Capture the Magic: Tips for Perfect Back-to-School Photos

The first day of school is a momentous occasion filled with excitement and anticipation. As parents, we want to capture these precious memories through stunning back-to-school photos to share with friends and family and to look back on with your children in years to come. 

Back-to-school photos aren't just about taking pics for social media and families back home; they're also a way to capture a moment a time! Their excited faces, all the emotions, yours and theirs, as they set off on new adventures.

To help you get the best possible photos you can of this special day, here are eight top tips for photographing your children’s first day back at school.

We know it’s easier said than done, but trying to take photos of your children in a rush is never a good thing - you’re stressed, they're stressed and it will show in your pictures!

Starting your day a little earlier can make a world of difference. Give yourself ample time to get everyone ready without rushing.

If you think this is unlikely to happen then consider taking the photos the day before. This allows for more relaxed poses and natural smiles.

Whilst it might seem a lot of hassle to get everyone organised and into school uniforms on a non-school day, it could mean a much less stressful first day of term! And in 10 years time you won’t remember whether you took the photos on the first day of school or the day before, but you’ll definitely be glad you took them.

Just this one simple move can really transform your back-to-school photos.

Finding a clean, neutral backdrop makes sure that your little one is the first thing you see, and not a pile of toys or the remnants of breakfast on the table behind them!

A clear wall in the house, outside your front door (quickly, we know it’s hot!) or somewhere in the garden that’s not ‘too busy’ could be the perfect backdrop. Just make sure there’s nothing behind them to compete with your star of the picture! Remember, less is often more.

Our favourite spot to photograph our own children is outside your front door, freezing time and featuring your home too!

If you are a real 'planner', then doing the photos the evening before school starts is a brilliant idea and ensures you will have a softer sunset light, and so less squinting faces!

Lighting is so important when it comes to photos, and it's often so difficult to get right!

Soft, natural lighting will help to avoid harsh shadows. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight is ideal. If shooting indoors, position yourself near a window for the best results.

Add a touch of fun to your back-to-school photos with picture-perfect props that reflect the theme.

Our personalised balloon wands are a perfect choice to add a pop of colour and create a unique keepsake. You can choose your own colours, personalise with your own message and order them in advance so you can be sure they’re ready for you right when you need them!

Capture your child's world from their perspective by getting down on their level. This creates a more intimate and engaging back-to-school photo.

Kneeling down if it gives you a better angle, or go higher and get your children to look up towards you. 

Don't forget to capture the little things that make back-to-school special.

New uniform, new shoes, new lunch bag… All of these things will have been chosen with great love, care and excitement for the new school year. We know how much joy it brings seeing old clothes, toys and sentimental objects from our childhood in old photos, and no doubt these back-to-school photos will be the same for our children when they’re older too.

Once you’ve got your shots of your children posing nicely in their uniform, have some fun! While posed shots are lovely, candid moments often tell a more genuine story.

Photograph them interacting with their friends, adjusting their backpacks, or sharing a laugh. These spontaneous shots reflect their true emotions and experiences.

You can capture the journey to school, some fun action shots and your children at the school doors.

We love how schools in the UAE go all out for occasions like this, welcoming their students back with wonderful back-to-school photo backdrops - like these here in our Balloon Backdrop Collection. Don’t forget to factor this in too and make the most of the morning’s drop off!

Make it a family affair by including everyone in the back-to-school photos. Capture the excitement and love shared among family members.

If it’s your eldest’s first day of school, include their younger siblings. If all your children are at school, get some photos of them all together. And, most importantly, don’t forget to get in the frame yourself.

Whether one of your other children takes the photo, you use your camera’s timer or even make it a selfie, make sure you’re in the frame with your children on this momentous day!

While posed back-to-school photos are lovely, spontaneous shots often capture the true essence of the day. Be ready to capture those genuine smiles and laughter.

Turn back-to-school photos into an annual tradition. Watch your children grow and change over the years through your collection of images.

By following these tips, you can create beautiful and lasting memories of your child's back-to-school journey. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the moment!

In the end, the key to capturing better back-to-school photos of your kids lies in their authenticity. Let their personalities shine and remember that these snapshots are more than just images – they're timeless memories that you and your children will fondly revisit in the years ahead. A bonus might be that your own photos end up better than the official school portrait shots in which case you've saved money too!

We hope you’ve found these tips useful as you take this year’s first day of school photographs!

We’d love to see you little ones rocking our balloon photo props, so if you can, please remember to tag us @PartySocialUAE on social media to share your back-to-school photos!