How to Look Good for Picture Day
Get their haircut, but not right before the big day. Even if you’re just taking them in for a trim, have it done a week or two before picture day. This will give the cut time to settle in and for your little one to have fully adjusted to it.
Practice picture day at home. Doing a practice run at home can help get your toddler ready to pose in front of the camera in their special picture day outfit. Make it fun, and the second they’re over it, quit while you’re ahead. You want them excited for their first school picture day, not dreading it because of negative association.
Be sure your little one gets a good night’s sleep. As is true in many situations with toddlers, being well rested can help things go smoother, especially for a big day like picture day.
Brush teeth before going to school. Don’t forget to have them brush their teeth after breakfast. If they get an early morning slot with the photographer, you don’t want to risk the possibility of blueberry-colored teeth.
How to Pick the Perfect School Picture Day Outfit
Double-check with the school for clothing guidelines. Whether or not your toddler’s school usually requires uniforms, or if there’s a more relaxed dress code, it’s good to check with teachers to confirm if picture day will be different. Perhaps the school district has decided to go with a color theme or is requesting different colors per grade or classroom. You’ll want to incorporate any guidelines when choosing your toddler’s picture day outfits.
Choose simple, but cute picture day outfits. For preschool picture day, you may want to choose from matching girls outfits that she’ll feel comfortable in. Avoid complex patterns, logos, slogans or anything that will compete with your little one’s smile. If your child will be in front of a green screen, pass on the green shirts for obvious reason. If your child will be wearing a school uniform for picture day, make sure it’s clean and pressed. And if you’re able to, pack an extra outfit in case of an accident, or if pictures are after an especially sweaty or dirty recess.
Don’t let their clothes steal the show. Opt for neutral colors and classic styles. It’s best to avoid super bright colors (so there’s less of a chance of them clashing with the background) or clothes that make an outsized statement.
Don’t forget about shoes. School pictures are usually just headshots, but there’s a chance your child could get a full body shot. Consider bringing out a nice new pair for your toddler boy or girl, but make sure they’re comfortable.
Don’t fret about glasses glare. Many professional photographers have a variety of strategies they can use to reduce the glare, ensuring you can capture your little one exactly as they are, glasses and all! They will likely be more comfortable in front of the camera if they’re able to see more than just blurry figures
Go for a simple hairstyle. Pick a hairstyle for school picture day that doesn’t require a lot of fluffing or adjusting pre-photo.
Do what you can to keep hair off their face. In addition to simple hairstyles, use simple hair accessories to keep your little one’s hair in place. Plus, depending on the time of day your child will be photographed, you want to make sure their hair won’t come undone before they get in front of the camera. Opt for half-up, half-down styles, ponytails or braids tied with pretty bows or elastic bands, or even a headband or a cute barrette or two.
Additional Tips for the Prepared Parent
Pack a mess-free lunch. Your child’s photo time may not be until after lunch, so it’s a good idea to pack their lunch box with a meal that’s delicious and mess-free. Things to avoid include sauces like ketchup, chips, cheese puffs, peanut butter and jelly, or other things that could end up on your child’s shirt.
Ask about the background options beforehand. Your child's school may only offer a neutral gray or blue background, but you never know—laser beam backgrounds may be back in style! Knowing the options ahead of time will help you choose an outfit that complements rather than clashes or blends in with the background.
Find out what poses are offered. Some school picture packages include several different poses—some may be from the shoulders up, while others may show the full body. Class photos are often (but not always) taken with some students standing in the back while others kneel in the front.
Know what time pictures will be taken. You may send your little ones off to school looking picture-ready, but if they have play time or snack time beforehand, consider sending them off to school with a backup shirt or outfit just in case.
Send specific notes to your child's teacher. For example, if your child has glasses and you’d prefer a photo with their glasses off, make sure you tell the teacher so they can pass that information along to the photographer.
Get them excited. If you talk about the outfit in advance, your toddler will be excited to head off to school in their stylish toddler boy sets—and they may be more likely to be in good spirits in front of the camera.
Let their personality shine through. Don’t worry if your child is missing a tooth or has hair that won’t behave. School picture days are all about creating memories. The best photos are the ones that accurately capture their little personalities.
What to Do When Picture Day Plans Change
Check in about make-up picture days. Schools and the photographers they use know that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Some photos may not turn out as parents and the children had hoped, and many schools offer make-up picture days for exactly that reason. If you would like a do-over, check in to see what those options may be.
Remember the perfect picture isn’t always the goal. Kids want to look their best for picture day, and all parents are excited to get some professional photos of their little one to include in those holiday cards or on the mantle. But while it is a big day, keep in mind that sometimes, school photo bloopers make for the best keepsakes. For many kids and parents, the cheesier the photos are, the more treasured they become over the years.
With these tips, you can set your child up for picture day success, and remember to shop Carter’s and OshKosh for a wide selection of both cute and simple picture day dresses for girls and picture day outfits for boys. We guarantee you’ll treasure the photos no matter what they come out looking like!
