DIY School Portraits
Now that most of our kids are doing school from home this fall, I'll bet that I'm not the only one who's realized that we won't have the annual tradition of school photo day this year. Yes, I do buy the school photos every year of my kids, even though theoretically I could take them myself. Practically speaking, however, I like outsourcing that job :) I know that when a parent tries to take a nice photo of their own kid, it can sometimes be a bit of a stressful situation. But this year, I'm going to have to do my own. If you're in that same boat, I want to give you 6 steps on how you can successfully take this year's school photo of your own child.
1: Any camera will do
You don't need to dust off your DSLR camera for this. You can use your phone camera to make it super easy. Phone cameras are so great these days that if you find some good light (see tip #3) and you can get a genuine smile from your child (see my tip#5) then you'll be able to get a really nice portrait.
2: Forgo the traditional background
It's okay if this year's school photo looks different from all the ones before. This year is very different from all the ones before, so embrace that and use your own home as the backdrop.
3: Head to the front door or covered porch
One of my favorite places at home for taking a portrait is in the front door, or on the steps of a covered porch. If you are standing outside with your camera and your child is under a roof or ceiling, but has the bright light of the open sky on their face, you'll have an ideal lighting situation. Just be sure that if it's a sunny day, that the front door or porch are shaded from the sun's direct rays.
4: Create a flattering composition
To get a flattering and traditional composition, make sure that your camera is right around your child's eye level. If you're using a phone camera, use the portrait mode or the dedicated telephoto (zoomed in) lens if it has those options. Leave a little space above their head, get close enough to have their shoulders almost at the edges of the photo and leave more space under their chin than you have above their head.
5: Get your kid happy
Happy kids make happy photos! I give you permission to do (pretty much) whatever it takes (within reason) to get your kid happy about taking a photo. Let them choose their outfit. Let them make silly faces if they want to. Then you can grab a shot of them looking genuinely happy after they laugh. Bribe them if you have to. Do not yell, scold, guilt or threaten them (as tempting as it will be). No one looks happy after any of that.
6: Bust out an editing app
This is kinda just for bonus points. A lot of times photos look a little dark and dull the way they come straight out of the camera. Brightening the photo just a little using an editing app can really make a difference. My favorite photo editing app is Lightroom.
If you're not feeling up to the task or want a more traditional look with a solid background and studio lighting, give me a call. My studio is open and large enough for social distancing. One way or the other I hope I can help you fill the 2020/2021 frame in your school photo wall of fame! Feel free to send me a note or give me a call anytime. I’m always happy to talk!
