School Picture Day

A Survival (and Style) Guide

Let’s be honest: school picture day has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re packing lunches, and the next, you realize your child is about to be immortalized with a yogurt mustache and "creative" morning hair.

As your photographer, I want you to love these photos, not just tolerate them. School portraits should capture your child exactly as they are—happy, confident, and themselves. With a little planning, you’ll end up with a portrait worth framing for the mantle rather than stashing in a junk drawer.

1. The Big Question: "What Should They Wear?"

The most common stress for parents is picking the outfit. While there’s no "secret formula," keeping it simple is always your best bet.

• Stick to Solids and Subtle Patterns: Loud, busy patterns—like giant florals or neon rugby stripes—can upstage that sweet face. Think button-ups, polos, sweaters, or dresses with clean lines.

• Embrace Texture and Layers: If you want to level up the look, add texture! A chunky knit sweater, a denim jacket, or a ruffled sleeve adds beautiful dimension without being distracting.

• Coordinate, Don’t Copy: If siblings are being photographed together, they don’t need to match perfectly. Start with one "hero" outfit your child loves and build the other outfits around those colors.

• Think About the Background: Since we use green screen technology, you’ll have a variety of backgrounds to choose from! Generally, solid colors and earthy or jewel tones (white, cream, navy, dusty pink, or forest green) photograph most timelessly.

2. Hair Today, Memories Tomorrow

We’ve all made the mistake of a "fresh cut" the day before pictures. To keep things stress-free:

• The One-Week Rule: Aim for haircuts about a week in advance. This allows the hair to "settle" so your child feels like themselves.

• Keep Styles Simple: Elaborate braids or fancy updos rarely survive morning recess. If your child has long hair, simple is usually safer.

• The "Quick Fix" Promise: I’ll do my best to tuck away a stray hair or straighten a barrette, but I can’t re-style complicated hair in the middle of a session!

3. The Finishing Touches

Small details make a big difference in the final portrait, and while I’m behind the lens keeping a sharp eye out, a little prep at home goes a long way.

• Check the Accessories: Giant bows and flashy jewelry can distract from your child's eyes. Choose simple pieces that enhance their look rather than overpowering it.

• The Morning Cleanup: Morning chaos is real, but a quick "face check" for toothpaste smudges or breakfast crumbs goes a long way.

• Clean the Lenses: If your child wears glasses, please give them a quick polish! Smudge-free lenses allow those eyes to really shine.

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: I will always do my absolute best to catch the little things—like a stray hair or a crooked collar—while I'm photographing your child. However, every little bit of prep on your part helps us work together to create the perfect, stress-free keepsake!

4. Let Them Be Them

At the end of the day, these are your memories. If your child insists on wearing their favorite superhero shirt or a quirky headband because it’s "so them" right now—let them! If they feel comfortable, they’ll look comfortable.

Pro Tip for Older Kids: If your child has mastered that "forced" stranger smile, tell them to come prepared with a joke for me. It’s almost impossible to deliver a punchline without a real, genuine smile breaking through!

A Final Note: Ultimately, this guide is just here to offer a little extra sparkle and guidance if you’re feeling overwhelmed. School portrait day shouldn't be another thing on your "stress list." It’s meant to be a fun milestone—a chance for your child to feel special, show off their personality, and create a keepsake to share with all the people who love them most.

You’ve totally got this—and we’ve got you! I can’t wait to see your kiddos and capture them exactly as they are.

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