5 Top Tips to Get Your Child Ready for School Photos

School Photo Day comes around once a year, and for many parents, it’s can be both exciting and a little stressful. You want those photos to capture your child’s personality while also looking neat and presentable — and with a few simple tips, you can make the morning run smoother.

At Dorrigo Photographic Services, we understand how important these memories are, and we’re here to help you get the best possible results from your child’s school photos. Here are five top tips for getting your child ready for School Photo Day:

1. Start the Morning Calm

Kids can pick up on your stress, so aim for a relaxed start to the day. Prepare uniforms, shoes, and accessories the night before, and make sure payment has been made. A calm morning means smiles come more naturally — and nothing looks better in a photo than a genuine grin!

2. Uniforms: Fresh, Clean, and Photo-Ready

Make sure school shirts are washed, ironed, and free of food stains (Vegemite toast has a way of making an appearance!). For older kids, remind them to tuck in their shirts and check that collars sit flat. If your child wears a school tie or jacket, give it a quick iron so it looks sharp.

3. Keep Hair Neat and Comfortable

A style that lasts until Lou the Photographer calls their name is key. For girls, ponytails, braids, or neatly styled hair can keep flyaways under control. For boys, a quick trim before Photo Day works wonders. Avoid overdoing hair products — the goal is tidy but natural.

4. Avoid Last-Minute Food and Drink Mishaps

Breakfast is important, but go for foods that won’t stain or get stuck in teeth. If you’re packing lunch for the day, hold off on potentially messy foods like strawberries, yoghurt pouches, or tomato-based pasta until after photos are taken.

5. Encourage Natural Smiles

Some kids freeze up or give a forced grin when the camera comes out. Before Photo Day, have a little practice at home — make silly faces, laugh together, and encourage them to think of something that makes them happy. A relaxed child will give a more genuine, happy smile on the day.

* Bonus Tip for Group Photos

If your child wears glasses, give the lenses a clean before school so there’s no glare or smudges in the photo. If their glasses darken in sunlight, try to have them indoors before the shoot so the lenses return to clear.

With a little preparation (and maybe a few deep breaths), you can make sure your child looks and feels great for their school photos. Years from now, you’ll be glad you took the extra time — these images will become treasured family memories.