WHAT TO WEAR FOR PHOTO DAY. School edition

What to Wear for School Photo Day in Boise

School photo day is just around the corner here in Boise! Whether your child is stepping in front of my camera at Ali Horton Photography or working with another photographer, the right outfit can make a big difference in how their portraits turn out. As a Boise school photographer, I love helping families prepare so their child’s school photos feel timeless, natural, and true to who they are.

Keep It Simple and Solid

When it comes to Boutique Style School Portraits, solid colors are always the way to go. They keep the focus on your child’s face and natural expressions instead of distracting patterns. Classic colors also give you a photo that ages beautifully—you’ll still love it years from now.

My biggest tip? Avoid neon. Bright neon colors can reflect onto your child’s skin and give them a glowing face (and not in a good way). Sticking with softer, solid colors creates a clean, classic portrait.

Choose Comfortable, Classic Tops

Since school portraits are shoulder-up, the top half of the outfit matters most. Look for tops that:

• Fit well and feel comfortable (a comfy kid is a happy kid!)

• Have simple necklines or collars that frame their face nicely

• Feature classic textures like cotton or knits without being overwhelming

The goal is for the outfit to complement—not compete with—your child’s natural expressions.

Skip Distracting Accessories

While hats, oversized bows, or flashy accessories can be adorable, they often cover part of the face or cast shadows. For portraits, simple and functional is best. Think small clips or bands that keep hair out of their eyes while letting their personality shine through.

Hair and Grooming

A neat, simple hairstyle works wonders. Keep hair brushed, tidy, and out of your child’s face so we can capture their full expressions. No need for perfection—sometimes those little flyaways or curls make the portraits feel even more authentic.

What to Avoid

• Tops with logos, graphics, or bold patterns (these distract from your child’s face).

• Neon or super-bright colors that reflect poorly on skin tones.

• Trendy, “of-the-moment” outfits you might not love in a few years—stick to timeless pieces for portraits you’ll treasure.

At Ali Horton Photography, my goal is always to keep things simple, relaxed, and natural. The best school portraits come when kids feel comfortable, happy, and free to be themselves. By keeping outfits classic and distraction-free, your child’s personality can take center stage.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your child’s personality through these portraits, so dressing them in something they feel good and comfortable in is key. If you have any doubts or need further advice on what to choose, don’t hesitate to contact me. We’re here to make sure your child’s school photo day is a success!

Looking forward to capturing beautiful, timeless portraits of your children this school year!