Back-to-School photos

Back-to-school is a great time to catch some yearly photos of your children. I like to focus on what they look like, and what they love, that year. Here are some ideas and tips to keep on hand as you prepare for those annual back-to-school snapshots:

Sign Me Up!

Each year have your child hand write, on a sign, the grade they will be in that year. This is a fun way to see how their handwriting has advanced year to year, as well as knowing exactly what year that photo was taken. Put them all next to each other in a book when they graduate for a happy gift!

Favorite Things

In my photography business, I always try to take a "favorite thing" photo of each client - a certain toy, a favorite doll, a new hobby. I think this would be a great thing to do every year - a photo to remember what that child's favorite thing, or interest, was that year.

Get Focused

Details are always important when taking photos. Get in close to capture those details that make that year/age special. It may be their missing teeth, long flowing locks, huge backpack or anything that makes them "them" that year. Also capture all of the fun clothing trends (so we can look back and laugh!).

Get in the Scene

Another fun tradition is to always take your child's photo in front of school the school they are attending that year. This is a little detail that will be so fun to have later on in life. While you're there, explore for other great photo backgrounds. Schools are often a backdrop hot spot! Great old brick, fun bright colored doors, and, believe it or not, a dumpster makes for a great background with its bright coloring and textured sides (just be sure to get up close!).