Back-to-School Photographs That Tell the Story

By Bart Feldman

The beginning of a new school year is an important moment for children and their families. Whether a child is entering kindergarten, starting middle school, beginning senior year, or leaving for college, the traditional first day-of-school photograph becomes part of everyone’s family history.

Most of these pictures are taken quickly near the front door, often while everyone is watching the clock. A little preparation can make the photograph much better without adding stress to an already busy morning.

Begin by choosing the location the night before. Look for a simple background without trash cans, parked cars, garden hoses, or other distractions. A front porch, walkway, fence, or shaded area in the yard can work well. If possible, avoid direct sunlight on the child's face. Open shade provides softer light and helps prevent squinting and harsh shadows.

Pay attention to the direction of the light. Place the child facing toward the brighter part of the sky, but not directly into the sun. If you are using a cell phone, tap the child's face on the screen so the camera focuses and exposes correctly. Hold the phone vertically (portrait style) for a full-length portrait and horizontally (landscape) if you want to include more of the home or surroundings.

Take more than one photograph. Start with the traditional pose showing the new outfit, backpack, and perhaps a sign with the child's grade and the date. Then make a few less formal pictures. Photograph the child adjusting the backpack, walking toward the bus, talking with a sibling, or waving goodbye. These candid moments often tell more of the story than the posed photograph.

Try photographing from the child's eye level instead of always standing and pointing the camera downward. Kneel if necessary. This small change creates a more natural perspective and makes the child the most important part of the image.

Do not forget the details. Take a close-up of the new shoes, lunchbox, school supplies, or name tag. For older students, photograph something that represents their interests, such as a musical instrument, sports equipment, art supplies, or the keys to the car they are driving to school.

Parents should also consider taking a photograph with their child. We are often so busy making pictures that we forget to be included in them. Ask another family member to take one, or use the phone's timer.

Finally, print at least one photograph. Digital pictures are easily forgotten among thousands of images stored on a phone. A printed photograph placed in an album creates a record that can be enjoyed years later - especially when you compare the first day of kindergarten with the first day of senior year.

Photography creates your own personal family history. This is unique to your family well worth preserving for generations to come.