By now, everyone is back in school and hopefully in a good routine. Before you know it, picture day will be here! It may seem like school pictures aren’t as important as they were before we all started carrying cameras in our phones. But there is something to having a professional photo of your child versus the candid and selfie snaps we take more regularly, if not daily.
In years past, I let my kids pick what they wanted to wear and how they wanted their hair for picture day, with interesting results — looking at you, cat-eared headband. For this year, with some general guidance, I’m hoping for a more thoughtful approach to picture day looks to create memories we can share with family and friends. Here are a few basic dos and don’ts to help craft your kiddo’s picture day look.
First, avoid large logos and wording. Your child may love Minecraft or Taylor Swift at the moment, but wearing a branded T-shirt with big letters or graphics for picture day can distract from their precious face. And in years to come, that fandom may no longer be the same, which can date the photo. The point of these pictures is to showcase your child, not to advertise a brand.
The same goes for big prints. Distracting patterns divert attention away from their smile and expression. Subtle prints like petite florals and stripes, however, can be quite charming and a nod to their personality. A good technique, not just for prints but for anything they choose to wear, is to have your kid try on their picture-day look ahead of time. Snap a few pics on your phone and review them with them. Does their outfit complement them? Do they like it? If neither, try a different look.
In general, solid colors are the best option. Subdued hues like pastels, jewel tones, earthy shades, and neutrals, gentle blues, greens, or pinks, enhance the features of the face and provide a timeless, modern look. Neutral tones work well with most backdrops that a school photographer will have. Bold, neon colors may seem fun, but they create visual distractions and can compete with the backdrop. Black and very dark colors can blend into the background or be too harsh.
Also, be mindful when it comes to accessories. The aforementioned cat headband or large bows will distract and overwhelm a headshot. Leave hats at home; most school dress codes don’t allow hats to be worn inside. If that’s not your school’s policy, wearing a hat is still not a great idea. The brim can cast unwanted shadows on their face and obscure your child’s lovely smile. Even if they don’t wear it for the picture, still leave it at home. Wearing a hat to school on picture day can mess up their hair. Same goes for hoodies. They add additional bulk around your child’s neck, give them an opportunity to fool around with something during the photo session, and they can easily pop it over their heads when the click goes off.
Accessories you may want to try are delicate necklaces, stud earrings, or a small bracelet. Pick one, not all three. A classic watch or small pin can add a bit of personality while maintaining a polished look. A bow tie is also a great option if you’re going for a more formal photo. You want a school photo to capture your child’s natural personality, so keep the accessories understated and tasteful.
Next, make sure the outfit you’ve chosen, ideally together, is clean and wrinkle-free. Well-pressed clothing will help keep the spotlight on your child instead of their rumpled shirt or sweater. If appropriate, schedule a haircut a few weeks before photo day. Send them out of the door with cleaned and combed hair. If makeup is part of your child’s routine, opt for a natural look that enhances their features. Picture day is not the time for a bold lip or a smokey eye.
Another thing to keep in mind is fit. Oversized or baggy tops will look sloppy. You want something that fits but is not tight. Be careful with V-neck and scoop-neck tops or thin-strapped tops. You want some fabric to show in the frame versus having it look like your little one is not wearing a shirt at all.
With all of this prep and consideration, one thing to not to stress over is the bottom half of your kid’s outfit. School pics are mostly headshots. If they want to wear sweatpants, printed leggings, or ripped jeans day of, let them. If you’ve gotten their shoulders and head into shape, then you’ve won!
Remember, picture day is a fantastic opportunity for your children to showcase their true self and personality. So, definitely have them help choose their look with these guidelines to focus on their selections. My girls can quickly become side-tracked when picking clothes if not set up with some perimeters. Hopefully, with these tips, together you can create a picture-perfect look you’ll cherish for years to come.
