Back to School is a bittersweet moment for us momma’s that’s why I love sharing tips on capturing back to school memories. On the one hand most of us are glad to be getting some free time back because let’s face it as much as we love our kiddos, those summers can seriously wear us out! But, that day that our kiddos pack up to leave for college, you can guarantee that you will be looking through all your pictures trying to bring back this precious season of life. That is why capturing back to school memories is so important. It help us (and our kids) to remember!
As I was going through some of my old pictures, I noticed “school life” tends to get left out. My mom would always pull out the camera on weekends or during vacation, but my school memories are limited to that horrible yearly school portrait, the front porch picture and pictures at special events. Life feels so daily, it is hard to remember that we should be capturing back to school memories, so I wanted to share a few tips to help you capture the full year.
I know that this year in particular, back to school looks different for everyone. Some of us are sending our kids to school but maybe once or twice a week. Some kids are doing virtual classes, and some have switched to homeschool entirely. No matter what you are doing, these can be adapted to accommodate your family and I’ll even include some ideas for photographing school at home!
Front Porch Picture
When it comes to capturing back to school memories, this picture is the most iconic and done by most moms. But, I still love it! Not only do you get to see how your child grows and changes each year, but you get to see the changes in your home too. Maybe you have a different home every few years {especially if you are a military family} or can you even believe that crazy wreath you thought was so cute 10 years ago? Take one of these each year and I promise, you won’t regret it!
Maybe you’re thinking you just don’t love your front porch that much… That’s ok! Find your favorite spot in your home or yard. It really doesn’t matter where. This can be done in any part of your home. Pro Tip…. I love adding a chalkboard or letter board (I use this one) to add in the year and what grade your kiddo will be in this year. Trust me it will make it so much easier to remember in 15 years!
Schooling from home right now? Make this extra cute by having the kids in their PJ’s with their iPad!
Writing their name or working on homework
Our kiddos learn so much new stuff each year, especially when they are young. It is fun to take a look back and see just how much they have improved. And, during those times where your kid is doubting themselves, you can pull this image out and show them just how much they have accomplished.
Try and take these images once every few weeks and even better if they don’t notice you taking it. When it comes to capturing back to school memories, sometimes those in-the-moment candid shots are the best. If you’re doing virtual or homeschooling this year this is an excellent way to capture their workspace too!
Don’t forget the Details
Chances are your kid has a school accessory they are super proud of this year. Is a new princess backpack or maybe a super cool super hero lunchbox? Or, if you have a teen, likely it will be some part of their wardrobe. Make sure you get pictures of these things because a few years from now, you will completely forget some of the phases they went through! Trust me.
Virtual Schooling this year? Focus on some of the details that they wouldn’t do in school normally. Maybe photograph them participating in a Zoom call with their class or getting to snuggle on the couch in their PJ’s while they study.
Bus Stop
Don’t forget that picture of your kid waiting by the bus stop. It is something you see everyday, but something you will be missing in just a few short years. Kid doesn’t ride the bus? No problem take a shot of them waiting next to the car or once they’re all buckled up. It will be fun to look back and remember the different car seats and cars that were a part of your life!
Home or Virtual Schooling? You can easily change this up. Are you taking your kids for quiet time at the Library to learn? Get a picture of them there! Or maybe on nice days you are taking class outside? That could be a great place to photograph them too!
Pick up or Getting home from School
This is one of my very favorite moments when it comes to capturing back to school memories! There’s nothing quite like the joy on your kids face when they get home from school! I love how much my daughter’s face lights up when she sees me for the first time. (Yes! She is still little.) You will miss that precious smile in a few years. Parents of tweens and teenagers are likely already missing that sweet smile. But if you have a teen, don’t stop that from letting you take a picture.
Reading for their Favorite Story
Gosh, I can’t remember how many awesome books I read when I was a kid. I had wonderful teachers that fostered a love of reading in me. I really do wish my mom had gotten pictures of some of them, so I could share them with my kiddos (and maybe even remember the titles of all of those books I read). Next time you see your kid reading, don’t interrupt them, just snap a quick picture.
Maybe your kid isn’t a reader? That’s ok! Snap a photo of them doing some other activity they love. Maybe they love music class or band. Photograph them playing an instrument. Are they artistic? Photograph them working on their next masterpiece. Always consider your child’s individual nature and what they love. Then, make sure to document it!
Picture with their Teacher
My daughter’s very first teacher was one of my favorites! She is the sweetest soul you will ever meet and she really put me at ease because I was so nervous about my daughter’s first year of school. We’ve since moved and I never got a picture of her with my daughter. I’m so sad about it now and wish I could turn back time to take that picture. Teachers are so fundamental in our kid’s lives. Please don’t forget to take this one!
Virtual or Homeschooling? You can still do this. Have someone take a picture of you with your kids because you will be teaching them this year!
Pictures with Friends
Make sure to get pictures with all your kiddos friends. As classes change and your child gets older {or if you move a lot} this is something that could change. Honor your child’s friendships and get pictures while you can!
At school
Next time you are with your kiddos at school, snap a few pictures of your kids while they are outside, in the classroom or in the hallways. In front of the front doors and near the playground are two of my favorites too.
You + Your Kid working on that School Project
Staying up late to build a replica of the solar system or making 100 cupcakes for your kid’s halloween party?! It may be a little bit stressful now, but trust me you will laugh about it later! Get a few pictures to capture the fun {or chaos}. You won’t regret it. Plus, you can always show it to their kids later. “Hey, grandkids! Here’s the time your dad waited until the night before to start his science project!” 😉
BONUS TIP: As you are taking all these fun pictures to capture your life! I want to point out the value of candid images. Yes, momma! I know how much you love to have your kids looking at the camera and smiling (and I have all kinds of tips for that here) BUT if you try to take posed pictures all the time your kids will really really end up resenting it when you pull out the camera. Candid shots capture a snapshot in time of your kids as they really are and sometimes they are even better than those posed portraits that we love.
No matter all the craziness happening this school year is important and you can always make it FUN for you and your family! I am so excited that you can’t wait to pull out your camera and capture all those precious memories that are bound to happen. Know another momma that would benefit from this? Please share it with her!
Much love,
Gabi
P.S. Now that you know WHAT pictures to take of your family this year… are you wanting to learn more about HOW to take better pictures this year? Head on over to my Facebook group! I share all kinds of free camera tutorials throughout the year to help you capture all the important moments in your life!
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