It’s back to school. You don’t have time for long, clever intros (maybe next time). Pro photographer Krystal Hawkins let me pick her brain for 25 super quick tips to jumpstart your child’s first day of school pictures.
The Big Picture
1. The following ideas will help you capture the whole day. Then you can create a first day story book with photos, construction paper and other craft supplies. Online photo services like Snapfish let you create unique, professional-grade books and keepsakes.
Plan Ahead
2. Think about the shots you want to take at least a day before. What background? Who is in the picture?
3. Tidy up shooting areas in advance (i.e. no dirty socks slithering out of the couch).
4. Give yourself an extra half hour. Prepare as much as possible the night before. Wake kids up early. Keep breakfast simple to avoid eating into your shooting time.
Vary the clothing. Include photos of your kids wearing:
5. Pajamas. Messy hair and all.
6. Uniforms.
After school:
7. Street clothes.
8. Clothing for extracurricular activities (i.e. dance, soccer, television viewing).
Capture various locations:
9. In bed.
10. At the breakfast table.
11. Getting on the school bus (or seated at their workstation for the homeschoolers).
12. Heading into school and/or class.
13. The dinner table at the end of the day.
Remember to include candid shots like:
14. Brushing teeth.
15. Feeding the dog.
16. Packing lunch.
17. Walking out the front door.
School supplies take a beating over the course of a school year. Take pictures of these items to preserve their pre-school glory:
18. Backpack.
19. Lunch bag.
20. Shoes.
21. Eye glasses.
22. Boxes of tissue. Sidebar: we never used all that tissue when I was in school. But they were never returned home. Conspiracy!
Other Considerations:
23. Remember to take the classic in-front-of-the-house picture.
24. You should be in photos with your children. Use your camera’s timer feature or ask someone to take a few shots for you.
25. Relax. You’ve taken some wonderful pictures of your child and managed to make it through the first day. Well done.
What are your tips for first day photos? What’s your favorite pic of your kids? Are you too a victim of the tissue box conspiracy?
I remember bringing tissue in high school, and I’m fairly certain the teachers used it – but I don’t remember…hmmm…
Great photo tips! I have to remember to get one of myself and my son. He starts next Monday!
Rachel recently posted..Natural Ways to Lift Your Mood
Thanks Rachel. I hope your son has a fabulous school year.
Great photo tips! I love the one about starting early, it is SO SO true. If you don’t start early you are doomed.
RJ recently posted..10,000 Reasons to Smile
Thank you RJ. Doomed is right.
These are great tips, I always think I’m getting “the whole picture” only to figure out I forgot some huge piece of the puzzle after it’s too late to go back!
Lee
Lee recently posted..Losing Weight Can Be Bitter Sweet!
Hi ya Lee. I am totally a list person. My lists have lists. Mapping out pictures can help capture the whole day.
Great tips! Stopping by from the hop. Hope to see you at true aim. New follower on facebook!
Tulip recently posted..Mom’s Library #6 and Features
Thanks for stopping by Tulip.
I am loving these tips. I also miss going to school when I was a kid.
It is actually one of my favorite moments in life.
Danyelle Franciosa recently posted..Allkind Joinery Brisbane – Upholding a Proud Tradition
I liked school as a kid too. Actually I think I’ll always like school, taking classes and learning new things. Thanks Danyelle.
I like the idea of candid shots. Too many times, it’s that classic shot with the backpack in front of the house. It would be fun to document throughout the day!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids recently posted..Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, on DVD & Blu-ray August 7th
Candid shots are definitely more fun to look at years from now. Thanks for swinging by Tiff.
fantastic ideas!! I cannot wait for school to get started!
trisha
trisha recently posted..Birthday party for a 1 year old?
Thanks Trisha. I still can’t believe it’s back to school time.