Capturing School Memories
Relive Every Moment
Capture the joy and excitement of your child’s school events with these tips from Photographers Crystal Lovell & 863 Photography
Tips from a busy mom
First day of school photos are a big deal for me. They’re my way of freezing a moment in time amidst all the chaos. Every year, I’ve taken his picture at the front door with his backpack at his feet, no matter where we’ve lived. I love looking back and seeing how his face has changed, how much he’s grown, and how his interests have evolved. From dinosaurs to space, to gaming, and now football… it’s all captured in those photos.
My biggest tip? Capture it all and don’t stress about getting the perfect picture. Snap those annoyed expressions, silly faces, or even just them staring back at you. One day, those imperfect shots will be some of your favorite memories.
Plan ahead! Know where you’ll take the photo in the morning, and give yourself plenty of time. I usually remind my son the day before that we’ll be doing pictures. Have everything ready to go—camera light, selfie stick or stand if you use one, and of course, your plan.
Now, for some practical phone setting advice:
- Cleaning your phone camera lens to get rid of any smudges—it really makes a difference.
- If you’re using an iPhone, turn off the HDR setting. HDR Auto can sometimes make photos look unnatural, so it’s better to turn it off.
- Switch on the grid setting. The grid divides your screen into nine spaces, and you’ll want to align your main subject or important elements along these lines or where they intersect for a more visually pleasing shot.
- You have a few options for your photos: Cinematic widescreen 16:9, which is like what you see on flat-screen TVs; square, perfect for Instagram; or 4:3, the classic ratio. I prefer the wider 16:9 shot. It looks great on the big, beautiful iPhone screen, and since I also create videos/reels in 16:9, it’s a lot easier to reuse these photos.
- I’m a big fan of using portrait mode with the studio light setting for taking pictures of people—it really makes them pop!
What Our Experts Say
Crystal Lovell Photography’s Tips for Perfect Back-to-School Photos!
When snapping those first-day-of-school pics (or any photos of your kids), lighting is key! Avoid dark hallways or windowless spots that create funky shadows. But also watch out for full-on sunshine in the front yard—it’ll have your kids squinting and cause harsh shadows. Instead, find a spot with soft, even lighting, like near a big window in the living room, under a covered porch, or beneath a tree with no weird shadow patterns.
Next, check your backdrop. Is there a bunch of clutter or an unsightly object in the background? Opt for a clean, simple background that keeps the focus on your child.
Here’s a fun idea: snap a pic of your child’s outfit before they put it on! Whether it’s a carefully chosen ensemble or an adorable uniform, lay it out on a cute blanket or hang it by the door with their backpack and lunchbox for a sweet memory.
A quick heads-up: those blackboards with your child’s name, school, and grade are super cute, but be mindful of the personal info you’re sharing on social media. Consider how much you’re comfortable showing online.
And finally, make sure to **plan time for photos**! If you’re rushing out the door, your kids might end up looking hurried or frustrated. Set aside some extra time and make it fun—their smiles will be worth it, and it’ll start everyone’s day on the right note!
863 Photography’s Fun Tips for Capturing Personality & Details!
When taking photos of your kids, aim to capture their true personalities and unique details. Think silly faces, sad faces, big smiles, loose teeth, side profiles, freckles, shyness, and pouty faces.
Give prompts and directions to make it enjoyable! Let kids be themselves, and with a little encouragement, they’ll soon be flashing genuine smiles and great expressions. Avoid expecting perfect faces and smiles right off the bat. Instead of saying, “That’s your fake smile!” try something fun like, “Is that your pretend smile?” Kids often laugh, and you’ll capture those real, joyful moments. Remember, you’ll want to look back and see that true personality and those facial features that change so quickly.
Use Fun Props:
Incorporate school-themed props to add some flair to your photos! Think backpacks, chalkboards, books, a globe, pencils, markers, chalk, a desk, or even an apple. Want to add some school spirit? Throw in a letterman jacket, sports gear, or clothing in school colors!
Find a Simple or Meaningful Backdrop:
Consider taking photos in front of a school bus, the school itself, or a solid brick or plain wall. A park or any pretty location can also work beautifully. Just remember to avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds that could distract from your subject or don’t hold any significance. Keep it simple and meaningful for the best results!
Last Minute Suggestions
If you don’t have time the first day of school than take a picture any day that week. You can also, take a before school and after school picture to see how the day progressed. Have fun with it!
don’t have a fancy sign? Grab a magazine page and use markers to write out the grade. It doesn’t have to be super fancy. Make it fun. Use a dollar tree frame for the sign.
Cherished School Moments
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