I have always loved this time of year: back-to-school. (and every teacher just cursed me.) There’s something about a fresh start that I crave and need. New school supplies. Getting back into a much needed routine. The cooler weather is just on the horizon. Ah! I can’t wait! It’s my absolute favorite.

I also love that my newsfeeds on Instagram and Facebook are filled with pictures of your kiddos looking so great on the very first day. But I’m a mom too, and I know what’s really going on. You (the mom) are running around like a crazy person making sure your kids are ready for their first day. You’ve been out of this early morning routine for 2 months, and sister, it ain’t easy. But you know you want to showcase your babies on Instagram. So, you rush them to the front door. Try to get them to smile and then load-up in the car and race to school.

Hi, my name is Kayla and I’ve been there. I’ve  posted the “this will have to do” photo many times. But I have to tell you, you’re really doing it all wrong. So was I.

I finally wised up this past year and realized that taking his photo on the first morning he is actually going to school is not necessary. So, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: these photos were taken a week before actual school started.

I dressed him in the exact same out-fit he wore on the first day, but I made a fun little session of it. Also, that antique desk belongs to my bff’s mom. We do photos with it every single year to see how much our kids have grown. Nori  (my bff’s daughter) & Worth are going to look great with this set-up when they are heading off to their senior year.

No, you don’t have to do an “all-out” styled session. I actually am not even a big fan of styled sessions for my son, but this one is so important to me because it allows me to see how much he is growing and changing through the years in comparison to that desk. You can simply take your pictures in front of your door just like you would on the actual first day.

Last year when I did this, something else happened that I wasn’t expecting. It took the stress off the morning. I was much more laid back because I knew I already had one thing checked off my to-do list on a busy morning. I still had time to snap a photo of him with my iPhone. He wasn’t exactly smiling like I would have liked, but that’s ok because I knew I already had these ready!

Back-t0-School Photos | How To

• Order their outfits a month in advance to make sure they are here on time. (like, now. Do that. Get rush shipping.)
• Take the photos at least one week in advance.
• Try different locations. You might find one that’s a staple location for the years to come.
• Enjoy your morning on the first day of school. Snap a photo if you’d like with your phone, but don’t stress because you already have some good ones!

I can’t WAIT to see your photos! Make sure to tag me on Instagram (@kaylabrint) and Facebook with your shot. Here’s to a GREAT school year!

Also, full disclosure: these photos were taken with my DSLR camera (fancy camera.) Want to learn to take great photos of your kids (or business) just like this with your fancy camera? I can help! Click here to join the waiting list and get early access to sign up for my

For moms: Mom Photography School

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