We all have terrible photos from our childhood school picture days. Forced smiles, scratchy dresses, and hair sticking out. We can do better. We can help your child shine through in more modern school photos. Here are some tips to prepare for your child’s photo day.
Wear Colour for School Photos
Colour can really help your child pop in their photos against the black background. It can add a dimension to who they are especially if they wear their favourite colour or a colour that matches or compliments their eye colour. That said, neon colours aren’t great so steer clear.
Wear Patterns and Textures
I’ve had many little ones show up with subtle printed florals that they absolutely love and work so well. Stripes, small geometric patterns, and bold plaids all work well.
Avoid Cartoons and Logos
I know. Your kids love Paw Patrol. And Mine Kraft. And their favourite sports team. Those graphics draw your eye away from the beautiful faces and expressions of your children and down to something else. They can age the photos and take away from the simple timelessness of these types of photos.
Avoid Black, Dark Navy Blue , White and Light Pink
The really dark colours can make your child blend into the background and white/light pink can wash out kids with paler skin tones. I find that colour can remind the eye of the joy of childhood and darker colours can make children seem older than they are.
Let Your Child Help Pick Their Outfit for Picture Day
I love picking clothes for my kids to wear in photos. Colours that I like, that I know will look good on them, will match each other and will look great together when they are printed and in a frame. Sometimes though, that approach completely blows up in my face. If they hate what you choose, they are less likely to show up with enthusiasm to have their photo taken.
Let them help. Pick out a few options and ask them which they would prefer. Ask them what their favourite colour is now and pick out something together. Including them in the process can lead to more cooperation on the day off photos.
An Alternative Approach to Picture Day
I have a handful of parents every year who ask their kids to pick out their very favourite shirts, hoodies, hair and jewelry accessories and just let them go for it. They want school photos of their kids that show not only who they are but also help them remember exactly what they were into that year. No rules. Anything goes. And that is completely okay. It’s not for everyone but works for some.
Our goal is to really see your child in fine art school portraits so regardless of what they are wearing that will come from my interactions with them on photo day. It will happen as I ask them about their lives, who their best friends are, whether they have mastered that backflip on the trampoline. So yes, clothes are important but, as always, they are not the most important or most interesting thing about your child!
Check out my Fine Art School Portraits portfolio for more examples of kids that have rocked their clothing and school portraits.
For friends in Kincardine, Port Elgin, Goderich and the Grey Bruce area I run a special event each year with members of my newsletter getting first choice of time slots. Sign up to hear about these sessions first.