I can’t believe it’s already time for back to school photos! As a mom and photographer, these back to school photos are important to me. I want to document my children’s growth and the stage they’re in each year when that school bus arrives. I am so excited to be sharing my top tips for back to school photos this year - plus it’s a great excuse to share Grayson’s photos from the last two years in preschool and kindergarten. I can’t believe he’ll be starting first grade next week (and I know I’m not the only mama who feels that way!). I hope that these tips help you create special back to school photos that you’ll treasure forever.

#1: Use natural light.

Head outside and capture a few photos on your front porch or by the front door, or even waiting at the bus stop! If you’re taking your photos inside, choose a clean uncluttered background by a big window with lots of great light coming through. Make sure that any lights within the room are turned off or you’ll have competing sources. The more natural light, the better!

#2: Plan ahead.

Sometimes it can feel chaotic getting ready in the morning on the first day of school after having a slower schedule all summer. You may want to take a few photos in their nice outfit the day before school starts to help hype your child up about school starting the next day, and do a practice run getting ready for the big day. If you plan to use any signs or print outs, get them ready the night before too!

#3: Use a cute sign (or even a piece of paper!) with the year or grade level.

If you’re going to be sharing the photos online, consider not including the name of their school or teacher on the sign for privacy reasons, or cover those elements up when you edit the photo before posting. It’s always fun to see how your children’s answers change over the years!

#4: Capture candid moments, too.

While everyone loves the traditional photos of your child smiling at the camera, don’t forget the candid ones! My personal favorites of my son on his first day of school are when he is laughing and being silly, and really letting his personality shine.

#5: Make sure you get their teeth in the photo!

These little ones start losing teeth so quickly, and their smiles change month by month. Document it before it transforms! Plus, asking your kids to smile with their teeth is a fun prompt to get some laughs and real smiles!

#6: Incorporate school elements to tell the full story.

Show off their backpack that they picked out, their lunch box, them getting onto the bus. Show them by the sign or entrance to the school, or outside their classroom if you’re dropping them off. Again, if you’re sharing your photos online, consider keeping some private for their safety and including them just in your own personal photo album.

#7: Have fun!

Your back to school photos shouldn’t be stressful (for you or your kids!). Keep it light and easy for your child, and don’t put any pressure on to get that perfect shot. Let them be kids, and capture them where they’re at! Trust me, you’ll treasure those photos way more in the years to come.