Photo Day Tips

For teachers...

Keep outfits clean and hands mess-free

On photo day, please try to avoid messy crafts or activities involving markers, paint, glue, or anything that could stain hands or clothing. Clean hands and outfits help us make the most of each child’s time in front of the camera.

Help set the tone

Your calm, positive energy matters more than anything. When kids see familiar, trusted adults feeling relaxed, they tend to settle in more easily too. You can refer to my big umbrella as "Mr. Marshmallow" or find other ways of making it seem fun!

Again, SKIP asking kids to smile

This might sound surprising, but asking kids to smile often leads to stiff, forced expressions. Instead, encourage them to simply HAVE FUN—I’ll guide them from there and capture something natural.

Be mindful of timing

If possible, try to avoid scheduling photos right after high-energy activities or right before lunch or nap time. A well-timed photo session can make all the difference in how a child feels and responds.

A quick heads up... teachers and class assistants will also be getting their photo taken!

Make sure it's a good hair day. 😊

For Assistants

Do a quick once-over before photos

Before sending a child over, a quick check goes a long way—look for things like runny noses, messy hair, dried drool, or clothing tags sticking out. These small details make a big difference in the final images.

Make sure each child has their name card

Every child should come to their photo holding their name card with the QR code. While it may look like it’s for parents, it’s actually how I stay organized behind the scenes and make sure every image is matched to the correct family.

If a child isn’t registered, no problem—blank cards will be provided. Please clearly handwrite their name at the top. You can also use these cards to note absences or correct any name mistakes so everything stays accurate on my end.

Keep things moving (but not crowded)

Bringing children in small groups of 3–4 helps keep things flowing without creating a crowd. I want to avoid a line of kids watching, as it can make the experience feel overwhelming or stressful for the child being photographed.

Create space for each child to shine

Whenever possible, it's best to photograph children without an audience. So I don't mean to be mean... but make yourself scarce! This is especially important for neurodivergent children, who may feel more comfortable and at ease in a quieter, more private setting.