The tradition of school picture days began in the late 19th century, when photography became more widespread and accessible. However the earliest school picture days looked pretty different from what we know today, with a much more significant culture today created around these specific mementoes.
In the early days of school photography, the process was cumbersome and time-consuming. A large camera usually mounted on a tripod set up in a designated area of the school. Most schools would opt for a photo of the entire school together as opposed to individual portraits, as schools were a lot smaller back then. With the shift into solo portraits students were then filed in one at a time to have their picture taken. The photographer would typically use a cloth to drape over the student’s shoulders, giving the appearance of a formal portrait. Students were often required to wear their “Sunday Best” or school uniform for the occasion.
Because photography was still a relatively new technology, the process was often intimidating for students. Many had never had their picture taken before, and the bright flash and unfamiliar equipment could be intimidating. Not that being intimidated by things we don’t understand was exclusively an issue of the past. As a result, early school pictures often show students looking stiff and uncomfortable, with forced smiles and rigid poses.
After the photo was taken, the photographer would develop the image in a darkroom and print it onto a small card that could be purchased by parents for a nominal fee. These early school portraits were small and often of low quality, but they served as an important keepsake for families, who might not have had access to cameras or photography studios of their own.
Over time, school picture days became more streamlined, with standardized backdrops, poses, and packages that made it easier for schools and parents to order and receive prints. However, the basic process of taking a portrait in a school setting has remained largely the same for more than a century.
As technology has advanced, school picture days have become more efficient and sophisticated. Today, most school pictures are taken digitally, although you would be amazed that this transition has only happened industry wide in the past 10 years. While Picture Day has taken school pictures digitally for 20 years—acknowledging the creative flexibility that digital photography has allowed—most school picture companies took their pictures on large roll film cameras as late as 2015.
Despite these advances, many of the basic elements of school picture days remain the same. Students are still asked to dress nicely and pose for the camera, and many schools still use traditional backdrops and poses for their portraits. A few school picture companies, like Picture Day have updated the look with contemporary custom portrait style backdrops, lighting and posing in the school picture/mass photography venue, making them more personalized and memorable for students and families.
This has fostered an important culture around school picture days, as parents and families have become accustomed to exchanging or sharing photos of their children with their loved ones. Grandparents especially have come to expect or demand prints of their beloved grandkids, and most of us understand the importance of wanting to cherish these kinds of memories. And of course, with digital photography, comes the easy purchase and sharing of digital files and all of the flexibility that that offers. There are plenty of fun and creative ways to catalog and preserve the memories created on Picture Day.
Here are just a few ideas:
Photo albums are one of the simplest and classic ways to preserve and display school pictures is to create a photo album. Choose a traditional album or a digital one, and organize the pictures by grade or year.
D-I-Y frames give you endless possibilities to customize how you display those memories. Decorate or even create your very own frames however you’d like! Scraps of wood, popsicle sticks, stickers, glitter, paint, hot glued on macaroni, whatever ya got and like. Involve your children and have them help or decorate the frames themselves.
Making a photo wall is another fun way to display them is to create a photo wall. Use frames or simply attach the pictures directly to the wall with adhesive strips, thumbtacks, etc. Arrange the pictures in a creative way, such as in the shape of a tree, a heart, or a star!
A digital photo frame is a great way to enjoy your favorite memories without taking up too much space. Use one to display a rotating selection of school pictures, especially if you’ve got growing siblings.
Creating a slideshow or video montage of school pictures, set to music or narration. This can be a great way to share memories with family and friends no matter where they are!