Why is it that school picture day always seems to sneak up on us? I still remember the uncomfortable outfits and strained smiles of my own childhood school pictures, and here we are, on the other side, trying to help our kids feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Between packing lunches, managing after-school activities, and keeping up with spirit days, preparing for school photos often gets pushed to the last minute, if at all.
As a school photographer here in the Boston area, and a mom to two elementary-aged girls, I know just how busy this season can be for families in Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, Sudbury, and beyond. The good news? With just a little planning, picture day can be simple, stress-free, and even fun! Here is how to make sure your kids feel confident and you love the final result.
Plan the Perfect Outfit
What your child wears sets the tone for the photo, but that does not mean it needs to be fancy or fussy. The goal is to let their personality shine.
- Keep it classic: Solid colors or small, subtle prints always photograph beautifully. (Need inspiration? Read my full guide on what to wear for school photos here.)
- Things to avoid: Skip neon colors, bold logos, busy patterns, and hooded sweatshirts. These can distract from your child’s face or create odd color casts in the final photo.
- Do a test run: Make sure the outfit fits well, is wrinkle-free, and has no hidden stains.
- Pack a backup: Accidents happen! Toss an extra shirt in their backpack just in case.
Quick Hair & Face Prep That Makes a Difference
No need for a full salon day—just a few simple touches can help your child look polished:
- Trim or tidy-up: A quick haircut or bang trim the week before works wonders.
- Morning-of touch-ups: Comb, tame flyaways, or use a soft hair clip or half-up style for girls to avoid the “floating head” look when hair is fully pulled back.
- Face check: After breakfast, give their face a quick wipe and hands a once-over. For extra reassurance, send a small “photo day kit” (comb, wipe, hair tie) for their teacher to help right before pictures.
Set the Mood – Emotional Prep Matters, Too!
Great school photos are not just about the outfit, they reflect how your child feels too.
- Talk about what to expect: A quick chat about the process and what they will experience can help calm nerves.
- Make it fun: Show them your old school pictures! Laugh at the bangs, the braces, the fashion, the awkward smiles!
- Ditch the “say cheese”: Encourage natural smiles, not forced grins.
A Smooth Morning = A Happy Photo
The less rushed the morning, the better the mood – and it will show in the photo!
- Lay outfits out the night before: Outfit, shoes, backpack, and a small comb or hair tie if needed.
- Pack a quick “photo day kit”: A brush, wipe, and hair tie in their bag for last-minute touch-ups at school.
- Choose a low-mess breakfast: Toast, a banana, or dry cereal work better than smoothies or syrupy pancakes.
- Give yourself a few extra minutes: Wake up 10-15 minutes earlier to avoid the “rush out the door” stress for you and the kids!
- Set the tone with something fun: Play their favorite song while they get ready. Good moods photograph well!
When Photos Do Not Go as Planned…I Have You Covered!
Sometimes, even with the best planning, school photos do not turn out how you hoped. Maybe there was a blink, a mid-laugh face, or a stubborn cowlick. That is where my Personality Portraits come in.
These quick, 5-minute black-and-white sessions are designed to capture your child’s true self. No stress about outfits, no stiff smiles, just authentic, joyful portraits. I host these events throughout the Boston area, starting with a Wayland pop-up this October. Sign up for my email list here to be the first to know when sessions open!
Final Thoughts & Helpful Resources for Boston Area Parents
Remember: the best school photos capture who your child truly is at this stage of life – missing teeth, cowlicks, and all. A little preparation goes a long way, but perfection is never the goal!
Want more tips?
- What to Wear for School Photos (and What to Avoid!) – a full breakdown of outfits that photograph beautifully
- Preparing Your Kids for Fall School Photos – additional tips to make photo day stress-free
As a photograher specializing in Boston area school photos, my mission is to create images your family will treasure. If you want to learn more about Fine Art School Photos and how to bring this opportunity to your child’s school, Personality Portraits, or have questions about a family photo session, contact me here.
