Use colourful chalks to write the year, class and teacher’s name out on the pavement like this cute example one parent showed off on Pinterest.

Alternatively, you could create a full chalk picture around your child to record the day, like this fun idea from Paging Fun Mums!

Grab a large white men’s t-shirt and create this brilliant photo prop for your back to school photos!

Where the Smiles Have Been shows you just how to create your own graduating class t-shirt, complete with spaces for a handprint each year. What a brilliant gift to present your child with at their graduation?!

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Show your child holding a picture from last year, which is a great way to show the changes in a year. Some parents also do last day of school pics to go with the first day of school, but I like this idea from How Does She where you have your child’s last year photo in a frame for them to hold for this year’s photo. Plus, you’ll find fantastic step-by-step instructions on how to create this picture-in-a-picture idea.

Keep it simple with a homemade printed sheet, listing the details of the coming year.

You could even turn it into a keepsake by adding a signed message of good luck from each family member!

Create your own giant homemade (and reusable) Polaroid frame with instructions from No Biggie, then digitally add the year, class, or funny message that will immortalise your child’s return to school each year.

Taking your child’s picture with their siblings as well as by themselves makes for a nice series. I love this idea from Pinterest, with the older sister holding the younger sibling’s 1st day sign.

If you have a glass door then you could use markers to decorate it with their year and details and take the photo through the glass like this parent did on Pinterest.

Write out the number for their class and the year or have your child write it to practice their handwriting like mum Kate had with her child on HVParent.com.

Isn’t this a clever idea from Pinterest? Sit all the siblings on a set of steps and chalk their class on their step with the year at the bottom.

For a really cool reusable school photo prop, you could create a life sized ruler like Mum Erin did. Find the instructions on creating this on Craftybiggers.com.

What a cute way to capture all the info surrounding back to school? These chalkboard idea from Building Our Story includes great questions like what does your child enjoy and what do they want to be when they grow up. Taking this back to school photo each year will make great memories as you look back on each passing year!

For the book loving child, you could take their first day of school photo with their current favourite book – that would make a nice series to look back over when they finally leave school.

This mum was very creative with her daughter’s first day of school pic, using a set of broken sunglasses to make a fun prop along with a Dr Seuss book.

For something a bit different, how about this idea from The Idea Room to use a black balloon with white marker to write the details for that year.

Rather than trying to rush photos on the actual first day of school, take them the day before! It’s less stressful and your child can have a final try on of their uniform or chosen clothes.

If you do decide to take the photos on the first day of school, give yourself time. It’s nice to have time to try out different poses and let your child be creative too.

Organise your props in advance, write out or create your signs and have them ready.

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of bribery…