Jeanine McLeod’s Six Tips for Taking Back to School Photos

Summer break is coming to an end and that means the first day of the new school year is quickly approaching. As a mom who loves documenting my children’s lives, this day is one that I circle on my calendar the moment school ends in May! This is the day our kids embark on a new adventure with a new grade, new classes, new teachers, and making new memories with their friends. Just like birthdays, this day is an annual milestone marker as they journey from childhood to adulthood.

Since this day is so important for our children, even if they are too cool to admit it, I believe it is one that should be documented with photographs so that we can have these memories to look back on forever. Of course, if your household is anything like mine, the thought of taking pictures in an already crazy morning schedule can be a bit daunting. That is why I have put together these six tips on how to photograph the first day of school!

6 Tips to Photograph the First Day of School

Time – Taking photographs on the first day of school requires time. You can’t capture a genuine excited smile or the details of the morning if you are running late and chasing kids out the door. Be sure to lay out their clothes and pack their lunch the night before and wake up earlier then a normal school day. I try to plan on 15 minutes for photographs knowing that I may realistically end up using about 5-10. 

Pick a “Constant” – Choose something that stays the same each year for the photograph. This could be the same spot outside your house or a framed sign with the year and grade. By making it fun and consistent you will literally watch your children grow, in a series of pictures, right before your eyes.

Watch the Light – Nothing can kill a photographic memory more than poor lighting. Know your yard and the best spots for lighting. Don’t have your kids staring directly into the rising sun. A covered front porch or a spot under a nice shady tree are great options. 

List of Images – Know what you want to photograph ahead of time so you can run through the poses quickly without having to take the time to think. My favorite images at home are:

• Full length image to show entire outfit
• Over the shoulder image to show off backpack and lunch box
• Images with siblings and parents
• Closeup of face to show smile and details of what they look like right now!
• My kids don’t ride a school bus, but if they did, getting on the school bus would definitely be on the list!

At School – If you can take your child to school on the first day, especially in the younger grades, then please, I beg you, take photographs at school. Here you can really capture the essence of what this first day is all about and the change from year to year. My favorite images at school are:

• In front of a building or sign that signifies what grade they are starting
• Picture with their teacher
• If allowed in classroom, images by her desk
• Images with their friends

Edit, Create, and Share – Once you get the kids off to school, sit down and edit the images right away before the rest of life gets in the way. Pick your favorites, delete the bad ones, create collages, and add some text. Once you do this share them online or via text with friends and family. Of course, you will want to print out your favorites as well to keep in a scrapbook, or to put on the fridge or in a small frame. 

Academy at the Lakes Bonus Ideas!

As a fellow Wildcat parent here are a few of my favorite spots around campus that I have taken advantage of over the past 9 years. 

Any place you can find the AL Shield! They are all over the place if you look for them. On gates, the playground, the gym, upper division patio, and many more hidden areas.

When your child starts Middle Division, be sure to capture their very first handshake with Mr. Pitcairn!

In front of the McCormick Building.

There you have it! If you follow these tips, I know you will have a successful memory making morning on the first day of school. Remember, keep it fun, keep it consistent and most of all, take a lot of pictures! It is better to go back and delete bad or duplicate images then to wish you had taken more.

Have a great first day back to school!

Jeanine McLeod
Mom of Eryn ’25 and James ??