Back-to-school means a lot of unknowns — new friends, new routines, and new classes, but it also comes with some consistent experiences, such as back-to-school night, meeting new teachers, and of course, school pictures.
Love them or hate them, school pictures are one back-to-school ritual you can count on as your kids embark on a new year.
School pictures are taken each year, usually starting in preschool and going all the way up to 12th grade. You’ll have a visual representation of your child’s growth from the time they are potty training until the time they prepare to graduate.
And since all parents know just how fast the years fly by, these photos can be priceless.
Remember that school pictures can be used for everything from school IDs to yearbook photos, holiday cards, and more, so you want them to be as perfect as possible.
But then again, real life is not perfect, so don’t expect flawless photos, just go for images that make you happy.
Embrace all the imperfections, from lost teeth to braces and goofy smiles to playground bruises and awkward teenage acne. These tips will help you be prepared and make school picture day a success.
Stick to Simple Clothing
Some schools require students to wear uniform clothing for school photos, others are more relaxed, but either way, stick to simple, neutral clothes. Avoid large logos and bright symbols or trendy styles where you can. Clean lines will ensure that your child’s smile shines more than their clothes. And simple clothes tend to look best in photos anyway.
Do NOT Get a Haircut Right Before Picture Day
Schedule the haircut for one to two weeks before picture day, so your child’s hair looks fresh but natural. And that way, if you hate their haircut, you have some time to fix it before it’s a permanent memory that haunts you for years to come. And try to keep hair out of your child’s face if possible, so their smile shines through. Brush your child’s hair well that morning and use pins or gel if needed.
Let Your Kids Be Comfortable
Above all, make sure your kids feel good in their clothes and accessories. Don’t force them to wear something that doesn’t give them confidence because feeling good about yourself brings about the biggest smiles and will showcase your child exactly as they are when they feel best.
Practice and Be Prepared
Have a plan, let your child know what to expect, and be prepared! That means packing a bag with a brush and an extra set of clothes (in case they get dirty before the photo). Talk about what picture day will look like, what the photographer will ask them to do, and how they can sit and pose. Practice taking photos at home; your child will feel much more comfortable and ready on the actual picture day.
Keep it Relaxed
Don’t stress, and don’t stress out your kids about school picture day. Keep the mood light and happy. Be relaxed and remind them that school pictures are fun memories of their time at school and to just be themselves.
