Teamwork makes the dream work! That saying couldn’t be more true when it comes to school picture day. Teachers, parents, photographers, and students all come together to get that perfect picture. So to make things a little easier, here are some tips for parents and teachers to make sure things go smoothly.

For Parents:

Day Before:

Pick Outfit & Hair Style:

Choose an outfit that lets your child be the star of the photo! Solid colors and simple patterns are the easiest to photograph, and small jewelry and accessories work well. If your child wears a uniform, make sure the necessary pieces are ironed and ready to go. Plan the complete outfit as some poses may be full body. Remember, glasses are great! Don’t worry about the glass glare, photographers know how to remove it.

As for hair, any hairstyle is great for Picture Day. It’s best to schedule haircuts a few weeks before to allow for some regrowth, or you can opt for a fresh, sharp cut to make a neat impression.

Photo Day:

Prep & Practice:

Get up earlier than normal to eliminate any stress. Help them with their hair and outfit, and ensure they have a good breakfast before heading out the door.

Keep the day light and fun by reminding them to just be themselves and have fun. For a natural smile on picture day, have your child practice in front of a mirror to spot the difference between a real and a forced smile. If they’re feeling a bit self-conscious about braces or a missing tooth, let them know it’s perfectly fine not to smile. You can find some great posing tips here.

Pack a Picture Day Kit:

Your child heads off to school looking picture-perfect, but what happens after they hit the playground? Pack a hairbrush or comb and an extra outfit, just in case, but don’t worry about “perfect”. That hair that always sticks up or a missing tooth shows your child just as they are right now and you’ll enjoy looking back on that for years to come.

For Teachers:

Day Before Photo Day:

Give the students a heads-up that picture day is tomorrow. Chat about how they can look their best for this special photo and suggest they wear simple, single-color tops for a clean look. Give them a gentle reminder to wash their hair tonight so it’s fresh and shiny for their photos tomorrow.​

Don’t forget to prep yourself as well! Choose a top that highlights your eye color, and steer clear of low necklines and busy prints to keep the focus on your face.

On Picture Day:

Double-Check Details:

Confirm the schedule and relay any last-minute info to ensure everyone’s on the same page. A simple touch-up like a quick comb-through and straightening up their outfit can go a long way. Before the kids head out for their photos, ensure they’re tidy and presentable. Encourage them to help each other by checking that their clothes are buttoned correctly and their faces are clean.​

Stay Cool:

Keep the mood light and stress-free, helping kids stay relaxed and natural. Remind them that the best smiles aren’t practiced but come naturally in the moment. Also, encourage them to show respect and politeness toward the photo team, just as they would with any adult.

Taking the Pictures:

Start the photo session with the most confident and easy-going children to set a positive tone for the class. If any child seems nervous, have them watch the session with you to help ease their apprehension.​

Let the photographers handle getting the kids to smile. They are professionals who are trained to capture the best expressions.

After the Flash: Wrapping Up Picture Day

For Parents:

Once Picture Day wraps up, keep an eye out for the proofs. It’s your chance to review and order the best shots. Remember what went well and what could be smoother next year. When the final prints arrive, enjoy sharing them with family and friends—these are the moments to cherish!

For Teachers:

After the cameras have packed up, gather feedback from students and parents to refine the process for next year. Help organize and distribute the photos to ensure every student gets their keepsake. Reflect on the day’s success and any tweaks needed for a seamless School Picture Day next time.

If this is all information overload, we’ve made it easy for you. You can find downloadable pages of the most important points to make School Picture Day a success for parents here and for teachers here.

SPOA Industry Report

Sharing your feedback has never been easier, thanks to the School Photographers Of America (SPOA) School Photography Industry Report. This report is an annual survey that provides in-depth insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in school photography. By participating, you help create a comprehensive snapshot of the industry that benefits everyone involved. Talk about a win-win situation! Here’s the link to share: SPOA Survey Link.