What to Wear for Preschool Photo Day | Bay Area School Photography
School pictures are forever pictures…
And that means Photo Day should be about making parents happy with the results AND kiddos happy with the experience.
Photo Day should feel just as good as it looks.
As a Bay Area preschool photographer, I want children to feel comfortable enough to be themselves in front of the camera, while parents feel confident they’ll love the final portraits.
Below are my 5 simple “what to wear” tips for Preschool Photo Day - plus a bonus tip for siblings!
The Power of Choice
Give your child the feeling that they “chose” their outfit for Photo Day.
Lay out 2–3 options you love and let them pick their favorite. It’s a simple win-win — they feel confident, and you feel good about the look.
Choose Color (Thoughtfully)
Solid colors or subtle patterns (plaid, floral, stripes) photograph beautifully against the black backdrop.
Because portraits are taken from the shoulders up, there’s no need to worry about pants or shoes.
Avoid:
Large brand logos
Cartoon characters
Writing across the chest
Fluorescent colors
Black tops (which can blend into the backdrop)
Make Sure It Fits Just Right
Make sure your child’s clothes fit them well - not too baggy, scratchy OR tight.
We only have a few minutes together, and comfort helps children relax quickly and show their natural expressions.
Add a Little Personality
Accessories like headbands, simple necklaces, or a favorite hat can add charm and individuality.
For younger children, a beloved stuffed animal for the first few photos can be sweet and meaningful.
Choose 1-2 accessories, no more!
Simple Grooming Goes a Long Way
Fresh haircuts are recommended, and hair pulled gently away from the face photographs beautifully.
Don’t worry about minor scratches or rashes — small details can be lightly retouched if needed.
Sibling Portraits: Aim for Complementary, Not Matching
Avoid dressing siblings in identical outfits or the same solid color.
Instead, think complementary:
• One child wears a patterned top
• The other pulls one color from that pattern
Or:
• Both wear soft pastels
• Or both wear bright tones
Portraits are shoulders-up, so focus on tops only.
If you have three or more children, the same principle applies.
……………………….
Curious how Photo Day works behind the scenes?
Learn more about Photo Day by Nicole’s school portrait process here: How Photo Day Works
