Back-to-School Photography Tips
I still have a hard time fathoming that August is the beginning of the school year around here (Tennessee). Where I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, we didn't start school until the Tuesday after Labor Day. I'm pretty sure that's still the rule there. But then again, I didn't graduate until June 16th ... so I guess it's just a toss-up as to which end of the summer you want your extra weeks to be.
Do you want to start some special traditions for your school-aged children? Having pictures of the same events every year will make a beautiful scrapbook or album for your kids to look back on when they are adults. - Jessie
Here are some tips on back-to-school photography from Tracy Greene, photographer and author at Take Great Pictures.
Back To School Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
Whether you like it or not, shopping for back-to-school clothes, shoes, and school supplies is an annual tradition that deserves documentation. Photograph them before you leave with their worn out summer sandals, unruly pool hair, and faded summer tank tops. You'll have that to start your back-to-school scrapbook page and contrast it with the first day of school photo.
By giving the camera to your kids for part of this day you might even end up with a funny photo of yourself frazzled from a day of shopping.
The First Day
Whether they are taking the bus, walking, or driving themselves for the first time, that goodbye photo is crucial to remember that feeling forever. They will be proud to see their independence and you can reflect on this time in their lives.
Think Outside of the Box
Kids smiling for the camera always make a nice picture, but you might like something a little out of the ordinary even better. Try photographing kids from behind. On the first day of school you will see the excited posture of their walk onto the bus or into school with their new favorite backpack they picked for this year.
Get a Close-Up
Make sure you do a full head to toe photo to capture what they looked like at this time in their life. Then, zoom in close and do a few portraits to remember the features of their face at this age. They will inevitably get annoyed after a few shots so keep shooting and grab some of those funny candid moments too.
Back-to-School Traditions
Once they are home from the first day, do you have an annual family tradition? Homemade cookies and milk, ice cream cones... whatever the tradition, be sure to include your camera.
Do you have any back-to-school photography traditions?
Photos courtesy of Tracy Greene.
