Preparation is everything, right? Especially when it comes to school photography. Life is busy, so that day always seems to creep up on us. I’ve been there, and I would bet just about every parent has been there, too. That’s why I’ve created a guide for parents, “San Diego School Photography Prep.”

School photography is one of my favorite ways to capture your child’s personality and preserve this chapter in your child’s life. If you’re new to this style of school portraits, you’re probably thinking: “What the heck is Fine Art School Photography?” and if that is the case, go read this: Why San Diego Schools and Parents Are Making the Switch to Fine Art School Photography.

If you already know about this style of school photos or you’ve read the blog, you might be wondering:

“How do I prepare my child? “

“What happens after picture day?“

My goal here at Love Michelle Photography is to make the process stress-free and give you all the details on what to expect before, during, and after fine art school photos. So let’s talk about what to expect before, during, and after.

San Diego School Photography Prep Tips for Parents

Getting ready for fine art school photos is simple. Here are my top tips to help your child feel comfortable and look their best:

1. Choose Timeless, Simple Clothing

For fine art portraits, simple is best. Solid colors, soft textures, and subtle patterns photograph beautifully. Avoid clothing with logos, busy graphics, or neon colors, which can distract from your child’s sweet expression.

Outfits like a collared shirt, a classic dress, or a cozy sweater are perfect for this style.

2. Keep Hair and Accessories Low-Key

There’s no need for an elaborate hairstyle—natural and neat is perfect. If your child wears a bow or headband, choose one in a neutral or soft color that won’t overpower their portrait.

3. Help Them Feel Comfortable

Make sure your child is well-rested and has a good breakfast so they feel relaxed and happy. Even if your little one is shy, don’t worry, I’m experienced at bringing out natural smiles and genuine expressions.

If you’re still not 100% sure what to dress your child in for school photos, no worries. I wrote a school photo guide here that dives a bit more into the dos and dont’s.

What Happens After Picture Day?

After picture day, you’ll receive an email from me with a private online gallery link to view your child’s photos. Here’s what to expect:

Online Viewing & Ordering

You’ll see a selection of beautifully edited images of your child to choose from. From there, you can easily order prints, canvases, and high-resolution digital files directly through the gallery.

Quick Turnaround

I know how excited you are to see the results! Galleries are typically ready within 2–3 weeks of picture day.

Heirloom-Quality Prints

The prints you order through me are produced by a professional lab to ensure true-to-life color and archival quality, so they’ll last for generations.

Why Parents Love Fine Art School Photos

Parents tell me all the time how much they love having school pictures that feel authentic, artistic, and worthy of framing. Kids have fun in front of my camera, and it shows in the results.

Instead of cookie-cutter snapshots, you get soulful, fine art portraits of your child that truly capture who they are at this moment.

Ready for Picture Day?

Fine art school photography with Love Michelle Photography is designed to be easy and enjoyable. Just follow these prep tips, and let me handle the rest. If you have any questions about what to wear or how it all works, feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to help.

Here’s to capturing beautiful memories of your child you’ll treasure for years to come!