Getting Your Preschooler Ready for Picture Day

On picture day, remind your child to relax

and have fun. Encourage them to be themselves.

Tips for a Picture-Perfect Smile

Picture day is just around the corner, and it's time to make sure your little one is all set to shine in front of the camera. Lots of preschool children have never experienced having their picture taken with lights and a backdrop before. To help them feel comfortable about the whole experience I’m sharing a few tips on how to prepare your child and ultimately have a really fun picture day.

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1. Plan the Outfit Together

Let your preschooler have a say in what they wear on picture day. This will not only make them feel more comfortable but also help them feel like they're part of the process. Choose an outfit they feel good about and are comfortable in. With preschool aged children you can offer them the choice between two or three outfits. If you can’t decide which colors for them to wear - you can’t go wrong with neutrals. Avoid busy patterns or clothes with large logos, as they can be distracting in photos. 

If letting them choose their own outfit isn’t in the cards for your preschooler, letting them choose the way their hair is styled or what accessories they wear might be a better option for your family.

2. Practice Smiles

Before the picture day, spend some time practicing smiles. Honestly, when parents used to tell me that they practiced smiling with their kids, I would be totally doubtful that practicing would really make any difference BUT in my experience for some kids it really does work!  Make it fun by turning it into a game. You can say, "Can you show me the happiest smile?"  “The silliest?” “The smallest?”  “The biggest?”  And respond positively. This way, they'll feel more confident in front of the flashing lights, camera and photographer.

3. Restful Night Before

Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before picture day. A well-rested child is more likely to be cooperative and have a natural, happy expression. The same is true for us, right? 

4. Morning Routine

On the morning of picture day, stick to your usual routine as best you can. If you rush or make things too different, it might make your child anxious. Have a healthy breakfast, brush teeth, and get dressed. Keep everything calm and positive.

5. Explain Picture Day

Talk to your preschooler about what picture day is all about. Let them know that it's a special day that only happens once or twice a year at school. And that it’s meant to capture a beautiful memory of them at school that they can later show and give to the important people in their lives, such as their grandparents, or have them hanging on the wall at home.  Explain that the photographer will take pictures, and it's an opportunity to show their unique personality.

6. Explain What The Photographer Does

Explain that the photographer will take pictures and just briefly what it’s like. 

• I like to tell young children that my umbrella will flash brightly or “blink” to help me take their picture.

• I always take more than one picture.

• And the children will not be able to see each picture they take afterwards. They will get to see them with you later. 

7. Relax and Have Fun

On picture day, remind your child to relax and have fun. Encourage them to be themselves. If they show you a silly pose they are excited about being excited for them! If your child shows you a ninja pose or a double thumbs let - that’s great! It’s our job as the photographers to guide them through the poses and when they come in excited to show me something it truly makes for the best smiles.

8. See The Good

After picture day, be sure to be positive for your child, especially for their cooperation and great smiles. Show them the photos and celebrate the experience together.  Sometimes, in the end children will not smile or smile in a way that doesn’t seem genuine to you. Regardless of how you think the picture came out, remember to say something positive about your child’s image. I’ve had so many conversations with adults about not liking to take their pictures and sometimes it comes from something someone said about the pictures as kids. Sometimes it’s just a little thing about the picture like the lighting or backdrop - not necessarily about the child - but kids can sometimes mistake the intent making negative feelings about them personally.  

9. They’re Only 3 Once

Once you receive the pictures, cherish them as a lovely memory of your child's preschool days. You can frame them, make a photo album, or simply keep them in a special place. Those early preschool years are such a unique time for pictures. An age when kids aren’t as self-conscious as the teen years and pose in just the most carefree way creating photos that you’ll be able to “ooh” and “ahh” over for a lifetime.

Preparing your preschooler for picture day doesn't have to be stressful. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you can help your child show their real selves in front of the camera. So, take a deep breath, have fun, and treasure the beautiful memories your child creates on picture day.

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