Back to School ~ Capture the Memories with Fantastic Pictures

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For many of you, back to school has already happened or will very shortly. Where I live, the school year doesn’t begin until after Labor Day. As a homeschooling mom, I often struggle to bring you back to school ideas. There is one thing I do every year that I think every parent should do regardless of what type of school your child attends…that is first day of school pictures!

Today Jessa from the blog Sparkle is with us to share some fantastic ideas for first day of school pictures!

Take it away Jessa.

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Hi there The Real Thing with the Coake Family fans! I’m Jessa and I blog over at Sparkle. I’m super excited to be here today and talk about the first day of school! {It’s this week! Hooray!} I have been talking about the first day of school for a month now. And dreaming about it. And I talk about it a little too! {Did I mention that??}

Every momentous occasion should be commemorated with a photo or two. You see them every year on Facebook or on blogs. Photos of kiddos on their first day back at school. New clothes, fresh haircuts, an inch or so taller than the previous year. Taking these photos is fun and it’s amazing to look back and see how fast they grow.

Here are some ideas to help you get some creative first day of school photos this year…

Capture the emotions ~ The first day of school is exciting. But it can also be scary. It really depends on the child and the circumstances. Try to capture the feeling of the day. Do your best to make the morning fun. Talk to them, encourage them. Try to get those smiles. But if they are grumpy or shy, try to capture those emotions too. If that’s the case, take photos from a distance.

Take the photo in the same place each year ~ Do you have a stunning front door decorated for the fall? Do you have a place that you are able to visually measure the growth from year to year? If you have either, then use them! I have a large hanging chalkboard in my dining area that I decorate at the beginning of each school year and the kids stand beside it.

Props ~ Props are the easiest way to get your kiddos on board for these photos. A giant number 2 representing second grade. A fistful of crayons for your kindergartener. Ask the kids to think of one thing that represents school to them and take a photo with it. My girls would say their new shoes represent going back to school, and believe me, there will be pictures of their shoes! Globes, apples, books, school supplies, chalkboard signs (if you don’t want to find, make or buy a chalkboard sign, just write with chalk on black construction paper!), old picture frames, fake glasses…Use your imagination.

Actions ~ Get a shot of the kiddos eating breakfast. While they are brushing their teeth. Catch them getting on the bus. Or get a family selfie with everyone in the car. Photograph the little darling walking into the classroom (if the school allows pictures to be taken.) I love photos of the kids walking away and the focus being on the backpacks they are wearing.

Interview the stars of the photos ~ Use apps like PicMonkey to add the important facts to the photo. Name, age, favorite color, favorite food, what they are looking forward to at school, what they want to be when they grow up, what they don’t like. Those are just a couple of ideas. Personalize it to really describe your child.

What NOT to do ~ Don’t push your kids just to get the perfect shot. I know firsthand that my kids will only take so many pictures before they get irritated. Make the morning fun, but if they are getting upset then get pictures a different time. The first day of school can be stressful, having to get up early and get ready, and meeting new teachers and new classmates can be pretty intense for a little one. You can always turn the “first day of school” photos into the “first week of school” pictures. Or wait until after school. Years from now, it won’t make a difference that the picture wasn’t exactly on the morning of the first day. All that will matter is the memories, so make them good.

There you have it! Some quick and simple ideas to get some creative first day of school photos.

Have a happy school year!

~Jessa

P.S. Come by and check out my DIY, craft and lifestyle blog Sparkle! I have a passion for taking everyday items and making them awesome. If I’m not crafting, cooking or hanging out with my kids, I’m probably at work as a nurse in a busy ER. There’s never a dull moment in my world, and I try to celebrate the craziness as much as possible!

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Thanks so much for your great ideas, Jessa! Isn’t her photography fantastic! I love her ideas as well. I plan to incorporate them on our first day. 🙂 What other tips and ideas do you have for first day of school pictures?

Share away! 😍