How to Take Great Back to School Photos : 10 Tips from a Pro
Back-to-school season is an exciting time for both parents and kids. It’s a fresh start, full of anticipation, new friends, and the promise of growth. Capturing these precious school moments is a great way to preserve memories and celebrate this special time. Today I’ll share with you how to take great back to school photos with 10 easy tips. Whether you’re sending your little one off to preschool or watching your elementary schooler hop onto the bus, these 10 tips from a pro will help you take photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.
1. Choose the Right Time of Day : Before School
Lighting is key to great photos, and while the best time to shoot a family session is during the “golden hour”—just after sunrise or an hour before sunset, it’s not really the best time to take back to school photos. If morning photos are a must (which is what I end up doing, esp for back to school because I want a photo of them in the clothes they will wear that day), try to take them outside before the sun gets too harsh. If you’re snapping pictures in the afternoon, find a shady spot to avoid harsh shadows and squinting.
2. Pick a Meaningful Background
The background of your photo can tell as much of a story as your child’s smiling face. Consider using your front porch, the school entrance, or a favorite spot in your yard. I’m personally a fan of the front porch and I’ve also taking photos in front of their school (that is, until they got too embarrassed!). I especially like to take photos in front of a new school to them. Last, I like to include elements like the family car, the school bus, or a chalkboard with the date and grade level can add a personal touch and help you remember the details years later.
3. Get the Right Angle
Get down to your child’s eye level for a more engaging and natural shot. This perspective not only highlights your child but also creates a connection between them and the viewer. If you want to add some variety, take a few shots from above while your child looks up at the camera—it’s a playful angle that often results in adorable expressions. If you are doing a yearly series, then remember where you were and where you had your kids stand so you can recreate the image with ease the following year!
4. Capture the Candid Moments
While posed photos are wonderful, candid shots often capture the true essence of the moment. Snap a few pictures while your child is getting ready, putting on their backpack, or running out the door. These spontaneous moments can convey the excitement, nervousness, or pure joy your child feels about the new school year. I loved doing more of a getting ready for their first day of school series like this for both my kids’ 1st day of Kindergarten.
5. Show Off Their Personality
To add to your list of how to take great back to school photos, encourage your kiddo to express themselves during the photo session. Whether it’s showing off their new backpack, doing a twirl in their favorite outfit, or striking a silly pose, these shots will reflect their unique personality at this stage in their life. Let them bring along a favorite toy or book for an extra personal touch. I hope that you’re finding these 10 tips from a pro helpful!
6. Include Siblings and Family
If you have more than one child, take the opportunity to capture them together. Sibling shots can be fun and meaningful, showing the bond they share as they start the school year together. Don’t forget to step in front of the camera yourself for a quick family photo—these are the moments you’ll all look back on fondly.
7. Plan Ahead
Before the big day, think about the photos you want to take. Planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure you don’t miss any key shots. Charge your camera or phone, clear some storage space, and consider setting out outfits the night before. This way, you’ll be ready to capture the morning’s excitement without any hiccups.
8. Embrace the Imperfections
Remember, not every photo needs to be picture-perfect. Sometimes the best photos are the ones where your child is making a goofy face, the wind is blowing, or there’s a little chaos in the background. These imperfect moments often tell the most authentic story of your child’s personality and the realities of life as a busy parent.
9. Use Props Wisely
Props can add a creative element to your photos, but they can also become a distraction if overdone. Simple items like a chalkboard sign with the grade, a stack of books, or a cute lunchbox can enhance the theme without stealing the spotlight from your child. Instead of using chalkboards for my daughter’s and son’s yearly back to school photos, they would instead use their hands as “props” and hold up the right number of fingers for the grade they would be in.
10. Edit with Care
After the photoshoot, take some time to edit your photos. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and cropping can make a big difference. However, try not to overdo it—aim for natural-looking edits that enhance the image rather than overpower it. Smartphones now have pretty great built-in photo editing tools and there are many easy-to-use apps available that can help you fine-tune your photos.
Conclusion
Back-to-school photos are a wonderful way to document your child’s growth and celebrate the start of a new year. With these 10 tips from a pro on how to take great back to school photos in mind, you’ll be well on your way to capturing beautiful, meaningful photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
What are your top back to school photo tips for CDA schools? Let me know, and if you have any questions about my services, please reach out! If you’re wondering about film photography or lifestyle photography, learn more in those articles! Head over to my Instagram for announcements. Of course, should you need a Coeur d’Alene lifestyle photographer, I would be so happy to work with you and your family.
