5 Tips to Get Your Kid Ready for Picture Day (Without the Morning Meltdown)

As both a school photographer and a mom, trust me when I say—I’ve seen it all on Picture Day. Bedhead, shirt stains, tears over socks, full-on existential crises because their favorite hoodie is in the wash (we’ve all been there).

But here’s the good news: With just a little prep, you can turn Picture Day from a stress-fest into a win—for both of you.

Here are my top 5 tried-and-true tips to get your kiddo ready for the camera without losing your mind before 8 AM:

1. Plan the Outfit Ahead of Time

Don’t leave this to the morning of. Choose the outfit the night before—better yet, a couple of days before in case something needs ironing or, let’s be honest, a quick stain-removal miracle.
Pro tip: Skip busy patterns and neon colors. Solid, jewel-toned tops tend to photograph beautifully. And always check for holes and logos—unless your child really wants to be immortalized forever in their favorite Minecraft tee (and hey, sometimes that’s the vibe).

2. Keep the Morning Simple

Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Kids thrive on consistency. If Picture Day feels too different, they might resist. Let them know it’s a special day, but keep breakfast and routines chill.
And yes, toothpaste face-check before you leave is always a good idea. (It’s the #1 thing I Photoshop out.)

3. Let Them Help

Kids are more cooperative when they feel like they’ve got a say. Let them choose between two parent-approved outfits. Ask them how they want their hair styled. Giving them a bit of control helps avoid power struggles and boosts confidence in front of the camera.

4. Add a Personal Touch

A small item like a favorite hair clip, bracelet, or even lucky socks can make them feel special. It’s like a tiny security blanket that doesn’t show up in photos, but makes a big difference in comfort.

5. Don’t Hype It Up Too Much

This might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes we go so hard trying to make them look perfect that they start to feel pressure. Instead, focus on helping them feel happy and confident.
Tell them, “You’re going to look like YOU today, and that’s the best kind of picture.”

A Final Word, Mama to Mama:

Remember, these photos are about capturing your child at this moment in time—not perfection. The missing tooth? The lopsided grin? That’s their story right now. And it’s beautiful.

At Jenny Puranen Photography, we aim to make Picture Day easy, fun, and judgment-free (even if you packed breakfast in the car while yelling “WHERE ARE YOUR SHOES?!”).

You're doing great.
And your kid’s going to look amazing.

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