We can all look back at our school photos and ask, ‘What was my mother thinking sending me in that outfit?” There are also the pictures where we may not be smiling, making a funny face, or look miserable. When preparing for school pictures there are a couple things we have to consider:

Professional Photos:

Although these photographers are professional, they are not spending an hour with each child. It’s run more like an assembly line, in and out. The photographer has the entire class to shoot in a short period of time. If you are looking for a portrait you will need to schedule studio time with a photographer.

Hair:

Prepare ahead of time. Do not schedule a haircut two days before pictures. Plan on at least a week or two before. If their hair is long and you are planning braids or something special, try a couple dry runs. Will you have enough time in the morning to create the style? How long did it stay in? Their class may be scheduled for pictures later in the day and you don’t want the style to fall out or be a mess when it’s their turn. Try to keep the style simple. It would be best to wash their hair the night before.

Product:

During your dry run of the hair, use product. It’s ok to put a little mousse or spray to help keep it in place. When you wash the hair the night before add your product and dry it according to the style. Do not add hair spray until the next morning. DO NOT make the girls sleep with rollers in their hair.

Sleep:

Make sure the kids get a good night sleep. They may be excited about pictures on the following day so it could take longer for them to fall asleep. Start getting ready for bed earlier so they can have time to wind down. You don’t want to wake them too early but a few minutes earlier would be helpful.

Outfits:

Pick this out beforehand and try it on, including socks, tights, and shoes. The last thing you want to do is find there’s a spot on a shirt, a hole in their socks, or shoes that don’t fit. It can make a stressful morning. Their outfit should be comfortable.

Lunch and Snack:

Try to stay away from things that can be messy and stain clothes. You also don’t want foods that will be stuck in their teeth.

Practice:

Practicing their smile or if they are younger you can remind them to smile using their teeth. Maybe you have something you have them say or think but either way, a reminder can be helpful.

Relax:

Don’t stress! Any picture taken you will love. We use these as parents to look back and see how they have grown. Each picture will have special memories and will always put a smile on our face!

Getting back into the swing of things when school starts can be a stressful time. School pictures can be an added stress but it does not have to be. For more tips on back to school, check out Follett, they are experts in helping families and students grapple with the challenges they face whether K-12 or in college. Join us along with Follett in the #FallBackToSchool campaign by sharing  your own story on social using hashtag #FallBackToSchool.

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