The first day of school is such a special milestone—and it deserves more than a rushed photo while everyone’s half-dressed, holding a granola bar, jittery with nerves and already late. If you’ve ever wanted first-day-of-school photo ideas but weren’t sure where to begin (or thought you needed fancy gear), I’ve got you covered!
I LOVE using photography to create family traditions like first day of school photos because it allows you to see how your family grows over the years and offers a routine touchpoint for connection.
Whether you’re using your phone or a DSLR/mirrorless camera, these tips will help you slow down, snap a frame-worthy photo, and savor this special time.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot for Your First Day of School Photo Ideas
The best location for a portrait is one with soft, even light—no harsh sun or deep shadows.
Here are some ideas for great photo spots:
- Covered front porch: Even shade, no squinting, and a timeless look.
- Garage doorway (with the garage open): Beautiful open shade, especially in the morning.
- School sign or entrance: Bonus: This works well for last-day comparison photos too!
- Tree-lined sidewalk or driveway: Dappled light can be pretty—just avoid bright spots on faces.
- Bedroom or playroom near a big window: Indoors works if you have natural light!
- Backyard fence or garden wall: A neutral or green background keeps the focus on your child.
Step 2: Add an Optional Prop (or Keep It Simple!)
Props are totally optional—but they can help tell the story of your child’s year and are super fun to compare later on! You can even do a mini interview with your kiddo and ask their current hobbies, favorites, and dreams!
Here are a few (Amazon) affiliate-link worthy prop ideas I found for you:
- Wooden First and Last Day of School Daisy Sign
- Wooden First and Last Day of School Neutral Sign
- First day of school pennant flags set of three
- School pennant flags set of 32 (all grades)
- Apple shaped wooden first and last day signs
- Letter Board
- Apple Chalkboard
- Grade-level hello first day shirts
- “Bruh we back” Shirt
- In my Preschool Era Shirt
- Books or backpacks
I would say less is more here, and if you plan to share these on social media be smart about the details you are sharing/hide school/uniform logos with the props! I like to take multiple photos of my kids and usually share faces covered photos on public social media accounts, and keep the personal ones for our family yearbooks. 😊
Step 3: Find the Best Light
- Morning light is your friend! Especially if you don’t have any shade–shoot before 10 a.m. or in the evening golden hour (about 1–2 hours before sunset).
- Look for shade—porches, open garage doors, or under trees give you soft light and happy faces. Stand in the shade facing the open sun!
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially overhead—it causes squinting and unflattering shadows.
Using a phone? Tap on your child’s face to set focus and exposure, and try Portrait mode or Live! Using a camera? Shoot in Manual mode and open your aperture up for creamy backgrounds. (More on how to achieve bokeh here.)
Bonus Tip: Take It the Day Before
The best-kept secret for first-day-of-school photos?
Take them the day before.
Here’s why:
- You’re not rushed or running late.
- Your kids can practice the morning routine and feel more confident.
- You’ll have a calmer morning and a great photo ready to share!
Try a “mock run” of the first day:
- Walk to the bus stop or drive the school route.
- Go over what time you’ll leave.
- Show where backpacks, shoes, and lunches go.
- Let your kids ask any lingering questions and help with those first day jitters!
This turns a photo op into a comforting ritual for everyone.
Bonus Bonus: Take the Same Photo on the Last Day!
Stand in the same spot. Use the same prop or sign. Pose them the same way.
You’ll love looking at these side-by-side and seeing just how much your child has grown—physically and emotionally—over the year. 😭
Ready to Go from “I think we got something” to we nailed that?
If you’ve ever wished your back-to-school photos looked as good as the ones you see on Pinterest, the good news is: you don’t need a new camera or Photoshop.
You just need a little guidance.
🎓 My DIY Portraits Workshop will help you:
- Learn exactly what settings to use for a phenomenal portrait (with your phone or camera)
- Choose the best time and location
- Use the correct camera settings no matter what device you’re using
- Confidently prompt your child for natural smiles and real connection
Let’s make this the year your first-day photo becomes a forever favorite. 💛 Register for the portrait workshop at the button below!
P.S. Tag me on Instagram @manualmodeformoms—I’d love to see your first day photos!