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School pictures. Every child that attends school has them, but do they just cause stress? Here’s how you can help your child get their best possible photo on school picture day!
Comfortable Clothes
I don’t know about you, but I love helping my kids pick out their school picture outfits. When considering what to have your child wear on picture day, make sure it’s comfortable for them. If the clothes are stiff or itchy, then their level of comfort will effect their attitude that day. If you’re not sure if the outfit you’ve chosen is the right one, have them wear it a few days before picture day and see how they feel.
Words Of Affirmation
How many busy mornings do we spend with our kids and not slow down enough to tell them how much we love them? I know I’m guilty of throwing an I love you out the van door as they’re scooping up backpacks and heading for the school doors. On picture day, make sure you take a moment to speak words of love and affirmation to your student. If their heart is full, and they feel loved, that’s going to show in their pictures!
Let Them Be
I know we all want that lovely polished smile on picture day, but what if that’s just now how our kids are? Try not to stress your student out by setting the bar too high. Lower your expectations a little and just let them be themselves. Forced smiles are not pleasing and really don’t capture anyone’s true personality. Remind your student that you love them just as they are.
If you or your school are working with a really great photographer, then you know they are making sure all these things happen for your student. When I’m at a school I’m complimenting each child to build up their self esteem. I’m talking to them to make them feel comfortable in front of my camera, so that I can get to know them and see who they truly are before snapping the shutter. I try to elicit real, honest emotion from them during our time so that I might capture that genuine smile. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m looking for that depth in who they are and capturing that instead.
Don’t let picture day be a stressful one for you or your student. Make them feel comfortable, fill them with loving words, and let them be themselves and that amazing image will happen!
If you’re looking for a great school portrait alternative, consider joining me for one of my school portrait pop-up events. I hold these both in the fall and the spring. Make sure you sign up for my email newsletter to find out when those will be happening.
