It’s the swan song of summer, as we get ready to say goodbye to those lazy days. And while much of the rest of the country has already gone back to school, here in the northeast, school awaits just around the corner. And, with it? Those back to school photos all parents are obliged to take. But, if you’re like me and have resistant kids or (gasp) teenagers in your house, let me help ease the stress of that morning with 5 quick back to school photo tips for parents & caregivers.
Stress-free back to school photos for the first day(s) of school
1. Controversial Opinion: don’t wait for the 1st day of school
Yeah, I know. How are they back to school photos if they’re not taken on the first day? Hear me out. That first morning back always feels more hectic than any other – am I right? So, rather than adding yet another thing to be done, why not take those photos at another (close) time? What about the day before, or the afternoon of the first day? Even though it’s not the morning of, they will still capture the growth and who they are in that moment. After all, isn’t that the real reason we take them?
Taken after they got home from their first day of school. They had a ton of energy and lots of stories to tell.
2. Capture the routine, not just the posed outfit
Yes, they’re adorable in their first day of school outfits. Yes, their hair is adorable too. But, as a more documentary-minded photographer…and a mom of kids who HATE being posed…the storytelling aspect of a daily routine speaks to me more. So, if you’re insistent upon taking first day photos the morning of, I 1000% recommend focusing on the routine instead of the pose. Big or little, capture them as they go. Whether that’s struggling to tie a shoe, or putting that oversize backpack on their small bodies, or putting makeup on, or saying goodbye to the pets, or getting on the bus. Capturing the routine still documents the adorable little outfits and their growth whilst also showing exactly where they’re at developmentally in life. The routine is what tells the story.
The night before kindergarten began. Both kids were nervous and could not fall asleep.
The first day of kindergarten, riding the bus for the first time alone.
3. Ask THEM what they’d like to do
I kid you not, for a few years, my kids basically wanted to wrestle in the backyard for their back to school photos. While it sounds absolutely ridiculous (and it was), it created space for movement and natural smiles and laughter. Nothing about it was forced. They did what they wanted to do and I went along for the ride. The best part, aside from the laughter, is that there were no meltdowns because I wasn’t forcing them to something they disliked. Namely, stand still and smile for the camera. So, ask them what they’d like. Maybe it’s a Hulk smash with their siblings, maybe it’s water the flowers, maybe it’s hug the dog. Whatever the case, give them some authority in the situation.
This particular year, they wanted to have a joke-off. I think they both won.
4. Include the pets in those back to school photos!
If you know me, or you’ve poked around my website, you know I’m a massive pet person. Our family has 2 giant dogs, 1 cat-sized dog, and 1 dog-sized rabbit. In short, it’s a zoo. BUT, it never fails that the pets help ease any stress or frustration. So, if you’ve got pets, include ’em! Let your kids interact as they normally would with their furry (or scaly or feathered) friends. I can guarantee it will be nothing short of adorable!
The dogs that make the family, and who also never fail to make the kids smile.
5. Get off the porch!
Of all the back to school photo tips I’ll share with you, this *may be* the most important. Get off the darn porch! I’m sure your front door is beautiful, but it adds literally nothing to the story of that first day. And, I’m gonna guess that you’re out there basically begging your kids to smile and say “cheese.” So, why not consider the backyard swing set, or let them bounce on their beds, or catch them as they’re waiting for the bus (lunch boxes in hand & backpacks firmly secured). Think about allowing movement and part of the story into your images.
Good luck to all the kiddos this year! May it be filled with lots of friends, new adventures, good books, a little dirt, and plenty of new learning!
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