Ideas for Back to School Pictures

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PICTURE IDEAS

School is in session and it’s time to snap those back-to-school photos with an adorable first day of school sign!

So grab a camera and check out these awesome poses for girls and boys of ALL AGES!

To make browsing easier, we’ve divided these awesome ideas for back-to-school photo ideas into clickable categories to take you directly to the content below:

Table of Contents
  1. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PICTURE IDEAS
  2. 10 PROP IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PICTURES
  3. 7 POSE IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS
  4. 5 LOCATION IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS
  5. 12 POSES AND SENIOR PICTURE IDEAS FOR GIRLS
  6. 6 SENIOR PICTURE IDEAS FOR GUYS
  7. 10 FREE PRINTABLE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGNS

10 PROP IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PICTURES

Check out just a few of our favorite back-to-school photography props below!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Ideas – School Books

Fun photo ideas using a book as a prop | The Dating Divas
Kids taking a photo using a book as a prop

Sources {A} Ruffles and Stuff {B} Caroline Maxcy {C} Sheree Flick Photography {D} Nina Cecilia Creative Spark {E} Briana Johnson – The LifeBeats Project{F} Southern Charm Portraits

1. School Books – Grab some textbooks or storybooks and include them in your back-to-school photos!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Ideas – School Desk

How to use a desk for a back-to-school photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids taking a photo with a school desk

Sources {A} Sheree Flick Photography {B} Pinkletoes {C} Streets Photography {D} Caroline Maxcy {E} Southern Charm Portraits {F} Maricruz Photography

2. School Desks – You can re-create these adorable back-to-school photos above by using a simple school desk as a prop!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Chalkboards

Chalkboard sign prop ideas for their first day of school photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids using chalkboard sign for the first day of school picture

Sources {A} Streets Photography {B} Southern Charm Portraits {C} Cherished Bliss {D} Jaime Ferguson Photography {E} Michelle Kennedy Photography {F} Simply Kelly Designs

3. Chalkboards – Personalize your back-to-school photos with an adorable chalkboard. You can write your child’s name, grade, and teacher’s name on a cute chalkboard as a fun way to remember the new school year!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Apples

Back-to-school photo ideas and tips using an apple as a prop | The Dating Divas
Kids taking photos using an apple as a prop

Sources {A} Sheree Flick Photography {B} Caroline Maxcy {C} Maricruz Photography {D} Sophie Crew Photography {E} Silverbox Creative Studio

4. Apples – There are so many creative ways you can use this simple prop.🍎

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Glasses

Fun ways to incorporate glasses in a first day of school photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids taking photos with glasses on

Sources {A} Ruffles & Stuff B} Sophie Crew Photography {C} Pinkletoes {D} Sheree Flick Photography {E} Pinkletoes

5. Glasses – Spruce up your back-to-school photos with some fake glasses!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Chalk

Fun ways to use chalk as a prop for a back-to-school photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids smiling for the camera with chalk writings and drawings

Sources {A} Paging Fun Mums {B} The Lily Pad Cottage {C} Three Scoops of Love {D} Three Scoops of Love  {E} Paging Fun Mums

6. Chalk – Create a unique and personalized image with this easy-to-use prop. And if you’re looking for fun senior picture ideas, this could be great too!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Globes

Children using a globe as a prop for back-to-school photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids posing for the camera with a globe

Sources {A} My Little Walnut Photography {B} Maricruz Photography {C, F, G} Jaime Ferguson Photography {D} Caroline Maxcy {E} Shanna Chess Photography

7. Globes – Add a vintage flair to your back-to-school photos by incorporating globes or world maps!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Backpacks

Kids using backpacks for back-to-school props for photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids posing with their backpacks

Sources {A} Jules Trandem Photography – Unfortunately, this website no longer exists. {B} The House of Smiths {C} Julie Rivera Photographer {D} Stock Photo {E} Adrienne Zwart Photography {F} Click It Up A Notch

8. Backpacks – Be sure to capture some photos of your kids carrying their backpacks!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Pencils

Creative photography ideas using pencils for a fun back-to-school photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Kids posing for the camera with a pencil

Sources {A} Kristen Duke Photography {B} My Little Walnut Photography {C} Life Reflections by Tangie {D} Jaime Ferguson Photography {E} Caroline Maxcy

9. Pencils – The perfect cheap prop for back-to-school photos! There are so many fun ways you can use them in your pictures!

