How to Get Your Kids Ready for Great School Photos: 8 Simple Tips

Gone are the good old days of big hair and lzer beam backgrounds…. gosh I miss those days.

School photo day is a milestone for many parents—a chance to capture memories of your kids as they grow year by year. While it can be a bit nerve-wracking to ensure they look their best, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, you can help your child feel confident and ready to smile for the camera. Here are 8 easy tips to help make school photo day a success!

1. Pick Comfortable and Simple Clothing
When choosing an outfit for school photos, opt for something your child feels comfortable in. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or overly trendy clothes that might distract from their face. Solid colors or subtle patterns work best and help your child stand out. Make sure they’ve tried on the outfit beforehand so there are no surprises on picture day.

2. Avoid New Hairstyles on Photo Day
While it’s tempting to try a fresh new hairstyle, school picture day isn’t the best time to experiment. Stick with a hairstyle your child is used to and one they feel comfortable with. This way, they won’t be fidgeting or feeling self-conscious when it’s time to say cheese!

3. Practice Smiling
Some kids are naturals in front of the camera, while others might feel a little stiff or shy. Practice smiling at home in front of a mirror so they can see how they look. You can even make it fun by encouraging them to smile with their eyes and showing different facial expressions to get them feeling comfortable.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A well-rested child is a happy child! Make sure your little one gets plenty of sleep the night before so they’re refreshed and ready for their close-up. Tired kids can look grumpy or drained in photos, so a good night’s rest is key to ensuring they feel and look their best.

5. Pack a Small Touch-Up Kit
Send your child to school with a small touch-up kit, especially if their photo is scheduled later in the day. A hairbrush or comb, tissues for any smudges, and even some chapstick can make a world of difference in ensuring they still look picture-perfect when it’s their turn.

6. Check the Details
Before your child leaves for school, do a quick once-over to ensure everything is in place. Double-check buttons, collars, and hair for stray pieces. Make sure their face is clean, and for younger children, a little reminder to avoid messy foods until after the photo is always helpful!

7. Encourage Them to Be Themselves
It’s important to remind your child that they don’t have to force a smile or pose unnaturally. Let them know that being themselves is what will make the photo special. A genuine, natural smile always shines brighter than a forced one, so encourage them to relax and just have fun.

8. Avoid Visible Writing or Logos on Clothing
While it might be tempting to let your child wear a favorite shirt with a logo or slogan, these can be distracting in photos. Choose clothing without visible writing or branding to keep the focus on your child’s face and expression, rather than what’s on their clothes.