From snapshots on old disposable film cameras to instant Instagram posts, snapping a photo is just as much a part of the back to school tradition as a new backpack. That means back to school photos are a great tradition to use to dig out down the road and watch them grow, from preschool to high school. But pictures can cater to a child’s personal style just like those brand new school sneakers — here are nine back to school photo ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Just Add Text
Kids grow fast — but their interests change faster. Adding text to the photo, either in the photo itself with a custom sign or afterwards with a photo editor — is a great way to remember that little Susie wanted to be a veterinarian in first grade and a firefighter in the next. Include what grade their in as well as a few details, like what they like, what their least favorite subject is or who their teacher is.
With school-inspired props
Taking photos of kids right before they get on the bus may leave you rushed for time — so why not shoot a few days ahead of time when you can put some time into the shoot? Using school-inspired props is a great way to celebrate back to school with a few photos. From books and apples to globes and even school buses, the possibilities stretch much farther with a planned shoot before the actual first day of school.
With chalk or dry erase
Chalkboards and dry erase boards are not only actual back to school items, but they make cute ways to incorporate a bit of text into back to school photos. Keep it simple with just the grade, or go all out and design an elaborate chalkboard with all their personality quirks that year. Don’t just stop at chalkboards either — chalk is great for writing on objects, like wooden letters . Or, use sidewalk chalk instead.
With a custom frame
Who says frames are for only after the photo is printed? Adding the child’s name to a large, glass-free photo frame is an easy way to get unique back to school photos. Once you make the frame, simply dig it out every year for back to school photos.
With a growth chart
While watching facial features mature over the years is easy with a series of photos, height may be tougher to gauge from pictures. Adding a growth chart in the photo is an easy way to incorporate more details into the photo — and you can use it to decorate you home throughout the year.
Getting on the bus
Prefer the photo journalistic style over cheesy posed grins? Take a photo of your little one climbing on the bus. Beware though, over the years that bus may turn into photos of them climbing into their own car while you wonder whatever happened to your crayon-toting kindergartner.
In the same shirt
Imagining a senior while sending a child off to kindergarten is tough to do — but it happens (and quickly). Watch them grow into their own Class of 20__ t-shirt by ordering a shirt in an adult size and taking their photo wearing it every year — they’ll grow into it eventually! If you’re not a fan of the oversized t-shirt look, you can find a custom t-shirt with your child’s grade from a local crafter or on Etsy — or design one yourself.
With a bit of humor
Some parents cry when they send their kids off to school — others laugh. If you sound more like the latter, don’t be afraid to add a little humor or maybe even get in the photo yourself looking a bit too happy to see that school bus rolling around the bend.
First and Last Day Photos
Take the first day of school photos up a notch by adding a last day of school photo to the mix too. Sure, changes from the start of the school year to the end may be more subtle than the shifts from year to year, but it’s a fun way to document your child’s grow through the school year.
Shooting a photo on the first day of school is a great way to watch little ones grow into young adults — what’s your favorite back to school photo idea?
