All around Chicago that magical day is approaching - School Picture Day!
As a child I remember feeling stress about something that should be so simple. The whole process of getting the hair, the outfit and the smile just right has turned me into a camera shy adult. Oh how I envied the kid who got to take his school photo wearing a Bart Simpson shirt and a pair of Jams, yet I still go out each year to find my own child a "nice shirt" for picture day. Ultimately all we want as parents are great photos of our kids to put up in a frame and share with Grandma, so how do we make that happen?
I asked local photographer, Chad Leverenz, for his advice on how to get great school pictures and this is what he suggested:
- If your kid isn't worried then you shouldn't worry either! Not about perfect hair, perfect teeth or the perfect outfit. All that focus and worry can make the experience a negative one for the child.
- Let your kids be themselves and wear what makes them comfortable & relaxed. If they "know" they will look good, then they will!
- Don't worry about the hair. If littly Johnny has a cowlick that sticks up 99% of the time then do not force it down on picture day. Let Johnny look like the Johnny we see every day.
- "CHEESE!" can be an obstacle. If the kids are prepared and focused to come in and say "cheese" then it can be hard for a photographer to capture a spontaneous smile. Don't practice, or remind, them to say "cheese" - let the photographer have a chance to build a rapport in those short minutes and get a natural smile.
- Don't hide the teeth! Many parents suggest a closed smile to their kids to help camouflage missing or crooked teeth, or braces.
The school photographers have 100's of kids to see and a short amount of time with each one. If we, as parents, can send them confident, and relaxed, children then the end result should be one that makes everyone smile.
Happy Picture Day Chicago!
