It’s that time of year again—September is just a few days away, and the back-to-school season is upon us! One lovely family tradition is taking a first day of school photo. There are countless first day of school photo ideas out there for capturing this special moment. Some families hold up signs with the teacher’s name and grade, while others take the same photo in the same spot each year. Then, some families prefer to snap their first day of school photo just minutes before their child heads into school on that big first day.

If your family is anything like mine, the first day of school can be filled with jitters, last-minute to-dos, and a bit of chaos, which can make this sweet tradition feel rushed or stressful. Here are some first day of school photo ideas and tips to make your first day of school photo less stressful and much more fun. With a few quick go-to photo ideas or by changing the timing of your photo, you can capture a picture you’ll cherish forever.

Have an Idea in Mind for Your First Day of School Photo

The best tip I can offer is to have a clear idea in mind for your first day of school photo. There are so many great first day of school photo ideas out there. Take the time to narrow down the one you like and will work best for your family. Think about where, when, and how you want to capture this special moment. Will you take the photo at school, on your porch, or in the morning of the first day? Or maybe even the day before? Do you have a special prop you want your little ones to hold? Don’t try to wing it on the morning of the first day of school. Kids are often anxious or excited and may be less likely to cooperate. Have all props ready to go the night before. You definitely don’t want to be troubleshooting a printer or making a sign while the bus is just minutes away.

Choosing a Time for the First Day of School Photo

If you already know that the morning of the first day of school will be stressful, consider taking your first day of school photos the evening before. “But it’s not the real first day of school!” you or your kids might argue. Yes, that’s true, but you can rebrand this as “back-to-school eve.” By moving the photo session to the day or evening before, you eliminate time constraints and create a much more relaxed atmosphere, which can lead to better photos. Plus, the evening before is usually less anxiety-filled than the morning of the first day.

Aim to shoot during the golden hour, the hour before sunset, for the best lighting. Choose a pretty outdoor spot, avoiding harsh shadows and looking for even lighting. Porches or front steps make great backdrops for back-to-school photos. If you’re up for it and your child’s school is nearby, consider taking a quick ride or walk over to get a photo in front of the school sign. This could even become a fun tradition if you decide to embrace the idea of “back-to-school eve.” And who knows—maybe you could go out for ice cream afterward!

First Day of School Photo Ideas with Props

• Signs: I love the classic apple or chalkboard signs you can find at big box and craft stores. Make sure whichever one you choose is easy to read. Here’s another tip: if you use the same sign year after year, avoid writing directly on the sign. Instead, pull the photo into a photo editing program like Google Photos or even Microsoft Paint and add a text box. This will save you a lot of time and cleanup.
• An Apple: It might sound a little corny, but apples are a cute prop. They give your child something to hold and play with while adding a charming element to the first day of school photo.
• Books: Similar to apples, books give your child something to hold and focus on, which is great if they have less patience for posing.
• Backpack: I’m a big fan of the over-the-shoulder backpack pose. It really sets the theme of the photo and gives your child something to hold.

Back-to-School Interview Questions

Another fun tradition is to do a quick interview with your child each year and record it. Some families do this on their children’s birthdays, too! You’ll be so grateful you did this when they’re all grown up. Need some inspiration for what to ask? Here’s a list:

• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• What makes you happy?
• What’s your favorite snack?
• Where is your favorite place?
• What’s your favorite book, show, or movie?
• What’s your favorite animal?
• What’s one piece of advice you have for kids on the first day?

Poses for First Day of School Photos

• Back-to-back on the porch or front steps
• Seated with the backpack beside them
• Over-the-shoulder backpack pose
• Power pose with arms crossed in front of chest
• Classic lunchbox-in-hand pose
• Siblings with arms around each other’s shoulders

Capturing the perfect back-to-school photo is all about planning and creating a fun, stress-free environment. Remember having a plan for when you will do these photos is the most important part! Whether you decide to use back-to-school props, take advantage of the beautiful morning light, or make a tradition of snapping a few photos on back-to-school eve, the goal is to capture this special moment in a way that feels natural and memorable. Taking a moment to take this photo is a celebration of your child’s growth and a way to hold onto these fleeting moments. So grab your camera, get creative, and have fun documenting this exciting new chapter!

With September right around the corner, be sure to also check out my guide to choosing the perfect fall outfits for family photos! Do you have another milestone you would like to capture but need the assistance of a professional photographer? Let’s chat!