Take back-to-school photos at school! 5 different ideas to try this year

Take a different approach to back-to-school photos this year.

We know a photo is one of the best ways to freeze time, and you may want to freeze time as we enter the start of the school year. Before your kids move up a grade, document the moment with a camera click.

Photographer Kayla Trujillo shares five ways to capture the start of the school year. Ways you haven’t tried before, but that will make your heart burst for years to come.

1. The School Photo

We all know the classic front porch photo. But have you ever considered switching it up and taking a picture at the school? Sometimes, we forget to capture this significant part of our children’s lives. Looking back on pictures of ourselves in front of our schools often brings a rush of nostalgia. The school always looks way smaller and so different than we remember as kids. It’s a fun way to capture memories for your children to look back on in the future.

However, one thing to keep in mind is safety. Be cautious about posting pictures that reveal the name of their school or any identifying landmarks. You can always save those pictures for your personal collection.

2. Focus on One Item

Another idea is to focus on one item that represents your child’s interests at that age. For instance, take a picture of their backpack. As your child grows, their backpack changes to reflect their evolving interests. From Toy Story to Avengers to Star Wars, you can see your child grow up through their backpack choices. This idea can also be extended to other items like lunchboxes.

3. Capture Their Personality with a Video

Don’t just limit yourself to photos; consider making a video. Conduct a little interview with your child. Ask them about their favorite color, their best friends, and what they want to be when they grow up. Just like the backpacks, these answers will change every year. It’s a fun way to see them grow up and change, and it captures their little personalities.

4. Parents, Get in the Picture!

Parents, this one’s for you. You need to get in the picture. This is not just their childhood, but also your parenthood. Even if it feels weird or uncomfortable, it’s important to be part of these memories. Your kids will appreciate having pictures with their parents as they grow up. And remember, we change and age just like our kids do.

5. Document Every Year

Lastly, make sure to take a picture every single year. Whether it’s a school picture or a studio picture with a photographer, get an individual portrait of your child every year. They change so much, and looking back on these pictures is always fun.

Find more photography inspiration from Kayla on Instagram, @kayla.trulyphotography.