It’s almost picture day

It’s that time of year again! Backpacks are packed and kids and parents are starting to settle into their new school year routines. And before you know it, it will be time for school portraits. If you’re a parent trying to figure out what your kid should wear when the photographer shows up at school, I’ve got you.

I’ve been shooting school portraits around Jacksonville for a while now, and I still get the same handful of questions every fall. So let’s just go through them.

What should my child wear for school portraits?

Comfort first, always. If your kid feels itchy, stiff, or just not like themselves, they will not be happy for photos. Please consider dressing them in something they already love wearing over something brand new you haven’t tested yet. Familiar clothes make for a more relaxed, more confident kid, and confidence is what actually photographs well, not the outfit itself. If you’d like to get them a new outfit, let them try it out a week or two before picture day to see if they like it.

For color, neutrals and classic wins. Cream, white, beige, gray, soft blues and greens, muted earth tones. These are always a safe bet and keep the attention on your kid’s face instead of their shirt. When in doubt, neutral is always the safe answer. Neon colors do odd things to skin tones, so please avoid these colors.

Skip big logos, characters, or bold graphic text. They tend to date a photo fast, and in five years you’ll be glad the focus stayed on your kid and not on Chase from Paw Patrol.

A little texture goes a long way once you’ve settled on color. Ribbed knits, a soft sweater, linen, a simple cotton dress. It adds depth without competing for attention, which is exactly what you want in a portrait meant to hold up over time.

Necklines matter more than people expect, since they frame the whole face. Crew necks, a soft v-neck, simple collars. For younger kids especially, skip anything tight or structured around the neck. They will not sit still for it, and honestly, I wouldn’t either.

Cooler months, a light cardigan or simple jacket works well too, as long as it’s not bulky enough to swallow up their face and shoulders. And if you’re wondering about shoes, don’t worry about it. Most school portraits don’t show below the waist, so that’s one less thing to think about on an already busy morning.

What about sibling portraits?

Same advice applies. If siblings are getting photographed together or around the same day, you don’t need matching outfits. Pick two or three colors from that neutral palette and build around them. It reads as put-together without looking like you tried too hard. Please contact your school to find out whether sibling portraits fit into their picture day schedule.

A few other things that make a difference

Skip the haircut the day before or even the week before if you can help it. A trim two or three weeks out gives it time to settle.

If your kid wears glasses, they should wear them for pictures too. I just watch the angle to keep glare out of the shot.

A favorite bow, clip, or bowtie is always a great addition if you think you’re child will be okay with wearing it. Send it in the backpack, I’m always happy to use something from home if it suits their personality.

One more, and it’s the same thing I tell parents before family sessions: please skip the sugary breakfast and try to keep screen time low that morning if you can. Kids who show up calm tend to stay calm in front of the camera, and it shows in the photos.

And yes, staff get the same treatment

If you’re a teacher or you run the front office, staff portraits are included at no extra charge. If I’m capturing you on school picture day, so you need to come prepared as well!

None of this is complicated, but a little planning goes a long way toward a picture day everyone actually enjoys, kids included. If your school is looking for a different kind of picture day experience this year, or you just have questions about how it all works, I’d love to chat.

Learn more about school photography or get in touch to start planning.

If you’re looking for a great resource on finding a local school for your child, check out this article from Jacksonville Mom: