A New Twist for School Photos this Year

Aug 20


When you think of "first day of school photos," you probably imagine your child holding a chalkboard with their grade, teacher's name, and future career aspirations. While that traditional snapshot is always a keeper, why not mix things up this year?

Get your kids involved by encouraging them to express how they’re feeling through their own photos.   These will become treasured memories to look back on for years afterwards!
Here are some creative ideas to get their imaginations flowing:

The Evening Before:

Ease into the fun before the rushed morning by letting your kids start snapping photos the night before:

  • Flat Lay of School Supplies:  New notebooks and pens are so exciting! This was one of my favourite parts of school when I was young. Let your child arrange their school supplies on the floor or table and take an overhead shot that showcases their favorite items for the year. The designs are cuter than ever, and this photo captures that fresh, back-to-school vibe.
  • “This is ME right now” Flat Lay: Encourage them to arrange items that represent their current interests—favorite books, tech gadgets, sports gear, or art supplies.   Take an overhead shot of this personalized flat lay, capturing a snapshot of who they are right now. It’s fun for them to look back on this and say “What?? Corey Hart was my favourite singer then? (Ok.. maybe that’s me, not them)
  • Future dreams!: Have them wear outfits to represent this dream jobs or what kind of person they'd like to be.   A camera and globe for an adventurer.  An apron for a great cook.   A paintbrush for a creative person.
  • I wish my teacher would let me...: Have them act out funny scenarios like bringing their pet to school.  Their dog could be sitting next to them at a desk or a cat supervising their homework!
  • Changing moods: Part I: We all know back-to-school brings a range of emotions. Let your child document how they’re feeling the night before with a self-portrait.  Use a self-timer for a more natural, non-selfie look.

The Morning of:

Capture the first day of school from your child’s unique perspective:

  • Through the Backpack Strap: Create a unique shot by photographing through the loop of their backpack strap, focusing on their shoes, the school entrance, or even their friends.
  • Changing moods: Part 2 Capture their mood as they head into the first day of school—another self-portrait that shows how they feel as the day kicks off.
  • Parent’s Turn!! : Flip the camera! Have your child take a photo of you before you head out or as you drop them off. Are you crying or jumping for joy? This fun role reversal adds another layer of memories to the day.
  • First Day Pathway: Photograph their own feet walking toward school, capturing their new shoes and the path ahead to symbolize their journey into a new grade.
  • School Time:  Head to the school a little early and let your child photograph the school's iconic spots—the front doors, the playground, the school sign, or even their friends running towards them as they get to the playground.  If the morning is too rushed to do this, it’s a fun thing to do after school or on the weekend.
  • Reflection Shot: Take a photo of their own reflection in the school’s windows, capturing both them and the school building!
  • Self-Timer Playground Fun: Set up the camera on a timer and capture themselves mid-swing or slide at the playground, highlighting the joy of recess.

After School:

Finish the day by capturing the emotions and reflections post-first day:

  • Friends Reunited: If your child met up with old friends or made new ones, let them snap a photo of their group at the end of the day. Capturing those fresh friendships or bonds adds a social and fun layer to their first day.
  • First-Day Debrief at Home: Have your child take a photo of something that represents how their first day went. Maybe it's a crumpled-up assignment sheet, their timetable, a snack from their lunchbox, or a notebook full of new doodles—something that shows what their day was like in their own style.
  • Changing Moods (Part 3): Have them take a final self-portrait at the end of the day, documenting how they feel after all is said and done. It’s a great way to see how their emotions evolved from start to finish.


Have fun with having the first day of a school documented in a different way this year!   Kids change so much over the course of 10 months—physically, emotionally, and in their interests. This year, let’s give them the opportunity to capture not just how they look but also who they are, how they feel, and what excites them as they step into a new school year.  Just one more way to support their self-expression.

Keep clickin' 
Janet