It’s already that time of the year again: First-day, back-to-school photos are slowly trickling onto your Instagram feed or Facebook timeline. And it seems every year, the photos get more and more creative. But don’t worry, those who still have time before Day 1 arrives: We have plenty of fun first-day-of-school photo ideas for you to choose from.
Need convincing that the first-day-of-school-photos annual tradition is for you and your kids? For starters, these photos are wonderful keepsakes. Tape them into a photo album and revisit the album year after year to witness your kids grow and mature year after year. These pics are also a great opportunity to show off your creativity. Skip the basic photo of your child holding a piece of paper with their grade scribbled on it. Instead, why not use trendy balloons or order a chalkboard sign from Etsy?
Ahead, we’ve gathered 15 of our favorite first-day-of-school photo ideas . Pin a few, get inspired, and kick off the school year in style.
A version of this article was originally published August 2018.
The Letterboard
What a genius idea from Instagram influencer Ashley McFarland: A letterboard is clean, simple and a fun way to interview the kids about what they want to be when they grow up.
Say It with a Balloon
Grab a sheet of stickers and stick ’em on balloons à la Design Improvised. Easy as that.
Frame It
Etsy has plenty of signs you can purchase, download and print from home. Slide into a pretty frame, and you’re set.
First day of preschool board, $7 at Printaposters/Etsy
Balloon Apples
Make these easy, adorable apple balloons for the first-day photo. Get the tutorial at Oh Happy Day.
Goodbye Smooches
If you’d rather ditch the printables and signs, keep it simple with first-day kisses caught on camera, an idea inspired by Mother magazine.
DIY a Sign
No saws required for this DIY first-day photo prop. You can find the tutorial at Fynes Designs.
Play Dress-Up
Have some broken sunglasses lying around? Repurpose them for an adorably nerdy first-day photo shoot, like this one from Ruffles & Stuff.
Keep it Silly
Have fun with it! Let kids unleash their craziest, weirdest faces.
Simple & Modern
Keep it simple and modern with these printables from Remodelaholic.
Chalkboard Sign
Invest in a chalkboard sign you can use year after year.
Chalkboard first day of school sign, $65 at LamourDecorSigns
Flowers & Unicorns
Obsessed with all things flowers, pastels and unicorns? This chalkboard printable on Etsy is too cute for words.
Unicorn back-to-school chalkboard printable sign, $14.95 at MerryelleDesign/Etsy
Print Some Props
Photographer Kristen Duke has plenty of back-to-school photo booth printables for you and kids of all ages to choose from.
First-Day Florals
Pose with this beautiful first-day canvas from Etsy.
First-day paper flowers canvas, $25 at FlwrsAndCraftsByFlor/Etsy
Use Sidewalk Chalk
Turn sidewalk chalk into a colorful first-day-of-school sign. Get the tutorial at eHow.
Don’t Forget About the Last Day of School
An alternative (or addition) to a first-day-of-school photo, taking a pic on the last day gives kids the chance to reflect on the school year.
Last day of school sign, $32.99 at HappyNamesBoutique/Etsy
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