Preparing Your Kids for Fall School Photos

The school year is officially in full swing! If your household is anything like mine, it has been a whirlwind of adjusting to new routines, packed schedules, and excitement for what’s ahead. We are settling into the rhythm of things and I’m already thinking ahead to the next milestone — school photo day!

Whether it’s making sure the kids’ outfits still fit…or preparing them for picture day itself…a little planning can go a long way in ensuring things go smoothly.

School photos should capture your child as they truly are. That’s why I created my Fine Art School Photo offering. It is important to me that every family can have photos they’re proud to display in their home. These aren’t just pictures – they are a way to freeze a moment in time, preserving this unique stage in your child’s life.

As a mom and a photographer, I know how overwhelming this time of year can feel. We are getting deeper into September and I myself am preparing for a busy fall behind the camera. I will be photographing families and schools across the Boston area. Instead of saying “don’t worry” (because, let’s be real, that never helps!), here are some tips to help you and your child feel calm and confident on school photo day.

3 Tips to Prepare for School Photos:

1. Planning the Outfit
   Stick to classic, simple clothing in solid colors or subtle patterns. Avoid logos, text, or busy prints that distract from your child’s face or clash with the background. I like to give my daughters a choice of a few outfits so they have a say in what they wear. This helps to make sure they feel comfortable and confident in what they wear which translates in the photo. For more tips on what to wear in preparation for photos, read more here.
   
   
2. Hair Preparation
   Again, the goal is to keep it simple! For girls, I recommend wearing hair down, or a half-up style to avoid the “floating head” look against the background. For boys, a quick trim or tidy-up the week before is great if you can swing it. If you worry about post-recess hair, a quick email to the teacher for a double-check before photos can make all the difference!
   
   
3. Have Fun
   Talk with your child about what to expect and encourage them to just be themselves. Sharing your own old school photos can be a fun way to get your kids excited and help them feel more at ease. Don’t put those photos away quite yet – save them so you can do a side by side comparison after the photos are back! 

Still, even with the best planning, things do not always go as expected. If your child’s school photo doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, don’t stress! That’s where my Personality Portraits come in.

Personality Portraits

I host several pop-up Personality Portrait events each year, including one this fall in early November. These quick, 5-minute sessions are designed to capture the true essence of your child, ensuring their unique personality shines through. It is a relaxed, enjoyable experience, free from the rush of a typical school photo day.

With no forced smiles, props, or distracting backgrounds, the results are genuine and timeless portraits that you’ll treasure for years to come. These portraits are done in black & white and have become a popular opportunity for siblings of kids Caeli photographs at school to also be photographed in a similar style!

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As a photographer, my mission is to create images that will be cherished as part of your family’s history. If you’re interested in learning more about Personality Portraits, Fine Art School Photos, or would like to book a family session, I’d love to hear from you!