Prop Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Class Shirts

Class shirts for Back-to-School props | The Dating Divas
Kids smiling for the camera while wearing their “class of” shirts

Sources {A} Sky Lynn Company {B} The Journey of Parenthood {C} MaleyDesigns – The original idea we had listed here no longer exists, so we found another option for you! {D} Sky Lynn Company {E} Fun Cheap or Free

10. “Class of…” T-Shirts – Create a timeless back-to-school photography prop with a cute t-shirt and fun iron-on! Your kids will wear the same shirt at the beginning of every year until they are ready to take their senior picture! 

7 POSE IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS

Document the first day of school with some beautiful photos! Capture meaningful images as you incorporate unique poses. For a little inspiration, check out our favorite back-to-school photography poses below!

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – With Siblings

Photography ideas for siblings posing for the camera | The Dating Divas
Siblings posing together for the camera

Sources {A} Angie Arthur {B} Sophie Crew Photography {C} Nina.Cecilia {Creative Spark} {D} Colleen Salmans Photography {E, F} Julie Rivera Photography

11. Back to School Pose Ideas with Siblings – Make your back-to-school photo session a family affair! Take some cute photos of your kids together on the first day of school.

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – With Parents

Kids posing with their parents for a memorable back-to-school photo | The Dating Divas
Kids posing for the camera with their parents

Sources {A} Stacy Haslem Photography {B} Stock Photo {C} Click It Up A Notch {D} Julie Rivera Photogarphy

12. Back to School Pose Ideas with Parents – Be sure to capture some meaningful memories on the first day of school – especially the goodbye! Sniff, sniff.

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Close-Up Headshot

Headshot photo ideas for children | The Dating Divas
Kids smiling for the camera close-up

Sources {A} Simple As That {B} Kara Layne & Co {C} Jules Trandem Photography {D} Kristen Duke Photography {E} Simple As That {F} Kofo Baptist Photography

13. First Day of School Head Shot Poses – Find a neutral backdrop and snap some gorgeous close-up pictures! Headshots make fabulous graduation announcement pictures! 

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Walking To School

Fun and easy photo ideas while kids are walking to school | The Dating Divas
Kids walking to school

Sources {A} Drew B Photography {B} Julie Rivera Photography {C} Stock Photo {D} Diva Becca {E} Jules Trandem Photography

14. Walking To School Pose Ideas – This is one of our FAVORITE back-to-school pose ideas! Snap a quick photo of your kids from behind as they head off to school.

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – With Friends

A variety of posing with friends photography ideas | The Dating Divas
Kids taking a photo with their friends

Sources {A} Sophie Crew Photography {B} Sophie Crew Photography {C, F} Kristen Duke Photography {D} Kathleen Clipper {E} Kofo Baptist Photography {G} Angie Arthur

15. Back to School Poses with Friends – It’s a fact! You can’t get through a school year without your best friends! Don’t forget to get a cute picture of your child and his or her buddies on the first day of school.

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Meeting Teacher

Back-to-school photography pose ideas meeting the teacher | The Dating Divas
Kids meeting the teacher photos

Sources {A, C} Kristen Duke Photography {B, D} Jules Trandem Photography

16. Meeting the Teacher First Day of School Poses – We all know that a new school year means a new teacher! Take a photo of your child meeting his or her teacher on the first day of school.

Pose Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Close-Up Shoes

Close-up of shots of your children's shoes before heading to school | The Dating Divas
Pictures of children’s shoes before school

Sources {A} Clare Ahalt Photography {B} Shanna Chess Photography {C} Kofo Baptist Photography {D} Michele Jones Photography – Unfortunately, this website no longer exists. {E} Julie Rivera Photography

17. Back to School Shoe Pose Ideas – For a fun first day of school photo, take a close-up shot of your child’s shoes! These details will be fun to look back on in the future!

5 LOCATION IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS

Pictures at School

Sources {A} Simple As That {B, E, F} Jules Trandem Photography {C} Simple As That {D} Stock Photo {G} Stock Photo

18. Back to School Photography in the Classroom – Snap some cute photos of your kids hanging up their backpacks, finding their desks, or opening their locker.

