School Picture Day Guide for Parents
Everything you need to know to help your child look and feel their best on picture day, plus how to view and order photos afterward.
Preparing Your Child for Picture Day
A little preparation goes a long way toward great school photos. Here's how to set your child up for success.
The Night Before
- Choose the outfit together - Let your child have input so they feel confident
- Lay out clothes - Avoid morning scrambles by having everything ready
- Check for stains or wrinkles - A quick iron or steam can make a difference
- Plan hairstyle - Discuss how they want their hair styled
- Get good sleep - Well-rested kids photograph better
- Talk positively about picture day - Build excitement, not anxiety
Picture Day Morning
- Allow extra time - Rushing leads to stress and messy appearances
- Style hair as planned - Use products sparingly to avoid greasy looks
- Clean face - Wash face, apply moisturizer if needed
- Check teeth - Brush well and check for food before leaving
- Final outfit check - Collars straight, buttons correct, nothing inside out
- Positive sendoff - Tell them they look great and to have fun
What to Wear
Our grey backdrop complements almost every color and style. Here are our recommendations for photos that look great now and for years to come.
Colors That Photograph Well
- Solid colors - Blues, greens, burgundy, coral, and jewel tones look beautiful
- Soft pastels - Light pink, lavender, soft blue work nicely
- Earth tones - Tan, olive, rust, and cream are timeless
- Classic white or cream - Always fresh and clean looking
What to Avoid
- Busy patterns - Stripes, plaids, and loud prints can be distracting
- Logos and graphics - Text and images date photos quickly
- Neon colors - Can cast unflattering color onto skin
- Pure black - Can look harsh; charcoal or navy work better
- Sleeveless tops - Sleeves generally photograph better
- Low necklines - Higher necklines frame the face nicely
Style Tips
- Layers work well - Cardigans, blazers, or vests add visual interest
- Collared shirts are classic - Polos and button-downs look polished
- Keep accessories simple - Small earrings and necklaces only
- Consider the season - Dress appropriately but remember photos are shoulders-up
- Comfort matters - An uncomfortable child won't smile naturally
If Your School Has Uniforms
- Ensure uniform is clean and pressed
- Check for missing buttons or loose hems
- Collar should lay flat
- Tuck in shirts neatly
- Fresh uniform pieces photograph best
Hair and Grooming Tips
General Hair Tips
- Schedule haircuts 1-2 weeks before - Fresh cuts can look too sharp
- Style hair away from face - We want to see those eyes
- Avoid dramatic new styles - Picture day isn't the time to experiment
- Use products sparingly - Too much gel or spray looks unnatural
- Bring a brush or comb - For touch-ups before the photo
For Long Hair
- Keep hair out of eyes
- Simple styles photograph best
- Headbands, clips, and bows are fine if not too large
- Consider pulling back if hair is unruly
- Avoid styles that hide the face
For Short Hair
- Style neatly but naturally
- Avoid heavy product that creates shine
- Comb or brush before photo
- Check for bed head or hat hair
Other Grooming
- Glasses - Clean lenses thoroughly; we minimize glare with our lighting
- Braces - They're part of your child's journey; embrace them
- Makeup - If age-appropriate, keep it minimal and natural
- Skin - Moisturize dry skin; we do minor blemish touch-ups in editing
The Picture Day Experience
Understanding what happens helps reduce anxiety for kids (and parents). Here's what your child will experience.
What Happens
- Class goes together - Teacher brings the whole class to the photo area
- Quick line - Students line up and wait briefly for their turn
- 30 seconds in the spotlight - Each student's photo takes about 30 seconds
- Friendly photographer - We chat briefly to get natural smiles
- Done! - Back to class with no stress
What We Do to Help
- Create a calm, friendly environment
- Give simple, clear posing directions
- Chat to help kids relax
- Take multiple shots to capture the best expression
- Never rush or pressure children
- Accommodate kids who need extra time or support
Tips for Nervous Kids
- Practice smiling in the mirror at home
- Remind them it's very quick
- Tell them the photographer is friendly
- Share that lots of other kids do it too
- Focus on how nice they look in their outfit
- Don't make it a big deal - keep it light
Receiving Your Gallery
When to Expect It
You'll receive an email with your child's gallery link approximately 3 weeks after picture day. We take time to carefully edit each photo for the best quality.
