more polished, frame-worthy, perfect photos—I'll be ready to help you turn your memories into masterpieces.

In fact we have a children's event that might be just for you! This is a GREAT opportunity for you to have an incredible art piece of your child. Oct 13th ONLY!

See information below, contact us here or call us to schedule! Limited appointments available! Call 843-998-4584 to reserve your appointment.

You can also see more of our artwork here!

Artistically yours,

Maria Sampaio