Taking the first day of school pictures is a time-honored mom tradition. I still love looking back on my own first day of school pics, even when I was at peak awkward stage, in my plaid uniform jumper beside my brothers. And while so much of our generation’s childhood was captured in one camera shot, our children are now subjected to SO many moments we want to save (thank you, smartphones and social media!). Curating all of our kid’s childhood photos can be a job in and of itself—but that’s a post for another day. Today, we’ve rounded up some simple first day of school picture ideas to creatively capture your child’s milestone moment.
We’re certainly not suggesting you do all of these, lest your kid is frowning once they actually arrive at school. But hopefully, they spark an idea or two. And you’ll have a few (or a few hundred) memories to look back on and smile—or laugh. We’ve rounded up 18 ways to get creative with photos this year—scroll down to see and shop some of our favorite props for the perfect pic!
Editor’s Note: Just a reminder to keep safety in mind when posting any back-to-school photos to social media. Avoid sharing school/teacher details, check your background for house numbers, street signs, or landmarks, and make sure your social media privacy settings are up-to-date.
You May Also Like:
- 15 Family Traditions to Make the Start of the School Year Feel Special
- 25 Fun Things To Do With Your Child Before They Start Kindergarten
- 45 Questions to Ask Your Child Instead of ‘How Was School?’
1. With a First Day of School Letter Board or Sign
The letter board has become synonymous with modern first day of school pictures—and for good reason! Add your little one’s name, grade, the year, and maybe even some career aspirations (like in the second example photo below!) and you’ve got yourself the perfect keepsake to commemorate the day.
The perfect option to use at the beginning and end of the school year!
multiple color schemes available
A classic, easy option that will never go out of style with so many background colors to choose from.
We can see why this option is a best seller—it’s got as much personality as the little one holding it!
Everything you could want for a personalized first day of school sign that’s oh-so adorable!
2. With a First Day of School Pennant Flag
Arguably one of the easiest—but most adorable!—first day of school picture ideas is having your child hold a festive flag that displays the grade they’re starting that year. Many Etsy shops sell printable versions for DIY flags or you can purchase pre-made packs that include each grade to be used year after year. See our favorite options linked below!
These festive pennant flags come in “first day” and “last day” options so your start of and end of the school year photos adorably match!
This whimsical sign can be customized with several color and star options so your little student can really shine in their photo.
Cute downloadable pencil-themed flags cover daycare through 6th grade, so you’ll be set year after year.
A retro pennant you can use year after year for the first and the last days.
3. With First Day of School Balloons
Balloons are a great addition to any celebratory occasion, and the first day of a new school year is definitely a reason to celebrate. A bunch of balloons can be used as an additional prop (like in the cute pic below) or you can purchase a school-themed mylar balloon or personalized balloon that showcases your child’s grade for some extra pizzaz.
What kid doesn’t love a balloon? Options available from preschool through senior year of high school.
Whether you have one favorite or want all three, these adorable balloons come as a set or individually.
4. With Siblings: First Day of School Sibling Photo Ideas
Whether your child is the first one in the family to head off to school or you have a group of kiddos grabbing their backpacks this fall, first day of school pictures are always sweeter when they include siblings!
5. With a Height Comparison Photo Each Year
Take the same first day of school pic with a parent and see how your kiddo grows taller year after year. You could also take their first day of school picture next to a height chart, marking their growth, but there’s something about seeing them edge closer and closer to your eye level that makes this first day of school photo extra memorable.
6. With a Photo Frame Prop
Ensure your photo is already worthy of a frame with an adorable back to school photo prop. Craft your own, or find one that fits your kiddo for the perfect photo op.
Make the first (and last!) day of school photo “picture perfect” with this frame prop that can be used year after year. You can also customize it with multiple name options for siblings, too!
Purchase this custom first day of school photo prop frame this year and use it to commemorate the start of each year.
7. Holding Last Year’s First Day of School Photo
This first day of school picture idea is extra special because it shows how much your child grows year after year. Simply start the tradition with a first day snapshot and, next year, have your kid hold a framed version of last year’s photo in their new pic. Keep the chain going year after year for a fun family memento!
8. In a ‘Grow With Me’ Graduation Year T-Shirt
This one takes a bit more pre-planning, but it’s so fun to pull off if you can make it happen. Purchase a T-shirt (a few cute options are linked below!) with your child’s graduation year and watch them grow into the shirt a bit more each year when you take their first day of school photo.
Donning “Class of…” on the front and places for handprints each year on the back, this is a keepsake piece you and your kiddo will have forever.
A T-shirt they can grow into in several color options.
9. With a First Day of School Fabric Banner Backdrop
Invest in a fabric banner and you’ll be able to use it as a backdrop for the first day of school picture every year (saving yourself from one more back-to-school mental load task in the future.) Shop this adorable, easy-to-hang “First Day of School” banner on Etsy.
10. With Fun Back-to-School Photo Props
Whether you’re hosting an at-home first day breakfast for your family complete with school-themed decor or simply want some props to jazz up your photo op, there are lots of adorable pieces you can either DIY or purchase for your pics!