Location Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – At Home

Pictures to take at home before your kids head to school | The Dating Divas
Children smiling at home about to head to school

Sources {A} Nina.Cecilia {Creative Spark} {B} Adrienne Zwart Photography {C} Kristen Duke Photography {D} Kristen Duke Photography {E} Michele Jones Photography

19. Back to School Photos at Home – Take some back-to-school photos in front of your house!

Location Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – At The Bus Stop

Creative pictures to take at the bus stop | The Dating Divas
Kids smiling for the camera at the bus stop

Sources {A} Stock Photo {B} Julie Rivera Photography  {C} Sophie Crew Photography {D} Sophie Crew Photography {E} Stock Photo

20. Back to School Photography at the Bus Stop– There are so many cute back-to-school photos you can take at the bus stop!

Location Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – In A Field

Photo ideas for back-to-school in a field | The Dating Divas
Kids posing for the camera in a field

Sources {A} Sophie Crew Photography {B} Colleen Salmans Photography  {C} Mari Cruz Photography {D} Briana Johnson – The LifeBeats Project {E} Stock Photo

21. Back to School Photography Outdoors – We love the idea of taking your back-to-school photoshoot outdoors! Find a grassy field for a serene photo session. 🌿

Location Ideas for First Day Of School Picture Ideas – Shopping At Store

Photo ideas to take while kids are back-to-school shopping | The Dating Divas
Kids back-to-school shopping

Sources {A} Simple As That {B, C} Angie Arthur {D} Stock Photo

22. Back to School Shopping Photo Ideas – Capture more than just the first day of school with your camera! Take some picture of your kids as you shop for your back-to-school supplies! You will cherish these little details in the future!

12 POSES AND SENIOR PICTURE IDEAS FOR GIRLS

It is always great to have ideas and a vision for your senior photos! Knowing a couple of poses beforehand can really help you get just the picture you’re looking for. Here are some of our favorite girl pose ideas for a senior photography session…

Poses and Senior Picture Ideas for Girls – Sitting Down

Senior year girls sitting down posing for their photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Girls sitting down for a photoshoot

Sources {A} Connie Riggio Photography {B} Lisa Marie Photography {C} Capture Charisma Photography {D} Miss by Marissa {E} Angela Wynn Photography {F} Connie Riggio Photography {G} Kara Layne & Co

23. Senior Picture Ideas Sitting Down – There are so many cute senior pose ideas sitting down!

Senior Picture Ideas and Poses for Girls – Headshot

Senior girl photography head-shot poses for this year | The Dating Divas
Girls posing for a close-up headshot

Sources {A} Capture Charisma Photography {B} Connie Riggio Photography {C} Julie Sponsel Photography {D} Wyn Wiley Photography {E} Angela Wynn Photography {F} Thrive Seniors

24. Senior Picture Ideas: Headshot – A great way to capture a senior’s personality is through a great headshot! Try out different angles for a great close-up shot!

Poses and Senior Picture Ideas for Girls – Lying Down

Photography poses for girls while lying down | The Dating Divas
Girls lying down posing for the camera

Sources {A} Capture Charisma Photography {B} Ailyn La Torre Photography {C} Mari Cruz Photography {D} Miss by Marissa

25. Senior Picture Ideas Lying Down – Place your senior on their back (lying down) and stand above them for some senior picture ideas of girls!

Poses and Senior Picture Ideas for Girls – Leaning on Wall

Senior girl photography poses leaning against the wall | The Dating Divas
A variety of girls posing for the camera leaning against a wall

Sources {A} Maricruz Photography {B} Miss By Marissa {C} Sarah McAffry {D} Amy Wenzel

26. Senior Picture Ideas Leaning Against the Wall – Find a unique background like a stone or brick wall and strike a pose! Gently lean against the wall for a cute relaxed photo.

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Hands on Hips

High school senior girls posing for the camera with hands on their hips | The Dating Divas
High school senior girls posing with hands on their hips

Sources {A} Wyn Wiley Photography {B} Ailyn La Torre Photography {C} Wyn Wiley Photography {D} Angela Wynn Photography {E} Wyn Wiley Photography

27. Senior Picture Ideas with Hands-on Hips – This slimming pose is a great idea for any senior photo session!

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Hand on Chin

Senior girl photography poses with hand on chin | The Dating Divas
Girls posing for the camera with hand on chin

Sources: {A} Tia Stout Photography {B} Thrive Seniors {C} Sunshine Harmon Portraits {D} Connie Riggio Photography {E} Mari Cruz Photography

28. Senior Picture Ideas with Hands-on Chin – Gently placing your hands under your chin is always a cute pose!

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Kneeling

A variety of high school senior year poses to do for your next photo shoot | The Dating Divas
Girls kneeling for a photoshoot

Sources {A} Wyn Wiley Photography {B} Tia Stout Photography {C} Thrive Seniors {D} Susie Moore Photography – Unfortunately, this website no longer exists. {E} Mari Cruz Photography

29. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Kneeling – We love these modern and relaxed poses! Simply squat or kneel to recreate these gorgeous senior pictures!

