Photo Day Tips: How to Help Your Child Look and Feel Their Best

School photo day is a special moment for parents and kids alike—it’s a chance to capture their unique personality and growth year after year. To help things go smoothly (and to avoid any last-minute surprises), we’ve rounded up our top photo day tips to ensure your child looks great and feels confident in front of the camera.

1. Choose Outfits That Complement, Not Distract

One of the most important photo day tips is to dress your child in clothing that complements their features and won’t steal the spotlight. Skip neon colours, loud patterns, or large graphics that can clash with backdrops or distract from your child’s face. Neutrals, pastels, earth tones, and solid colors tend to photograph best. Be sure to check for wrinkles the night before—an ironed shirt goes a long way in making photos look polished. Check out my Pinterest for some outfit ideas! https://ca.pinterest.com/anniechenphotography/

2. Keep Hair Neat and Simple

When it comes to photo day hair tips, less is more. Choose hairstyles that are tidy, comfortable, and can hold up through a busy school day. Avoid elaborate updos or excessive hair accessories, which may shift or fall out by the time it’s their turn for photos. A simple comb-through in the morning and a touch of hairspray or gel (if needed) can do wonders for a clean, photo-ready look.

3. Pack Mess-Free Snacks

Another often overlooked photo day tip: what your child eats before their picture matters! Avoid snacks that can stain clothing, like yogurts, chocolate, or berries. Instead, opt for light, mess-free options like crackers or apples. A clean shirt and a crumb-free smile make for the best photo results.

4. Don’t Stress the Smile

This is one of the most important photo day tips of all: take the pressure off your child to perform. Telling them to “smile big” or “say cheese” can sometimes lead to forced or uncomfortable expressions. Our approach is all about making kids feel relaxed and engaged—we guide them gently, never forcing smiles or stiff poses. We want them to feel like themselves and have fun, because that’s when the most genuine moments are captured.

Save these Photo Day tips!

With a little preparation and a lot of encouragement, photo day can be a stress-free, joyful experience. These photo day tips are designed to help you set your child up for success without overcomplicating things. Let them show up as their authentic self—that’s what makes school portraits so special.

Looking for more photo day tips or have questions before the big day? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way!

Book Annie Chen Photography today for your preschool and elementary school portraits!