Back to School Photo Tips

It's that time of year again! The kids are headed back to school! Some are just going back today and others have been back for a few weeks. My daughter went back last week. She is in fourth grade and I can't believe it!

If you are like me, you take tons of pics this time of year. There is just something about kids in their cute little back to school outfits that makes me want to pull out my camera! To help make the most of your time and energy, I put together a few tips to keep in mind.


1. Take your pics outside! Make the most of the beautiful or not so beautiful weather and shoot outside. Use a tree or flowers as your background and you're all set! And remember, cloudy days have the best lighting. So even if it's not so gorgeous where you live, you can still get great pics.

2. Get close-ups! I know you always remember to get close for face shots {wink, wink!} but don't forget to zoom in on those all important fashion accessories!

3. Use props! I got some great ideas for props from my Creating Keepsakes magazine this month! I loved how they used letter stickers on an apple to show the childs grade. I used Thickers on my shiny red apple.

4. Make your subject laugh! I always get fake smiles with my girl so we tell each other jokes.

5. Use the Prtrait mode on your camera (mine has a head silhoutte) so you will have a smaller depth of field which will result in a slightly blurred background.

6. Make your own portrait studio! Cover a chair or bench with a white sheet and set it up against a wall with no distractions. Also, look for a room with lots of natural light.

7. Have your child hold up a photo of herself/ himself from last year! This is a very fun way to show how much they have grown!

8. Finally, have fun with it! If you are tense and worried about getting the perfect pic, your subject will be too. Nobody wants to smile when they are tense!

Already taken your back to school photos but love these ideas?? Do what I did! There just wasn't enough time the first day of school with all the rushing around, so I made my own little impromptu photo shoot yesterday!

Have fun!