Tips from a Virginia Beach School Photographer

School photo day is coming up, and one of the most common questions parents ask is: What should my child wear?

Choosing the right outfit can make a big difference in how your child’s school portrait looks. The goal of fine art school photography is to create timeless portraits that highlight your child’s personality, so clothing should support the portrait rather than distract from it.

As a Virginia Beach school photographer serving families across Hampton Roads, here are some simple tips to help your child look their best on photo day.

Choose Solid Colors

When it comes to school portraits, solid colors photograph best.

Simple colors help keep the focus on your child’s face and expressions instead of drawing attention to the clothing. Solid tones also create a classic look that won’t feel dated years from now.

Try colors such as:

navy
cream
soft blue
burgundy
sage green
muted earth tones

Avoid neon or extremely bright colors, as these can reflect onto the skin and create unnatural color casts in the portrait.

Focus on the Top

Most school portraits are photographed from the shoulders up, so the shirt or top is the most important part of the outfit.

Choose something comfortable that fits well and frames your child’s face nicely. Good options include:

simple sweaters
collared shirts
classic blouses
soft cotton tops
textured knits

Subtle textures can photograph beautifully and add interest to the portrait without being distracting.

Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns

Clothing with large logos, graphics, or bold patterns can pull attention away from your child’s face.

Busy prints and strong patterns can also make portraits feel dated quickly. For a timeless look, it’s best to stick with simple, clean designs.

Keep Accessories Minimal

While accessories can be fun, large or decorative items can distract from the portrait.

It’s best to avoid:

large bows
hats
oversized headbands
flashy jewelry

Simple hair accessories are perfectly fine, but the goal is to keep the focus on your child’s face and expression.

Hair and Grooming Tips

A little preparation can help portraits look polished and natural.

Before photo day:

Make sure hair is clean and neatly styled
Keep hair away from the eyes
Choose a simple hairstyle that your child feels comfortable with

Comfort is important—when kids feel relaxed and confident, their natural expressions shine through in the portrait.

The Most Important Tip: Comfort

The best school portraits happen when children feel like themselves. Choose clothing your child feels comfortable wearing so they can relax and show their personality.

Fine art school portraits are meant to capture genuine expressions and authentic moments, and comfort plays a big role in that.

School Photography in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads

At Light & Grace Photography, we provide fine art school photography for schools throughout Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area. Our goal is to create portraits that feel natural, timeless, and meaningful for families.

Learn more about our school photography services or see how our photo days work:

👉 https://lightandgracephotographyva.com/school