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9 First Day of School Signs + Tips for Great Photos

It’s Back to School crunch time! Make Back to School Photos simpler by downloading these FREE First Day of School Signs from Craftivity Designs.

It’s August 1st and Back to School crunch time. While I haven’t even picked up the school supply list, at least I’m ready for First Day of School Photos. Several years ago we started using a set of colorful First Day of School Signs, and I look forward to the special photos every year.  

FREE PRINTABLE First Day of School Signs

**Note: This post was originally written as a guest post for Beauty in the Mess.

Back to School Photo Ideas

1.  Natural Light

Find a spot in your home with great natural light, such as:

  • On the front porch
  • Inside the house, near a window or door
  • Outside the house

Natural light will highlight your kid’s facial features, producing a clear, sharp, photo. It’s best to have the light hit their face from an angle – such as from the front-right or front-left (just like those big white flash umbrellas from a photo studio!). 

Boy with a printable sign reading "my first day of first grade"

2.  Simple Backdrop

Once you’ve identified a spot with great natural light, make sure the backdrop isn’t busy. A simple backdrop makes your kiddo the star, try spots like:

  • the front door
  • a blank interior wall
  • siding/brick
  • a wood fence
  • landscaping, such as bushes, plants, or trees

3.  Photo Props

Kids can be fidgety. Before we start snapping back to school photos, I like to grab a few photo props to have on hand. I’ve found that my kids are less likely to fidget when they have something to hold, or engage with, while posing for photos. Here are a few ideas:

  • backpacks and lunch boxes
  • First Day of School Signs
  • stack of books
  • growth chart 
  • vintage school desk, typewriter, or eyeglasses
FREE PRINTABLE First Day of School Signs, Back to School Photo Ideas and Photo Props, by @CraftivityD

4.  Timing

We don’t typically take photos on the First Day of School… what?! Isn’t that breaking the rules or something? No! One thing I know for certain, a busy early morning is not the best time for taking photos in our house.

Typically, I allocate time for First Day of School Photos several days before class actually starts. We choose a time when everyone is in a good mood, and we aren’t rushed.

Give it a try… and if you’re a “First Day purist”, you can still snap a few quick pics that morning!

First Day of School Signs

So, let’s get ready for the First Day of School

FREE PRINTABLE First Day of School Signs, Back to School Photo Ideas and Photo Props, by @CraftivityD

There are three different ways to grab a copy of the first day of school signs. Take your pick!

  1. Craftivity Designs email subscribers receive a free copy by filling out the form, below.
  2. Beauty in the Mess email subscribers receive a free copy through this post.   
  3. Not into subscribing for emails? Grab an inexpensive school sign set (first and last day of school signs) in my shop. 

Would you like to download the free printable? Click the button, below, to sign up for our newsletter and gain access to the freebie library. Once subscribed, you will receive an email with instructions to access the library.

If you have any problems signing up, please send an email to loragreen@craftivitydesigns.com, and I will sign you up manually.


Hope you get some great photos… like this one. Seriously, isn’t that photo perfect? That kid’s personality keeps us busy and laughing.

Boy holding a sign that says "my first day of kindergarten"
 First Day of School Signs FREE Printable

8 First Day of School Signs

It's that time of year! Grab a set of 2019-2020 first day of school signs so that you are ready to document the special day with fun photos.

If you like these First Day of School Signs, you might also like:

zan

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

You always create some beautiful printables. Your son seems to be enjoying posing for the photos. Hopefully, you can get started with school prepping soon.

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

Thanks, Zan! I love making them, I just never set aside the time. I really like how these turned out.

Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

So sweet!! Love seeing all the pictures of kids on their first day! And kids back in school already???? oh no. I'm with you, haven't even started to think about it yet :)

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

I know! It is fun to see everyone sharing their kiddo's pics.

Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins

Sunday 7th of August 2016

These are so cute! We are down to about 2 1/2 weeks until school starts and I can't believe it!

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

That is about when we start, too!