*updated in 2026* Get ready to take the BEST first day of school pictures with this collection of fun first day of school photo ideas. Grab the camera and get the kiddos to "say cheese". Be sure to check out all of our creative back to school activities and resources.
Am I a terrible mom if I have never taken one of those super creative first day of school photos? I don't think so.
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Would it have been awesome if I had started taking a creative first day of school photo when my kids were in kindergarten? Yes. Truth be told, my kids started school before these sorts of pictures were popular. I'm so jealous of new parents, who get to start this sweet annual tradition with their school-aged kids.
If you are the type of parent who loves fun photography then this collection is perfect for you. There are so many ways to commemorate the first day of school...here are a few of my favourite first day of school photo ideas.
10 Fabulous First Day of School Photo Ideas
Fun Chalkboard Signs
My Suburban Kitchen shares a how-to tutorial for making a first day of school reusable chalkboard sign. I love these word bubble mini-questionnaires.
Love the enthusiasm in this kiddo. Smile and Wave take advantage of a wall covered in chalkboards to make this funny first day of kindergarten photo idea.
Hudson Valley Parent shares all kinds of cool first day of school ideas and I particularly loved how easy this sidewalk chalk school photo idea would be to pull together...and great for older kids.
Now, here's a back to school photo idea that's a little more complicated, but is so cute. Use a big pile of sidewalk chalk to make a picture frame! How fun is that!
Easy Printable First Day of School Signs
Tatertots and Jello shared free back to school photo prop printables that are perfect for older kids. These #hashtag signs are totally ready to be shared on social.
We've created a simple way to create a memorable back-to-school photo - print off our first day of school signs. We have a sign for every year from kindergarten to grade 8.
Hey Let's Make Stuff shares the cutest printable first day of school pennants. Simply print and add a stick to create these fun pennants that mark the start of the new school year.
Creative First Day of School T-Shirts
Love the idea of making a big shirt that your child can wear every first day of school! This idea was shared by Where Smiles Have Been. She shares a complete tutorial for how to make a custom first day of school t-shirt for your child.
Other Fun First Day of School Photo Ideas
First day of school photo-in-photo
Here's a great way to use your first day of school picture to make an awesome last day of school picture! How She Does it shares how to create this photo in photo first day of school photo.
Balloon prop for first day of school pic
Loving the idea of making first day of school balloons! Design Improvised shares how to make these crafty balloon photo props.
School Bus First Day of School Pic
If your child rides on a bus to school then be sure to use the school bus as the ultimate back to school photo prop. Love this idea from Priceless Impressions.
Use your fingers as a photo prop
I love how simple this photo idea is...get the kids to hold up their fingers to mark the grade they are starting. Harvard Homemaker shares all kinds of great tips for the first day of school.
Do you have a family first day of school photo tradition?
Check out all of our other helpful back to school resources
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Jacquie@KCEdventures says
I don't take creative photos either but we do take a 1st day of school picture in the same place each year (outside in front of our garden/lilac tree). It's been fun to see how tall the kids have grown each year in relation to the landscaping 🙂
maryanne @ mama smiles says
I don't, but I would like to. Love these ideas - pinning to my back to school board 🙂
andiejaye says
love these ideas! I need to come up with one soon for bear's first day of pre-k in 2 weeks!
Jen says
There are so many great ideas out there...good luck!
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
All cute! I really like the idea of documenting what you kid is into on the first day of school...it would be fun to look back in June and see how things have changed.
Tiffany @ MyDirt says
oh these are great ideas. This is the first year that ALL 4 OF MY KIDS WILL BE IN THE SAME SCHOOL!!! Yes, I'm yelling because I'm a little bit excited. My babies are starting kindergarten so in honour of this year I think I'll do something special.
Dani @ lifeovereasy says
Great ideas! It's so nice to be able to create these memories in such a creative way.
Inspire Me Heather says
Wow, great ideas - they are all super cute! I just have my son sit on the front steps to the house all dressed up with his backpack ready to go. Thanks for putting that all together!
Kathryn says
I'm excited this year because not only am I taking a first day of kindergarten picture of my daughter and first day of preschool for my son BUT a first day of college for my husband. It will be epic (just kidding, we'll probably actually forget!)
Jen says
Wow...now that sounds incredible. Good luck to everyone!
Anne@DesignDreams says
awww so cute - love your ideas!
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
Thanks so much for sharing my chalkboard quote bubbles in your roundup! We have a great time filling this out each year. I can't wait to change up the answers and see what she has to say in 2 weeks when we head back to school.
Jen says
Your idea is fabulous! Thanks for swinging by...good luck with back to school!
Nikki Mans says
Fun! Thanks for sharing my "reality" first-day-of-school photo session. Ha! I giggle looking back at it. And this evening I already warned my girls to prepare for tomorrow's session. :0)