School pictures are a time-honored tradition that dates back to the early days of photography. While the quality of the photos has improved significantly over the years, the experience of sitting for a school picture remains largely unchanged. Students are herded into a small room and instructed to sit still and smile for the camera. The resulting photo is usually a far cry from what the student had envisioned, but it captures a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come. In fact, school pictures are such an important part of growing up that many adults still have their own school photos on display in their homes. So whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that school pictures are an integral part of the American education system.
HISTORY OF SCHOOL PICTURES
School photos have been around since the late 1800s. They were initially used as a way to track the attendance of students. In the early days, photos were taken in black and white and often featured a large group of students. Today, school photos are typically taken in color and feature just one or two students. While the purpose of school photos has changed over the years, the tradition remains an important part of many students’ lives.
FIVE TIPS FOR GREAT SCHOOL PICTURES
- Start with a clean face. Make sure there’s no dirt or smudges on your child’s skin.
- Style your child’s hair in a way that’s flattering but not too fussy.
- Choose the right clothing. A simple, solid-colored shirt or blouse is always a good option.
- Make sure your child is well-rested and has eaten a healthy meal prior to the photo shoot.
- Remind your child to smile!
Cross your fingers and remember even the bad pictures turn out to be fun to look at for years to come.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SCHOOL PICTURES DAY
- Make any one of many of these projects with one or more school photos.
- Dig out your own old school photos and yearbooks.
- Host a school pictures day party with friends – everybody brings theirs to share.
- Browse old yearbooks at Classmates.com
- If you like the article image, please check out these fun products on Zazzle in the Kool Kids Collection.
Note: If the above links do not direct you to the appropriate referral on the first try, return to the article and try again.
Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
