How to Prepare for School Picture Day: A Parent's Guide


School Age Girl Making a funny face on school picture day


School picture day is one of those yearly events that brings a mixture of excitement and anticipation. It’s an opportunity to capture your child’s smile, their growing personality, and those little moments in time that you’ll treasure for years. As a parent, preparing for picture day can feel like a small but significant task, but with a little planning, you can make sure your child looks and feels their best for the big day.

Whether it’s your first school picture day or you’re a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your child has a picture-perfect experience.

1. Mark the Date and Time

The first step in preparation is making sure you know when picture day is! Schools typically send home a notice or include it on their website, but it’s easy to overlook if you're busy with other activities. Check your school’s calendar and set a reminder a few days before so you can get your child ready without any last-minute stress.

2. Talk to Your Child About the Day

School picture day can feel like a big deal, especially if it's the first time. Take a few moments to talk to your child about the experience. Here’s what you can discuss:

  • What to Expect: Explain what will happen on picture day—how they’ll stand (or sit if they are little) in front of the camera, smile, and then go back to class. Keep it light and fun!

  • Encourage Confidence: Remind them to stand tall and smile naturally. A positive, confident attitude will help them feel more at ease when it’s their turn in front of the camera.

  • Answer Any Questions: If your child feels nervous, reassure them that everyone gets their picture taken, and it’s totally normal to feel a little shy.

3. Help Choose the Right Outfit

Choosing an outfit is one of the most important parts of preparation. You want your child to feel comfortable and confident, but you also want them to look great in their photos. Here are some tips for picking the right outfit:

  • Opt for Simple and Comfortable Clothing: Avoid overly busy patterns or clothes that may distract from your child’s face. Solid colors or subtle prints work best. Bright, jewel-toned colors (like blues, reds, and purples) can make your child pop on camera.

  • Think About Fit and Comfort: Make sure their clothes fit well and are comfortable. If something is too tight or itchy, it could show in the photo—and more importantly, could make your child uncomfortable.

  • Check for Wrinkles: Clothes that are wrinkled can look sloppy in photos, so give them a quick iron or steam the outfit beforehand to keep it looking neat.

  • Consider Layering: If the weather is unpredictable, layer your child’s outfit with a jacket or sweater that can be easily removed for the photo.

4. Prepare for Hair and Grooming

Hair is another key component of a successful school picture. As a parent, you can help your child look their best by focusing on these grooming tips:

  • Brush and Style Hair Ahead of Time: Whether your child has short, long, or curly hair, make sure it’s brushed and styled the way they like it. You might want to practice with a fun hairstyle if they’re excited about it—just make sure it’s simple enough for them to keep up with all day.

  • Avoid New Haircuts the Day Before: If you’re thinking of giving your child a new haircut for picture day, it’s better to schedule it a few days in advance. This gives them time to adjust to the new look.

  • Keep It Simple: Avoid overly elaborate hairstyles that may fall apart throughout the day. A neat ponytail, braids, or a simple combed look usually works best.

  • Use Hair Accessories Sparingly: If your child likes hair clips, ribbons, or headbands, go for subtle accessories that won’t distract from their face. Too many accessories can take attention away from the photo itself.

5. Mind the Skin and Face

For picture day, you’ll want your child’s skin to look fresh and healthy. Here are some tips to ensure they’re photo-ready:

  • Moisturize: Ensure your child’s face is properly moisturized. Dry skin can look dull on camera, so use a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer to keep their skin smooth.

  • Avoid New Skincare Products: If your child is prone to skin sensitivities, avoid trying new skincare products right before picture day to prevent any irritation or breakouts.

  • Clean and Healthy Face: Make sure your child washes their face the morning of picture day to remove any dirt or oils that might affect how they look on camera.

6. Plan for the Morning Routine

On the day of school picture day, make sure everything runs smoothly by planning ahead:

  • Set Out the Outfit the Night Before: To avoid rushing in the morning, lay out your child’s picture day outfit the night before. Make sure it’s wrinkle-free and ready to go.

  • Eat a Healthy Breakfast: A nutritious breakfast will give your child the energy and focus they need to start the day off right. Plus, a satisfied stomach is less likely to cause fussing or distractions before the big photo.

  • Be on Time: Arriving at school with plenty of time ensures that your child won’t feel rushed. It also gives them a moment to settle in and feel comfortable before their photo is taken.

7. Keep the Camera-Ready Attitude

Help your child feel excited and confident about having their picture taken. If they’re nervous, remind them that everyone is getting their picture taken and that it’s a fun tradition. Encourage them to be themselves—sometimes the best photos come when they’re just having fun!

8. Bring Extra Items Just in Case

Accidents happen, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Here are a few things you might want to send along with your child on picture day:

  • Comb or Brush: Just in case a hair mishap occurs.

  • A Stuffy or Blankie:  If your school allow it, a stuffy or blankie can be really helpful if your child is extra shy.  Sometimes have that item can make them feel more comfortable around the photographer – and it makes the pictures extra special and memorable.  Don’t worry, as the photographer, we will always try to take some pictures without it too.  So you will have a lot of variety to choose from!

  • Extra Clothing: If your child tends to spill or make a mess, pack a backup shirt or sweater.

9. After the Picture Day

Once picture day is over, make sure to check in with your child about how it went. They might be excited to share the experience with you! And when the photos come in, remember that the final result is just one of many memories in your child’s school year.

Final Thoughts

Picture day is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories, and with just a little preparation, you can ensure your child looks and feels their best. By planning ahead with the right outfit, hairstyle, and attitude, you’ll be setting them up for success in front of the camera—and you’ll get a photo you can cherish for years to come.

So, mark your calendars, prep your child, and get ready to smile and be silly—school picture day is just around the corner!

 

Shauna Puckett