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Hands in Hair

Seniors from high school posing for the camera | The Dating Divas
A variety of girls posing for the camera

Sources {A} Angela Wynn Photography {B} Wyn Wiley Photography {C} Wyn Willey Photography {D} Thrive Seniors {E} Angela Wynn Photography {F} Tia Stout Photography {G} Amy Wenzel Photography

30. Senior Pose Ideas with Hand in Hair – This playful pose is a great way to capture a senior’s personality! Simply run your hands through your hair for a natural-looking picture.

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Head Over Shoulder

Senior girl photo ideas for your daughter | The Dating Divas
Close up shots of girls smiling for the camera

Sources {A} Maricruz Photography {B} Wyn Wiley Photography {C} Angela Wynn Photography {D} Wyn Wiley Photography

31. Senior Pose Ideas Looking Over Shoulder – Try out this flattering pose! Angle your shoulders slightly and look over your shoulders for an adorable senior photo!

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Standing

Numerous photography poses for senior year photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Girls standing for senior year photoshoot

Sources {A} Bethi Starr Photography {B} Micah Williams Photography {C} Sarah Mcaffry {D} Tyler R. Brown Photography – Sadly, this website no longer exists. {E} The Picture Show {F} Allison Hilyer Photography

32. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Standing – Cross your legs at the ankles or place your hands in your pockets for a cute and sassy senior picture.

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Candid Smiles

A variety of poses for senior year photoshoot | The Dating Divas
Girls doing a variety of poses for their senior year photoshoot

Sources {A} Clara Bella Photography {B} Connie Riggio Photography {C} Angela Wynn Photography {D} Wyn Wiley Photography {E} Ailyn La Torre Photography

33. Senior Photography Pose Ideas featuring Candid Smiles – Posed pictures are great, but candid shots are priceless! Be sure to get a few shots of your senior laughing!

Senior Picture Poses for Girls – Crossed Legs

Senior girl photography ideas for your daughter | The Dating Divas
Girls sitting down posing for the camera

Sources {A} Wyn Wiley Photography {B} Micah Williams Photography {C} Allison Hilyer Photography {D} Kara Layne & Co {E} Tia Stout Photography {F} Wyn Wiley Photography

34. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Sitting Crossed Legged – Create a cute, relaxed picture by sitting cross-legged on the ground (make sure not to slouch)!

6 SENIOR PICTURE IDEAS FOR GUYS

Posing boys can be a bit tricky! It’s always a good idea to prepare before the photoshoot! Check out a few of our favorite masculine poses below!

Senior Picture Ideas for Guys – Sitting Down

Boys sitting while posing for the camera during senior year photo shoot | The Dating Divas
Seniors sitting down while posing for the camera

Sources {A} Tia Stout Photography {B} Connie Riggio Photography {C} Caroline Madsen Photography {D} Susie Moore Photography – Unfortunately, this site no longer exists. {E} Jeremy Jensen Photography {F} Wyn Wiley Photography {G} Angie Arthur

35. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Sitting Down – There are so many masculine senior pose ideas sitting down! Check out just a few of our favorite poses above!

Senior Picture Ideas for Guys – Headshot

Guys taking a headshot for senior photos | The Dating Divas
Boys looking at the camera for a headshot

Sources {A} Jeremy Jensen Photography {B} Susie Moore Photography {C} Tia Stout Photography {D} Connie Riggio Photography {E} Connie Riggio Photography {F} Caroline Madsen Photography

36. Senior Photography Head Shot Pose Ideas – A great way to capture a senior’s personality is through a great headshot! Find a nice neutral background and snap some great close-ups!

Senior Picture Ideas for Guys – Kneeling

Boys kneeling while taking their senior photos | The Dating Divas
Senior boys kneeling while taking photos

Sources {A} Kristen Duke Photography {B} Angie Arthur

{C} Photography by Amy Lynn {D} Kristen Duke Photography

{E} Jeremy Jensen Photography

37. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Kneeling – We love these modern and relaxed poses! Simply squat or kneel to recreate these strong senior pictures!

