Is that time of year again when you're bound by social convention to lie to all your friends on Facebook.
Prepare for your feed to be inundated with uninspiring shots of miserable-looking kids in oversized uniforms desperately trying to forget that the summer holidays are almost over.
"Aw, what a beautiful picture!" you'll say, concluding your annual deception.
But just because you're going to have to lie a bunch of times to your nearest and dearest doesn't mean you have to put them through the same rigmarole.
Follow our tips on how to take the best back-to-school photos, and not only will you save your friends from the ignominy of lying to your face, but you'll be able to take pictures of the kids that you'll want to turn into photo prints and canvases to hang around your home.
The backdrop of your photo is almost as important as the subject itself (but don't let the kids hear you say that). No one wants to look at pictures of reluctant students standing against the kitchen door with a big pile of washing in the background.
Look for a meaningful location. If you've got a nice garden, get outside. If not, take a trip down to the local park. Just make sure to set the scene and that it's clutter-free.
Good lighting can make or break your photo. Aim to take your pictures during the "golden hour," the hour after sunrise or (assuming there's no way your kids will get up early) before sunset.
The soft, diffused light can create a warm and flattering glow during these times. If you're taking photos indoors, try to position your child near a window to take advantage of natural light.
While posed photos are essential, candid shots can add an element of authenticity to your collection. Let your child interact naturally with their environment or siblings (assuming they don't want to kill each other at that precise moment). Capture them laughing, playing, or simply being themselves. These moments often turn out to be the most memorable.
I like to swear at my kids make a joke in the moments before I take the picture for joyful, genuine smiles.
Props can add a fun and personalised touch to your photos. Consider including items significant to your child's school experience, such as a favourite book, a backpack, or a chalkboard with their grade written on it. However, be careful not to overdo it; too many props can clutter the photo and distract from the objective of taking less mundane school pics.
If you have a dog (cats are unlikely to be willing participants in this skullduggery), get them in on the act, too!
Don't be afraid to get creative with your shots. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most flattering compositions.
Try shooting from a low angle to make your child appear taller, or take overhead shots for a unique viewpoint. Changing your perspective can add variety to your photo collection and make it more interesting.
After capturing your photos, take some time to edit them. Simple brightness, contrast, and saturation adjustments can make a big difference. There are many user-friendly photo editing apps available that can help you enhance your images without needing professional skills.
Let us turn your fantastic back-to-school pictures into stunning photo prints and canvases so your new photography skills don't only get an audience on social media.
