According to an online poll featured in The Guardian, 67% of parents say they value school photos primarily for sentimental reasons, using them as a yearly marker of their kid’s growth and progression.
To help parents capture this milestone with ease, Custtom, the personalised photo gifting experts, have teamed up with professional photographer Victoria Beddoes to share simple tips for getting the perfect back-to-school shot amongst the morning chaos.
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Think about light, but keep it simple
“Morning light can be unpredictable. Step outside if you can – daylight is softer and more flattering than indoor lamps. If you must stay indoors, position your child near a window and face them toward it to keep their face evenly lit and shadow-free.”
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Show the scale of the moment
“Part of the magic of these photos is seeing how much children grow from year to year. Use a doorway, the garden gate or even the school sign as a frame of reference. A quick wide shot in the same spot each September becomes a powerful series over time.”
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Tell the story in layers
“Don’t stop at a single full-length shot. Why not try a waist-up portrait to capture their expression, then zoom in on the details: the shiny new shoes, backpack or lunchbox? These little touches are what you’ll forget in a few years but be thrilled to look back on.”
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Keep posing playful
“Children tire of photos quickly, so keep it light. Ask for their “biggest smile,” have them grip their backpack straps, or twirl before you click. Tap into their interests – a quick prompt about their favourite superhero or cartoon always sparks a natural grin.”
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Use your phone’s simple tools
“Tap on your child’s face to set focus and exposure, and avoid the harsh flash. If your phone has Portrait mode, switch it on – it blurs the background slightly so your child stands out beautifully.”
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A quick edit goes a long way
“Afterwards, use your phone’s built-in tools to gently brighten the shot and add a touch of contrast. Keep it natural – the best photos look true to the moment, not heavily filtered.”
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Get in one yourself
“Parents often stay behind the camera, but children will want to remember you were there, too. Even if you’re not feeling ‘photo ready’, hand the phone to a partner, neighbour or simply use the self-timer. Being present matters more than looking perfect, and it’ll be a lovely keepsake for your child in years to come.”
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Step back for a candid shot
“After you’ve taken the posed photo, keep your phone ready as they head off down the path or chat with a sibling. The candid, real life moments are often what helps to capture the real excitement of the day.”
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Don’t worry about perfection
“The most important tip? Don’t worry about perfection! A slightly wobbly, joy-filled photo will mean more in years to come than a staged portrait. The goal is to capture your child’s excitement and personality on a milestone day.”
