Preparing for a Memorable Back-to-School Shoot: Tips for Parents

Back-to-school time is one of the busiest times of year for families! But, don’t let all the chaos distract you from capturing this exciting season with beautiful photos. Whether your children are heading back to physical school, or you’re doing virtual learning at home – taking professional photos together can highlight the milestone and provide lasting memories for years to come. Here are 10 tips that will make your back-to-school photo shoot fun and easy. With these in hand, you’ll soon be proud parents showing off cute pictures on social media!

Create a Theme – Pick something that reflects your child’s personality and interests

There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your child's face light up with excitement and joy. One of the best ways to do that is to create a theme that reflects their unique personality and interests. Maybe your child is a budding artist who loves all things colorful and creative – why not create a DIY art studio space just for them? Or perhaps your child has a passion for sports and athletics – consider decorating their room with their favorite team's colors and jerseys to inspire them to keep pushing themselves to new heights. The possibilities are endless, and the end result is sure to be a one-of-a-kind space that your child will love spending time in. So why not start brainstorming today?

PRO TIP: Involve your child In the process of looking into a back-to-school theme that they want. Maybe it is superhero, professional, silly, balloons, unicorns, or simple.

Make a Mood Board – Gather props, clothing, and other items to create an inspiring mood board for the photoshoot.

Creating a mood board is one of my favorite things to do before a photoshoot! There's just something so fulfilling about gathering props, clothing, and other inspiring items that bring my vision to life. I love taking the time to let my creativity flow and see how it all comes together in the end. There's no denying the feeling of excitement that comes from finding the perfect pieces for the shoot. Whether it's a vintage hat or a colorful scarf, all the items work together to set the tone and bring the shoot to life. So go ahead, gather your props, and create a mood board that inspires you, I promise the end result will be worth it!

Choose a Location – Find or create a backdrop that will make the photos look special.

Choosing the perfect location for your photoshoot can make all the difference in the world. Whether it's finding a stunning natural backdrop or creating a unique set, taking the time to choose the right location will transform your photos into something truly special. Not only will a captivating setting make your images stand out, but it will also add a personal touch to your photos that truly reflects your style and personality. So, go ahead and get creative – choose a location that speaks to you, and watch your photos come to life in a way you never thought possible.

P.S. Can't think of a location? Ask your photographer! They usually have a list of their favorite spots in the local area and can even scout it out before the shoot.

Prepare the Outfit(s) – Select clothing choices (which may include hats, accessories, etc.) that your child loves to wear

When preparing for your child's back-to-school photoshoot, dressing them up becomes an exciting opportunity to showcase their creativity and personal style. While it can sometimes be challenging to meet their specific preferences, involving them in the outfit selection process can make it a fun and empowering experience.

Encourage your child to participate in choosing their own clothes for the photoshoot. By doing so, you not only nurture their sense of independence but also allow them to make decisions that reflect their unique personality. Just imagine the joy on their face as they proudly show off their favorite shirts, skirts, pants, hats, or accessories that truly resonate with their personal taste.

This simple act not only simplifies the preparation for the photoshoot but also helps your child develop a strong sense of style and personal identity. It's an opportunity for them to embrace their uniqueness and shine bright in their own skin. Let their imagination flourish as they express themselves through their outfit choices.

So, the next time you're getting your child ready for their back-to-school photoshoot, involve them in the process and watch as their confidence and pride grow. By doing so, you're not just capturing a moment in time, but also building a strong foundation for their future self-expression. Let their outfits reflect their individuality and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Practice Poses – Have fun and have your child practice different poses in the mirror

Looking for a fun and engaging way to bond with your child? Why not practice poses together in front of the mirror? Strike a silly pose and watch your child's face light up with joy. Not only is this a great way to spend quality time together, but it also helps your child build confidence and body awareness. Whether it's a warrior pose, a tree pose, or something entirely unique, the possibilities for play are endless. So grab your child and strike a pose – you never know what kind of silly fun you'll have!

Back-to-school photoshoots are an exciting and fun way to document the transition from summer vacation to school life. With these 10 tips, you’ll have all the tools you need to create beautiful and memorable photos for years to come. Whether you pick a theme or choose meaningful props and clothing, your child’s personality will shine in these photos. Most importantly, make sure it’s a pleasant experience that your child enjoys—you want these photos to reflect happy memories of this special time of year! From mood boards to finding the perfect backdrop and scheduling the shoot at the right time of day, your back-to-school photoshoot will be one for the books.

Ready to schedule your back-to-school photoshoot? Book here!