We were all there once...
The first day of school. Some of us had shaky knees and others confidently charged through those big adult-sized school doors. We waved goodbye to our parents to take the first steps on a journey that only finished almost two decades later in a graduation gown.
Now, you’re the parent on the other side of this rite of passage. Maybe it’s the first day ever for your pre-K child or perhaps your experienced 4th grader already knows the ropes. Either way, there’s a mix of anxiety and relief seeing your children head off to their new homerooms. We finally have some time to relax after summer vacation, but parental instincts mean we always worry about our little ones. But one thing’s for sure - they look adorable in their little backpacks full of new art supplies (a box of at least 12 crayons please) and a healthy brown bag lunch.
Take a photo to remember the first day of school this year. Then use Keepsake to turn that photo into a framed print you can cherish forever. Send one to the grandparents as a gift or add one to your wall each year to see your children grow and mature into teenagers and beyond!
We asked one of our customers, Whitney, about the back-to-school photos she took of her son Owen (above) and framed with Keepsake...
Whitney, how did you get the idea to take a first-day-of-school photo each year?
To be honest, I saw other parents doing it and sharing them on social media. I thought it was a cute idea and nice because we share the excitement of the first day with other family members, especially for the grandparents who are out of town.
What inspired you to have Owen hold that chalkboard sign?
I saw other parents do it. It must have originated from Pinterest. When the kids were younger, I would do the writing and use more colors. Now my son likes to do it himself, but then you can see how his penmanship is changing over time.
What will you do when your children get older - teenagers and beyond?
That's a good question. I think I'll make them do it through HS and then the first day of college. It's a fun tradition that we've started, and the kids get excited too.
Who do you share your photos with?
I like to put them on FB and Instagram for family and friends to see. I post a lot of my kid's stuff on FB just because the grandparents request it so much. Yes, I've seen people do cute side by side comparisons of the first day shot vs the last day shot. It's fun to see them grow.
Any tips for other parents taking back-to-school photos?
Be prepared before the first day comes! The chalk pens actually work best and show up more vividly than regular chock. Also, make sure your porch is clean! LOL
...Thanks Whitney!
It's true, back-to-school photos can be really fun to setup, and kids make the best subjects. They’re not afraid to show their personality and look incredibly cute. Here are some of our favorite ideas and tips:
1. Design a custom sign! Turn it into a fun collaborative art project with your child and come up with some creative messaging based on their unique personality.
2. Buy those graduation t-shirts in advance - they’ll grow into it!
3. Double the Fun! Shoot the first and last day of school. My how fashion changes so quickly.
4. Get the whole gang into the photo if you’ve got a big pack of back-to-schoolers this year.
5. Some kids love to pose! Create a little photo shoot with props.
6. Jump for joy! If your kids are glum about being stuck inside all day...don’t let that hide your glee.
Share your best back-to-school photos with us on Instagram!
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