6 Ways to Take Cute Back-to-School Photos

Whether you’re crying tears of joy or sorrow when it’s time to send your students back to school, capture the moment with these six simple-yet-inspired ideas to take cute back-to-school photos.

Chalk It Up
On a large chalkboard, write kids’ names, grades, and other tidbits (like favorite activities or what your kids want to be when they grow up). Be cheeky by having young kids pose with the far-off date of their high school graduation or write one of their favorite jokes, sayings, or how they feel about going back to school. Simply pose kids in front of the chalkboard for a photo opp you can re-create every year for a sweet picture timeline.

Strike a Pose
Create a simple backdrop with a white sheet, then provide school-related props for kids to pose with — apples, a globe, books, a handful of pencils, crayons, paper airplanes, etc. They’ll have fun playing, which means you’ll have fun capturing real laughs and smiles.

Get Out There
Think outside the backyard or front door, and take photos in front of the school or next to the “welcome back students” sign. A row of buses parked in the lot or trees with changing leaves also make great back-to-school backdrops.

Before the Bell
The first day of school can be hectic, so skip the stress by taking pictures of pre-school activities, like shopping for supplies. Many schools host meet-the-teacher nights before classes begin, which is a great opportunity to take photos in front of lockers, in the gym or library, or at your kid’s desk with his or her name on it. Also consider taking pictures of school night activities, like picking out clothes or making lunch. All of these evoke the back-to-school feel without interrupting the busy day itself.

Play Nicely With Others
Shots of siblings together are great, but you’ll get extra credit by inviting neighborhood pals, classmates, and pets to the photo shoot. Get an A+ if you can get your kids to pose for a shot with mom or dad!

Come As You Are
A back-to-school picture doesn’t have to be staged in order for it to be poignant and meaningful. Capture the whole day with candid shots of your student waking up, eating breakfast, loading a backpack, walking out the door, waving goodbye, etc. (This is an especially good strategy for snapping that elusive photo of a camera-shy kid.)

No matter when or where you take back-to-school pictures, be flexible and let your kids’ personalities show through. Whether it’s a goofy smile or less-than-thrilled scowl, you’ll appreciate having a true-to-life memory of their first days to revisit in a scrapbook or photo album for years to come.