Senior Picture Ideas for Guys – Leaning

First day of school photo ideas for boys | The Dating Divas
Senior boys posing for the camera while leaning

Sources {A} Cherie Hogan Seniors {B} Tia Stout Photography {C} Connie Riggio Photography {D} Connie Riggio Photography {E} Tia Stout Photography

38. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Leaning – Create a cool, relaxed picture by leaning against the wall!

Senior Picture Ideas for Guys – Standing

List of senior boy pictures that are perfect for senior photos | The Dating Divas
Senior boys doing a variety of poses in front of the camera

Sources {A} Cherie Hogan Seniors {B} Caroline Madsen Photography {C} Lisa McNiel {D} Connie Riggio Photography {E} Susie Moore Photography

39. Senior Photography Pose Ideas Standing – Be sure to snap a full-length photo of your senior!

Senior Picture Ideas for Guys – For Sports

List of senior boy photography poses for your kid | The Dating Divas
High school senior boys posing for the camera

Sources {A} Stacie Christensen Photography {B} Boomers Photography {C} Susie Moore Photography {D} Connie Riggio Photography  {E} Photography By Amy Lynn {F} Boomers Photography {G} Boomers Photography {H} The Picture Show

40. Senior Photography Pose Ideas for Sports – Take some close-up intense pictures or a full-length photo showing off your senior’s entire uniform!

10 FREE PRINTABLE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGNS


Document the first day of school with some adorable printable signs! These FREE back-to-school photography signs make the perfect prop!

Free Printable First Day of School Signs

Kids posing for a photo with their free first day of school signs | The Dating Divas
Children taking a picture with their first day of school signs

41. Hashtag Back to School Signs – We are pretty much obsessed with these cute, FREE printables from Jen at Tatertots and Jello! Use these trendy hashtag signs in your first day of school photos.

42. “First Day of…” Free Printable Signs – Spruce up your back-to-school photos with these fun printable signs! Check out the entire FREE collection over at Chikabug!

43. Back to School Photo Signs Printable Pack – Kiki from Kiki and Company is one of our FAVORITE designers ever! It is no wonder why we are obsessed with her darling back-to-school printable signs! 

44. #Backtoschool Chalkboard Printable Sign – Check out this cute chalkboard-inspired printable from A Mommy’s Life with a Touch of Yellow! Just press print for a darling first day of school photo!

45. Fill-In-The-Blank Printable Signs – Document your child’s first day of school with these unique printables from Armelle Blog! The best part about these cute designs is you can personalize them!

46. Black and White First Day of School Signs – Check out these classic back-to-school photography signs! We love these FREE black and white designs from The Crafted Sparrow.

List of free Back to School printables that are perfect for young kids | The Dating Divas
Kids holding their first day of school sign

47. Giant Letter/Number Back to School Signs – Attach these cute printable signs from I Heart Naptime to a pencil for a darling back-to-school photo!

48. Chalkboard Back to School Free Printable Signs – Celebrate the new school year by printing off these FREE photography props from Simple As That! 

49. Bright Award First Day of School Printables – Check out this darling back-to-school printable pack from The Dating Divas! 

50. First Day of School Photo Booth Printables – Could these back-to-school photo booth props be any cuter!? Go get your first day of school FREE printables over at Kristen Duke Photography!

And there you have it – over 50 back-to-school photography tips to get you inspired!

**We did our very best to find and link to the original sources of each photo, but if you see a photo that is not linked correctly, please let us know so we can fix it.  We definitely want to give credit where credit is due. We are so grateful for these wonderfully talented photographers who capture memories so beautifully!**

 

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Courtney

I’m an energetic, church goin’, competitive, family lovin’ gal who is addicted to all things DIY (except for cleaning)! I feel lucky to have married my high school sweetheart and find myself falling more and more in love with him each day! I took pride in my education and career but fully believe I have it all by getting the opportunity to stay at home with my crazy little boy!

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Recent Comments

  1. My sons girlfriend asked me to take her senior pictures, now I’m crash course learning poses. Thanks so much you’re a life saver!

    1. Nicole!! We are so glad you found some great inspiration!! Good luck! I’m sure the pictures will turn out SO great! That’s really nice of you to jump right in and learn a new skill so quickly!! XO

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