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Back to School Photography Ideas
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back-to-school-photography-ideas

Can you believe it is almost time for the kids to start school again? For some of you, your kids may have already started. A few years ago I created a ‘Back to School Photography Ideas’ list. I made the list prior to having a kiddo in school so I decided to update the list for you.

back to school photography ideas
Download your FREE copy of the Back to School Photography List HERE.

Remember to use this list as a guide. You do not need to capture each idea on this list. I know I don’t. In fact, the first day of school is normally pretty hectic with enough going on that you may not even have time or the desire. If you know you will be rushed, consider doing some of the photos a few days in advance. The most important thing to remember is just to capture the moment. Each image doesn’t need to be amazing. You want to remember their first days of school so don’t stress out about getting the perfect photo.

Here are a few from my little one’s first day of school last year.
back to school photography ideas
back to school photography ideas
back to school photography ideas
back to school photography ideas

Love this one by Brennan Lanter Photography
back to school photography ideas

Can you think of any other ideas to add to the list? Leave them in the comments.

20 Comments
  • Linda
    August 13, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    I wish I’d of seen this 2 weeks ago when our kids started back to school. (Georgia)

    • Courtney Slazinik
      August 19, 2013 at 3:45 PM

      I’ll try and be on top of it next year for all your early school starters :)

  • August 14, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    Great list, Courtney. I’d also like to add one of my favorites to the list: candid photos of the kids talking to one another as we prepare to leave for the first day of school. I have our girls stand outside in the same spot each year and just talk to one another about what they’re excited–or nervous–about for the first day of school. I love these relaxed moments between our girls and these photos are some of my favorites.

    • Courtney Slazinik
      August 19, 2013 at 3:45 PM

      I love candids! What a great idea!

    • Kristy
      August 21, 2014 at 12:04 AM

      LOVE this idea! I may get all the posed ones the weekend before and save the morning of for candids :)

  • August 14, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Courtney, I love this list!! Thank you for sharing!!

    • Courtney Slazinik
      August 19, 2013 at 3:45 PM

      Thank :)

  • Susan
    August 14, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    I have taken a picture of the kids standing by the sign to their school every year since kindergarten. The problem is that early in the morning the sun is shining brightly behind that sign and my pictures have ended up with a very bright background overwhelming the kids’ faces. Last year while leaving school on the last day we walked by the sign and I realized that I should have also been taking one on the last day of school… and also at the end of the day so that the sun doesn’t dominate the picture. Oh well, this is my daughter’s last year of elementary school so I have one more chance to get hers right this year :)

    • Courtney Slazinik
      August 19, 2013 at 3:46 PM

      I love the idea of standing next to a sign! What a great way to really show the growth of your little one!

  • September 3, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    Hi!
    I have linked your post on my blog, in a post where i talk about Back-to.school photo ideas. I hope that is fine for you.
    You can find it here http://www.laraccoltadisilvia.com/2013/09/idee-fotografiche-per-il-rientro-scuola.html (it’s in italian…)

    Thank you and…I love your photography work! :)
    Silvia

    • September 11, 2013 at 1:57 PM

      Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for sharing it :)

  • Lizy
    June 8, 2015 at 10:48 PM

    When you get to the school take a picture of child in front of the school building.

  • Celina
    August 29, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    You should add some ideas for the homeschooling parents. It’s been difficult founding photo ideas for my daughter who started kindergarten. Walking to class/bus and backpack and shoe ideas just don’t quite fit.

    • M
      August 29, 2015 at 3:12 PM

      I’d say any new supplies or the child with them.,with grade and year

    • August 31, 2015 at 1:34 PM

      Hey Celina, yes I can see how some of these won’t work. I’ll keep that in mind and see what I can come up with. Since I don’t homeschool it will require a little more imagination :)

  • Samantha
    May 9, 2016 at 6:59 PM

    Celina, We homeschool and did shots at the public Library, pics of them “reading” their favorite books of the year. with a stack beside them. We did some with a globe out on the grass. If you’re anything like us get a shot of them at the table in their pajamas. Pick the things that make homeschool unique and celebrate them.

  • Beth Ann
    August 10, 2017 at 10:22 PM

    I’ve done a few others, more of “school prep” shots. Ex – we have some shots of school supply shopping and school clothes shopping. Some of my favorites.

  • Michelle Panek
    August 11, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    These are great! I had thought of the obvious bus and school shots but hadn’t thought of the others on your list. I love the idea of the handwriting shot because it’s such an evolving thing. Thank you for sharing!

  • Lenka
    August 22, 2017 at 10:49 AM

    Thank you Courtney! This list will come to use very soon with my 2 little ones!

  • Yolanda
    December 26, 2018 at 11:13 AM

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