Have a photo booth moment with fun back to school style props your little ones will love.
Grab this $3 budget-friendly banner when you’re buying your other school supplies.
11. In a Custom First Day of School T-Shirt
A photo op that doubles as a first day of school outfit is always a win in our book! With tons of options out there, you’re sure to find one that captures your kiddo’s personality.
The perfect shirt for getting in the classroom spirit! Plus, there’s tons of colors so you’re sure to find their favorite one.
The only thing that could make this custom embroidered T-shirt more adorable is your smiling kiddo in it!
12. Holding a First Day of School Banner
The best part of adding a banner to your back to school pictures is that add so much pizzazz to any setting or outfit. Either buy one your kids love or make it a fun DIY end of summer project to do together!
We love a banner, and this colorful first day of school option can be used as a photo background again and again.
A classic design that will pair well with their perfectly curated first day of school ‘fit.
13. With Their New Backpack and School Gear
You probably spent a small fortune buying your kiddos new backpacks, lunch boxes, and the rest of their school gear—so why not have them display it in their first day snapshots? Plus, the pictures will be a cute reminder of what your LOs were into during that particular school year or age range.
14. In Front of Their School
Most first day of school pictures are snapped at home before your kid gets on the bus or is dropped off at their school. But why not take a cute pic of them in front of their school instead for the ultimate backdrop?
15. With Their Homeschool Setup
Some kids won’t be heading into a traditional school building this fall, but that doesn’t mean their first day of school pic should be any less exciting! Show off your family’s homeschool set-up by having your LO pose in their learning space for a super cute pic to kick off the year.
16. A ‘Toy Story’ Video with Their Toys Waving Goodbye
A few years back, one popular back-to-school photo idea was recreating the iconic Toy Story scene when Andy heads off to college, leaving Buzz, Woody, and the other toys behind. It had many millennial parents all in their feels at the time. Copy this viral first-day-of-school picture idea with your kid’s favorite stuffed animal or toys, whether they’re from Toy Story or not.
17. A Video of Them Walking Out the Front Door
Looking for a video option to capture the first and last day of school? Film them walking in and out of the front door. Remember to do this one every year and you’ll have the most adorable video to share at their high school graduation party.
18. With Mom or Dad on the First Day of School
It’s a rare moment when mom (or dad!) gets in the picture and the first day of a new school year is the perfect time to jump in. Your LOs will love looking back on these sweet memories as they grow up.
Tips for Capturing a Perfect First Day of School Photo
In a previous article for The Everymom, professional photographers shared some tips for taking better photos of your kids that apply to the first day of school pictures, too.
- Be prepared: If using first-day-of-school photo props, make sure you have them all ready the night before. You’ll have enough to worry about on the actual first day of school.
- Keep it short: Kids have notoriously short attention spans. Plus, they likely have a lot of feelings going into the first day of school—from nervousness to excitement. So don’t overdo the photo sesh before school.
- Avoid saying “cheese!”: Instead, ask them questions or offer them prompts like “hug your sister” or “show me your new backpack.” Alternatively, you can take this dad’s first-day-of-school photo approach that went viral in 2022: yell out “poop!”
First Day of School Photo FAQs
How should I take a first day of school photo of my child?
When taking your child’s first day of school photo, keep the lighting in mind for the best results. This might mean taking the picture outside in a shady spot (avoid having your child look into direct sunlight so they don’t squint in the pic!) or seeking out natural light inside your home from a nearby window. Taking the photo down at your child’s level can also best frame the shot. Most parents can take great first day of school photos on an iPhone. But, if you have a nicer camera, the start of the new school year might be the perfect time to get it out for some extra-special shots!
What should I write on a first day of school sign?
When using a sign photo prop as part of your child’s first day of school photo, many parents like to feature the student’s name (usually just their first name works), the words “First Day of School,” the grade they’re entering, and the year. Other, more custom, first day of school signs might include additional information like the child’s age, their teacher’s name, how tall they are, and what they want to be when they grow up.
What are the best first day of school photo poses?
The best first day of school photo pose for your child is one that makes them feel most comfortable and encourages them to smile big! This might include handing them a customized sign, flag, balloon, or another fun, back-to-school-themed photo prop. Or, it might involve them posing with a framed photo of themselves from last year, wearing a personalized “Class Of” T-shirt that they’re growing into, showing off their new backpack, or even posing with mom or dad. No matter the pose, you’ll be so happy to have a collection of first day of school photos for you and your kiddo to look back on for years to come.
What questions should I ask my child after school instead of “how was your day?”
After your child’s first day of school is complete, you might be wondering how you can chat with them and hear all about their experience—without asking the generic, “how was your day?” Below are five questions to ask instead:
- Did anything make you feel happy today?
- What made your teacher smile today?
- What was the first thing you did in class this morning?
- Did you learn something new about a classmate today?
- What’s something you did or learned today that you’ll remember for a long time?
If you’re looking for even more prompts, check out this comprehensive list of 45 (yes, 45!) conversation-sparking questions to ask your child instead of simply, “how was school?”
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.
