As the back-to-school season approaches, it's time to get your cameras ready to capture those precious moments of your children stepping into a new academic year. Back-to-school photos aren't just about documenting their growth; they're also a way to freeze-frame the excitement, anticipation, and confidence your children feel as they embark on new adventures. To ensure you capture the essence of the moment, Natalie Robinson from The Photo Club UAE shares some tips to help you take better back-to-school photos of your kids.

Plan Ahead

Before the big day arrives, plan your photo session. Think about the location, time of day, and any props you might want to include. Whether it's in your home, at the school gate, or in a park, having a clear plan will make the process smoother.

Choose your background

Our favourite spot to photograph our own children is outside the front door! This is a perfect neutral backdrop especially if it's shaded in the morning. If you are a real 'planner', perhaps get the photos done the evening before school starts and use the softer sunset light!

Natural Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography (see our blog post about lighting in family photographs!). Choose soft, natural lighting to avoid harsh shadows and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight can provide a beautiful, flattering glow. If you're taking photos inside, choose a well-lit indoor space to make the most of natural light. 

Capture Candid Moments

While posed shots are lovely, candid moments often tell a more genuine story. Photograph them interacting with their friends, adjusting their backpacks, or sharing a laugh. These spontaneous shots reflect their true emotions and experiences.

Incorporate Props

Consider using props that reflect the back-to-school theme, for example our friends at Boxfetti have a free back-to-school printable which your child could hold. 

Boxfetti also have the popular personalised balloon which is a great way to mark the first day of school too!

Get Down to Their Level

To capture the world from their perspective, kneel down if it gives you a better angle (for younger children), or stand on a low stool (for older children as this gets them to look upwards more naturally). This helps to establish a connection between the viewer and the subject, making the photos more relatable and engaging.

Focus on Details

Don't forget to capture the little details that make the moment special. Close-ups of their new backpack, shoes, the way you have done their hair, with their favourite teddy etc add depth to the story you're telling through the photos.

Include Siblings

If you have time after doing the 'individual' shots, gather your children together and get a group shot. Remember you're not looking for perfection here - you're looking to capture a moment in time - so they don't even need to be looking at the camera! Our top trick is to get them to whisper something funny into each other's ears - that always creates more natural smiles.

Capture Emotions

Encourage your child / children to express their emotions naturally. Whether it's excitement, nervousness, or confidence, capturing genuine feelings adds authenticity to the photographs. You can do this by just chatting to them! Asking them what they are excited about, looking forward to, nervous about etc - allows them to relax and come across more natural in front of the camera.

Tell a Story

Craft a visual narrative by capturing a series of shots that tell the story of getting ready for school. This could include waking up, having breakfast, choosing their uniforms, putting their shoes on, brushing their teeth, doing their hair and heading out the door.

Editing

After you've taken their photos and they are off to school, spend a little time editing the images. Adjusting the brightness, contrast, and colour balance can enhance the visual appeal of the photos. You can do this easily via the Snapseed app on your phone or if you’re more experienced with editing, in Lightroom. 

In the end, the key to capturing better back-to-school photos of your kids lies in their authenticity. Let their personalities shine and remember that these snapshots are more than just images – they're timeless memories that you and your children will fondly revisit in the years ahead. A bonus might be that your own photos end up better than the official school portrait shots in which case you've saved money too!

Natalie Robinson is a photographer and teacher at The Photo Club and runs photography workshops for children and teens from age 8 and up.  Their unique activity and project-based approach helps children learn photography in a creatively experimental and fun way.  Register now for classes starting in September via The Photo Club website, www.thephotoclub.me