Parents unite: it’s the most wonderful time of the year because the kiddos are headed back to school (cue the fake sniffle)!
Aside from picture day, the first day of school is probably the only day of the year your kids’ outfits are perfect and every strand of hair is in place. It’s also the last chance their backpacks and shoes have to look their best. Why not mark the memory with an extra-special back-to-school photo shoot?
Sure, your standard back-to-school photos of kids with cheesy grins by the school bus are a yearly hit. But want to take things to the next level without hiring a professional photographer? There are tons of ways to accomplish this with a little help from simple things like sidewalk chalk, balloons, and books.
Looking for some easy and meaningful back-to-school photo ideas? These examples are absolutely Instagram-worthy and best of all, they don’t require extensive props…or DIY skills!
Back to School Photo Ideas
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Say It With a Balloon
Upgrade your first day of school photos with some simple DIY balloons. Craft them with letter stickers the night before so you aren't scrambling that morning!
Photo: Design Improvised
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Sidewalk Chalk
This is, by far, the simplest photo idea — and all it requires sidewalk chalk, something you may already have in your home.
Photo: How to Photograph Your Life
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The Forever Tee
I saw this idea in the blogosphere a while back and plan to do this for both my girls once they reach Kindergarten. It's an adult-sized t-shirt with their year of high school graduation on it that they wear for a first day of school picture every year.
Photo: The Journey of Parenthood
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Sweet Setup
Add extra personality to your photos with an old-school desk and books. This photo was taken by a professional, but there's no reason you can't recreate something similar right in your own back yard. I
Photo: Hannah Marie Photography
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Shoes and Books
It's all about the shoes! And hopefully, the books too, for your star student. This close-up photo sums up the first day in a nutshell.
Photo: Erin Hensley Photography
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Too Cool
I love how this mom turned back-to-school into an opportunity to create an editorial-style photo shoot. How cute are these kiddos!
Photo: Instagram/tmpineapple
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Keep it Real
Forget the chalkboards announcing the grade level and teacher's name. What's the most important thing that can possibly be written on that sign they're holding? Stop crying, Mom! So. Cute.
Photo: Instagram/shrinking_princess
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Keep a Sense of Humor
Some cry, some....celebrate! By the end of the summer most parents (whether you care to admit it or not) can't get the kids of the house fast enough!
Photo: HNM Photography
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Freestyle
Back-to-school photos don’t have to follow the traditional formula of posing kids in their new outfits. Zoom in on their excitement with some candid shots.
There's nothing better than letting kids be kids, and if there's anything mine like to do, it's run free. I absolutely love how this mom blogger captured her littles in their back-to-school best.
Photo: Awed by Monica
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Backpack View
The backpack shot feels so classic, but you don't see it as much anymore. While this view shows them walking away from you, which is kind of a heart melter, it's also so beautifully poignant and something you'll treasure for years to come.
Photo: Instagram/mlleamanda
