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Tips for Taking Your Own School Pictures

Did you know that some schools allow parents to take photos of their children with their own cameras and submit them to be published in the yearbook? I had no idea. However, I’m not surprised that class photo day has come to this. After all, by handing off photography duties to parents, teachers have fewer squirmy kids to keep in line on picture day.

If you are looking to cut costs on class photos or you simply can’t stomach shelling out hard earned cash for overpriced pictures of your kids that are far from frame worthy, then check with your child’s school about taking your own headshots.

Most schools have picture requirements that you will need to follow carefully. For example, some schools only accept black-and-white photos while others welcome color shots. In addition, size is also a factor. The majority of schools require headshots, though some are willing to accommodate torso and full-length shots for yearbooks or identification badges.

Once you get the okay from school administrators, choose a location that reflects your child’s personality. Pick a place, which offers a simple background that will accentuate your child’s best features, such as a park, pasture or lake. If you prefer taking indoor shots, then consider having your child sit in an oversized chair or a steady stool with a plain wall behind him.

Poses should also be kept simple. Encourage your child to sit cross-legged with her chin in her hands or have her gently lean against a tree. Other ways to personalize your photos include experimenting with different angles and props.

Finally, your son’s “I Hate School” shirt is not ideal class picture attire. Instead, choose a solid colored shirt void of small prints and writing. In addition, collared long-sleeved shirts look better on boys than short-sleeved tees. Try to find an outfit your child feels comfortable wearing that doesn’t include visible holes.

Related Articles:

School Photo Tips

Snapping School Photos

Shooting the Perfect Portrait

Telling A Story With Your Shots

Natural Framing

Snapping Frameworthy Shots Of Your Kids

Spicing Up Your Shots

Snap Happy Parents Unite!

Are You A Snap Happy Parent?

Snapping Keepers Of Your Kids

More Common Sense Tips To Capturing A Frame-Worthy Picture

Common Sense Tips To Capturing Frame-Worthy Pictures

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About Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. She spent the next ten years as a television anchor and reporter at various stations throughout the country (from the CBS affiliate in Honolulu to the NBC affiliate in Green Bay). She has won numerous honors including an Emmy Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. In addition, she has received awards from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her reports on air travel and the Wisconsin Education Association Council for her stories on education. Michele has since left television to concentrate on being a mom and freelance writer.