Looking back at the first day of school is something that triggers excitement and newness you’ll remember even as an adult. Whether it’s a new school, outfit and shoes or backpack, or a teacher, the first day of school is full of new things. Lots of things change –  we move homes, we move cities, we change friends but we always have photos. Documenting the first day of school can spark memories for years to come, and it keeps a record of the past and all the changes that occurred. Here are some tips & tricks for the best keepsake, your photos! 

 

Tip One: Be Prepared

The first day of school can sneak up on us in many ways. As parents, we often have good intentions that sometimes don’t materialize. Be sure to make a plan for the first day and be ready! Now is a great time to get what you need to make it special. 

 

Tip Two: Decorations

There is something so special about putting up some balloons or even a banner to commemorate an event. Brown paper banners, balloons or even streamers can make something as ordinary as going to school feel like you’re on cloud nine. Not to mention, these are great backdrops for your photos!

 

Tip Three: Signage

Signs are a great way to remember things and document details about the day. Gone are the days when we printed out photos and wrote details on the back. Signs in the photo bring this tradition into the digital age.

 

Chalkboard signs:

This is a cheap & reusable way to have all of the necessary details in one sign. There are many premade options that come with fill in-the-blank spaces but if you don’t have access to one, here are some ideas for what to ask your child:

1. 1. What do you want to be when you grow up?
   2. Favorite Color?
   3. What are you most excited about?
   4. Favorite flavor of ice cream?
   5. What makes you smile?
   6. Who is your best friend?

Printables:

There are plenty of resources on Canva for you to make your own sign and customize it for your child’s first day. Here are some ideas to include: 

1. 1. 1. Name
      2. Age
      3. Height
      4. Grade
      5. Teachers Name
      6. School Name
      7. Graduation Year

Here are sign ideas if you’re looking to purchase a sign or backdrop: 

 

1. 1. • Amazon First Day & Last Day of School
      • Etsy Customized First & Last Day of School
      • Etsy First & Last Day of School Pennant
      • Etsy Back to School Banner

Tip Four: Graduation Date Tee

Get a t-shirt made with your child’s graduation year on it for their older self. Every year the t-shirt gets smaller and smaller, but eventually it fits!

 

Tip Five: Lighting & Background

Choose a spot for your photos that isn’t distracting or too dark. Outdoor lighting is the best way to ensure your photo has the best quality. Find a plain wall, an inviting stoop, or green foliage. Complexity can distract from your subject!

 

Tip Six: Disposable Camera Tradition

Pick up a disposable camera to capture special moments throughout the school year or even just the first and last day of school each year from kindergarten through 12th grade. Since most disposable cameras come with 24–36 exposures, you can reserve one photo for the first day and one for the last day each year. By the time they graduate high school, you’ll have a full roll of memories ready to be developed, just in time for their graduation day. Cue the tears… It’s a beautiful way to document their entire school journey in one unforgettable roll of film.

 

Tip Seven: Using Discretion

While these memories are precious, always be mindful of the information you share online, especially details like your child’s school, their teacher’s name, or photos that reveal your home’s exterior. Use discretion when posting on social media to help keep your family safe.

 

 

Photo Checklist

1. 1. 1. Getting Ready Moments: Snap a few candid shots during breakfast or while they’re brushing teeth, tying shoes, or putting on their backpack.
      2. With a First Day Sign: Classic and always a favorite! Use a chalkboard, printed sign, or custom prop to mark the grade and year.
      3. Backpack Shot from Behind: A timeless photo that becomes even more special as their backpack seems to shrink over the years.
      4. Toy Goodbye Setup: Stage a Toy Story inspired moment where your child says goodbye to their favorite toys, perfect for little ones starting preschool or kindergarten.
      5. Graduation Year T-Shirt: Let them wear a shirt with their high school graduation year printed on it, watch how it fits differently each year.
      6. By a Tree in the Yard: Choose a specific tree and take the same photo each year to show your child growing right along with it.
      7. On the Front Porch or in the Yard: A cozy and familiar setting that makes a great background.
      8. With Siblings: Capture the chaos or the cuteness, either way, it’s always worth documenting.
      9. Recreate Last Year’s Photo: Hold up last year’s first-day photo to create a fun “then vs. now” comparison.
      10. With the Parents: Don’t forget to jump in a few frames! A selfie or a timer shot works just fine, these moments matter to you too.
      11. In the Car on the Way: A quick snap in the back seat (or passenger seat for teens) can capture their emotions in the moment.
      12. For Teen Drivers: If they’re driving themselves to school for the first time, grab a quick photo of them in front of or behind the wheel, it’s a big milestone!
      13. At the Bus Stop: Capture the anticipation while waiting, boarding, or waving goodbye as the bus pulls away.
      14. Outside the School: Take a photo with the school’s name sign or by the front door.
      15. Walking In from Behind: A symbolic shot that shows them heading into a new chapter, especially powerful for milestone years.

Homeschool Highlight:
If you’re homeschooling, don’t miss out on the photo fun! Set up a learning space backdrop, a cozy nook, or even your kitchen table. Capture your child with their curriculum, supplies, or first book of the year. Wherever you do school, it’s still special and worthy of celebration.

You Might Also Like…

1. 1. • RCM’s Back to School Guide
      • Back to School: The Care & Keeping of Teachers & Students