5 tips to give your back to school photos an A+
I think I’m still in denial that school starts for my oldest two on Monday. Where in the world did the summer go? And how did i get to the point of having two in elementary school? As I mentally prepare for all that is to come on Monday morning: the new faces, the teachers, the parents, the shiny new back packs and back to school outfits, the one thing I love to do is take a few pictures to document this annual right of passage and the excitement that surrounds it. Social media is plastered that day with images and videos of moms, dads and guardians proudly sending their kiddos off to school, marveling at how much they’ve changed since last year and how they so desperately want to slow down time. Here’s a few tips to help you take those images to an A+.
Watch them grow
I love getting a classic portrait shot of my kiddos every year. I see the details of their little faces, their eyes, the way their hair is…and it’s so fun to compare from year to year.
Tip 1: try to keep the location of this shot the same or similar from year to year - that way as you are comparing images, it keeps the focus on their changes and not the background behind them.
Tip 2: have fun using props! Letterboards are very popular right now, and are a really fun way to add to your images. You can also use apples, American flags and any other item that gives you school vibes.
I can’t believe how much she’s changed.
Don’t forget the details
The pencils, the new shoes, the backpacks…it’s all a part of the back to school experience. We are currently in a season of these little key chains that hang off of their backpacks. My daughter has quite the collection and I’m pretty sure it adds 5 pounds to her bag, but she doesn’t seem to mind. Their backpacks also tell a story of their personality and stage of life. This year, my kids are REALLY into Harry Potter. So we are anxiously awaiting for their backpacks to get here! Pottery barn kids and teen is having a huge sale right now, and I actually scored this backpack for my son for for a fraction of the cost of the backpacks at Target!
Give yourself plenty of time
Last year, we were running slightly behind on the first day of school, and made it to school just a few minutes before the kids were going to head in. Unfortunately, my daughter’s teacher headed in just slightly early, so I missed getting a photo of her with her teacher. I was so bummed about this.
On the occasion below, we were very early to my son’s first day of preschool, and pretty much had the front entrance to ourselves. I let him explore a bit and took this image of him after waiting for him to walk under that beautiful tree and light. I also wanted to capture some of the pretty architectural detail of the church building.
Tip 1: going early can also help your kids explore, acclimate, and get out some of their first day of school jitters. You can also use this opportunity to observe their surroundings, and wait for the moment you’re hoping to capture!
Remember the school supplies
Don’t be afraid to take pictures at the store as you are purchasing school supplies! The colors are so fun and there are tons of opportunities for creative framing and leading lines. The was the first year that my daughter was able to bring a folder of her own choice, and she spent a lot of timing finding the perfect folder with kittens on it :-)
Be a storyteller
Is your son or daughter nervous about their first day? Capture their expression on their face. Do they walk to school with neighborhood friends? Tell that story! Did you do something special for them the night before or the morning of like a special breakfast or a balloon? Document it. You’ll love looking back on these and watching the story of their first day unfold.