The Email You'll Receive
- Comes from Austin School Photography
- Subject line includes your child's name and school
- Contains a unique link to your child's gallery
- No password or account creation needed
Can't Find the Email?
- Check spam/junk folder - Gallery emails sometimes get filtered
- Search your inbox - Look for "Austin School Photography"
- Check the email address on file - Make sure school has your current email
- Contact us - We can resend your gallery link
Viewing Your Photos
- Click the link in your email
- View all photos taken of your child
- See photos at full size
- Take your time - no pressure to buy immediately
- Share the link with grandparents and family
Ordering Photos
How It Works
- View your gallery - See all photos before deciding
- Choose your favorites - Select the images you want to order
- Pick products - Prints, packages, digital downloads, and more
- Checkout securely - Pay online with credit card
- Receive your order - Shipped directly to your home
What's Available
- Print packages - Curated collections at the best value
- Individual prints - Any size from wallet to wall portrait
- Digital downloads - High-resolution files for sharing and printing
- Gift items - Magnets, keychains, and other products
- Custom orders - Contact us for special requests
No Pressure Ordering
- See photos before you buy anything
- No pre-payment required
- Take time to decide - galleries stay open all year
- Order only what you want
- Come back later for additional orders
Delivery
Shipping Timeline
- Orders ship within 7-10 business days
- You'll receive tracking information via email
- Peak season (fall) may take slightly longer
- Digital downloads available immediately after purchase
Shipping Details
- Ships directly to your home address
- Standard shipping included in pricing
- Expedited shipping available for additional fee
- Careful packaging protects your prints
If There's a Problem
We stand behind our products. If your order arrives damaged or doesn't meet your expectations:
- Contact us within 30 days
- We'll make it right with a reprint, exchange, or refund
- Customer satisfaction is our priority
Special Situations
What If My Child Was Absent?
No worries. Every school has a makeup day scheduled a few weeks after the original picture day. Watch for communication from your school about the makeup date. Your child will get the same professional photo experience.
What If I Don't Like the Photos?
You're not obligated to buy anything. If you're unhappy with the photos:
- Retakes are available on makeup day at no cost
- Simply tell the school your child needs a retake
- Original photos stay in gallery; you choose which to order
- Many concerns resolve when parents see the actual edited images
Multiple Children?
- Each child has their own gallery link
- Order from each gallery separately
- Sibling packages available - contact us
- We can help coordinate if needed
Glasses Glare?
Our professional lighting is designed to minimize glasses glare. In most cases, photos come out great. If there's significant glare:
- We may be able to edit minor glare
- Consider retake on makeup day if severe
- Some parents request photos with glasses removed
Sharing with Family
How to Share Your Gallery
- Forward the gallery email to grandparents and relatives
- Copy and share the gallery link directly
- Anyone with the link can view and order
- Great for out-of-town family
Gift Orders
- Relatives can order and ship to their own address
- Perfect for grandparents who want prints
- Each person orders independently
- Gift items make great presents
Quick Reference Checklist
Night Before Picture Day
- Outfit chosen, clean, and pressed
- Hairstyle planned
- Good night's sleep
- Positive attitude
Picture Day Morning
- Extra time for getting ready
- Face washed, teeth brushed
- Hair styled
- Final outfit check
- Brush or comb in backpack
- Confident sendoff
After Picture Day
- Watch for gallery email (~3 weeks)
- Check spam folder if not received
- View photos and share with family
- Order what you love
- Bookmark gallery for reorders
Questions?
We're here to help make picture day a success. Reach out anytime.