Taking back-to-school photos is a fun way to celebrate milestones and track your child’s growth. Whether they’re in kindergarten or middle school kids grow and change quickly, even within the span of a school year. If you’re looking for ideas and insight on taking the best back-to-school photos, follow these simple tips for fun, safe and creative pictures you’ll treasure for years to come.
Back to school photo tips: Safety first
Camera shy kid? Tips for getting those photos anyway
Some kids adore the camera. They’re constantly taking selfies, asking to start YouTube channels, Tik Tok accounts, and anything else to emulate those they follow on social media. My kids, not so much.
5. Have fun with it
If your child is like mine, and won’t pose for a back-to-school photo, try snapping a pic when they’re engaged in an activity at home, doing homework, or hanging out with friends instead. Candid shots are my consolation prize! Back-to-school photos don’t have to happen on the first day of school!
Mom of three and photographer, Tiffany Brown, advises parents to let their kids be kids and have fun. “Sometimes the best photos are the ones you capture in the moment. Mom and Dad, get in the photograph too, at least one,” Brown told Mom.com.
6. Take photos on a different day
And, back-to-school photos don’t have to happen on the first day. “Take the photos a day or two before the first day of school,” Brown suggested. “Trying to take pictures on the day of only adds stress to the person taking the photos and for the kids.”
7. Respect your child’s boundaries
Another concern your camera-shy kid may have is that they don’t want their picture plastered all over social media. Understandably, you want to share your beautiful children’s photos with all of your mom friends on Facebook, but it’s important to respect their wishes.
Sharenting — a new term making the rounds on social media — addresses the propensity of some social media savvy parents to overshare information about their kids online. Experts advise parents to think twice before giving up too much information publicly.
“As children’s-rights advocates, we believe that children should have a voice about what information is shared about them if possible,” legal skills professor, Stacey Steinberg, told NPR.
“We’re in no way trying to silence parents’ voices,” Steinberg explained. “At the same time, we recognize that children might have an interest in entering adulthood free to create their own digital footprint.”
So, if there’s any resistance, ask your child if you can take the photo but promise you won’t share it online. And, truly keep your promise. Respect and boundaries go both ways.
