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Introduction |
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The shoes are shined, and the No. 2 pencils are sharpened and ready to get cracking on those math problems.
It's time to go back to school. What better way to commemorate this momentous day—and others throughout the school
year—than with your trusty digital camera.
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Figure photos into back-to-school planning |
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Whether it's your little one's first day at kindergarten, or the beginning of your almost-all-grown-up high school
senior's final year, the start of school is always a poignant occasion, and one that's worthy of documenting in
photographs. Establish a family tradition of first day photos, and get everyone involved.
One way to do this is to talk about taking first-day photos with your kids. Let them know how important the day is,
how proud of them you are, and how you want to be able to remember it. Sharing your own school memories is a good way
to introduce the topic-especially if you have old photos to show.
Because it's often a busy time, make sure your camera is all ready to go when you need it. Check to make sure the
batteries are fresh, and that you have space on your memory card for all the pictures you'll want to take.
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Tell the story |
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Back-to-school time involves many different activities, such as registering at the new school and shopping expeditions
for supplies and new clothes. Take the camera along and "get the story" as kids explore their new school, select pens,
paper, and all their school accoutrements. It's a great chance to get material for a collage or scrapbook of the year.
Choose a variety of settings for taking back-to-school pictures. If it's the first day of kindergarten, chances are
you'll be right there at school. Older kids, however, may not want Mom or Dad embarrassing them. So take pictures
wherever kids are most comfortable-waiting for the bus, outside the school building, or in front of its sign.
A great way to show kids' growth is to take a first-day picture at the same location every year-beside a tree, mailbox,
or other fixed and familiar landmark. Children will get a kick out of seeing how much they've grown from year to year.
And don't forget those first-day rituals, such as laying clothes out the night before or lining up pencils. Think about
everything your child does to prepare for the new school year-these are opportunities to get terrific photos.
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Go beyond the portrait |
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Of course you'll want to take lots of "smile at the camera" posed shots. But it's also fun to get the
candid moments that show your children's personalities. Capture real-life moments: brushing teeth, perfecting hair
for those self-conscious teens, or loading the lunch box.
And don't limit the picture-taking fun to your own family. Kids will be more enthusiastic about taking first day
photos if you include other children in the neighborhood. Encourage kids to ham it up, and you'll all laugh when
you look back.
Another surefire way to get kids to cooperate is to give them the camera. When your children take the pictures,
they get to express their creativity and you get to see the world through their eyes-a precious insight. And for
anyone with the start-of-school jitters, taking pictures will provide a relaxing diversion.
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Photographing at school |
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The school building itself offers many opportunities for getting wonderful pictures.
But bear in mind that the first day is when teachers establish the tone for their classrooms. Be sure to ask permission,
and respect the teacher's wishes, whatever the answer. You might also ask to take a picture of the teacher or other
school personnel.
Schools provide interesting settings for your photographs. In addition to a shot in front of the school or classroom,
you might want to take "atmosphere" pictures of the cafeteria, the hallway, and your child's "cubby"
or locker.
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Capturing multiple bursts |
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The first day of school is just that-the beginning. It needn't be the only time you get the camera out at school.
Whether your children participate in sports, theatrics, marching band, or debate, attend their events and take
pictures of the goings-on. Field trips and other school outings are another way to document the year.
To fill out scrapbooks, try creating "still-life" shots. These might include pictures of grouped school materials,
special outfits, lunch boxes—anything that brings the time to life. Kids will love looking back on them through the years.
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Store and share your photos |
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Once you've captured the awkward goodbyes and tentative hellos of the new school year, you'll want to store and share the
pictures.
Grandparents and other cheerleaders for your kids always love
receiving photos via e-mail.
You'll also want to print a set for your scrapbooks, or to send as cards. Check out the
HP Activity Centre for creative ways to
make back-to-school time a memorable occasion.
Recommended products |
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Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
More photo tips |
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If you'd like to learn more about taking terrific digital photographs,
Take better photos: Arranging the perfect shot
will help. Learn more about making photography a family activity with
Taking photos with kids: getting started.
Learn more |
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