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.  

**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!). 

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

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! 

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. 

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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.

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

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