Getting An Awesome School Photo: 5 Tips For Parents

Almost everyone who’s endured school picture day can tell you one, universal truism… It’s a lot easier to take a bad photo than a good one.

Thankfully, digital cameras have a delete button.

Sometimes an iPhone shot just doesn’t cut the mustard, though. So for all of the parents preparing to shell out big bucks for professional photos this school year, here are five easy tips to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.

GET THE HAIR RIGHT

When it comes to hair, it pays to keep it simple and act in advance.

Education World suggests that parents schedule their child’s haircut at least 10 days ahead of photo day.

“The front of your child’s hair should not be “eyelash-brushing long and bang cuts should be at least a week old,” the publication recommends.

In addition, “neat, shiny hair” looks best.

“Keep in mind that complicated hair styles do not withstand recess and school schedules do not allow much time for hairstyling,” Education World suggests.

CHOOSE A PLAIN BACKGROUND

If your school’s photographer offers a choice of backgrounds, it may be best to eschew the fancy in favor of the plain.

“Sure, they have the options of all those colors that will match your child’s beautiful eyes, but what do you want to shine more: the background or your kid?” queries ModernMom.com.

“With a neutral brown or gray background, your child will stand out better. Not to mention, it’s hard to find a place in your beach-themed living room for a photo with a red or purple background.”

PRACTICE AT HOME

“The first and easiest thing you can do to make sure your yearbook photo turns out great this year is to spend some time at home practicing your smile in front of the mirror,” KidzWorld.com suggests.

“This might sound cheesy and even a bit conceited, but figuring out how to make a natural-looking smile for the camera takes some prep work ahead of time.”

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Clean and pressed clothing is a must, recommends photographer Heather Crowder.

Skip anything with distracting logos, brand names or iconic characters, Crowder says.

And don’t dress your child up in anything that makes them scratch at the collar.

”If (parents) put the child in something they’re not comfortable in, it’ll show through,” Crowder says. Be sure the outfit is something seasonably appropriate that your kid likes.”

TAKE A PHOTO… FOR SECURITY

“Encourage your child to have a school picture taken even if you are not planning to order photos,” ProEventPhoto recommends. “Your school uses these pictures for identification purposes.”