Tips for Back to School Photos

I’m so thrilled to be back to school! Each year, I like do the same 1st day of school photos to watch how my kids are growing. Doing the same pose in the same place, makes photos extra fun to look back upon when the kids are older.

I came up with this idea of using a small chalk board several years ago. It’s fun to see it used by so many other moms these days! Not only is it cute, but it helps me remember later what grade they were in that year.

It’s also fun to see how old the chalkboard gets each year as well! I started this tradition three years ago…

Tips for Taking 1st Day of School Photos

A good tip for a first day of school photo is to NOT take it on the first day, but stage it to seem like it was their first day. This way, you can take your time, there is no stress and the kids have more fun posing with their new outfits. Or if you insist on it being the first day, you can always take a photo after school.

See the kind of photos I get the first day of school? Cute, but not great.

You might wonder why I think this is not great?

My son was itching to catch the bus, I was arguing with him because I didn’t want my daughter to have a meltdown about riding the bus the first day of kindergarten, and she wouldn’t stop doing her fake “cheese” smile.

My goal was to hurry into the car so we would have plenty of time to walk to our class before anyone started crying. So I quickly snapped a photo fast without looking at the background, getting down on their level, or doing any of my usual tricks to get them to look natural.

I really love planning ahead because I like to hang these photos on our wall. Photos on your wall, which will likely be there forever, should be your best. It’s also good to have a memory of a nice time with your kids… not a stressful hurry up and snap the photo moment.

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Giveaway is now closed.

I have a $100 Target giveaway today and some first day of school photo tips!! YAY! What better way to ring in the school year, but with some new clothes! Thanks to Cherokee USA and Cozi.

To enter to win:

Leave a comment below letting me know what grade was your favorite back to school photo. Could be of you, or your kids.

To get extra entries:

• Like Cherokee USA on Facebook.

• Like Living Locurto on Facebook

• Like Cozi on Facebook

Please leave a comment for each item you do above to get those extra entries!

Giveaway ends Friday, September 2, 2011 at Midnight CST.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.

Congrats to Bethany!! If your name is Bethany… check your email:-)

Thanks to Cherokee USA and Cozi for sponsoring this giveaway!

Originally published on August 23, 2011. Last Updated on May 15, 2021 by Amy Locurto

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