As the start of September approaches, parents will be busy preparing their children for the new academic year ahead. Some new school clothes, a fresh haircut and stationery will no doubt be on the list, but there’s also the proud first day back photo.

As a mum of two now grown-up boys, I certainly got used to this yearly routine. But what I really look back fondly on now is that first day back photo - my sons standing at the front door, looking smart and eager, ready for a new year ahead.

Keeping this little record each year was very important to me, but it is perhaps only now, looking back to this collection, that its significance dawns on me. Each year the boys get a little taller. Their features develop and their haircuts change. I remember the new, must have things they were into, the family holidays from those summers, the (sometimes terrible!) passing fashions, the challenges they faced and the many achievements they made. Suddenly this little tradition of the back to school photo doesn’t seem so little anymore.

So, for anyone getting ready for back to school and wanting to capture a great photo on their smartphone. Here are my top tips.

1. Natural light

Hopefully it will a bright start to September giving you an abundance of morning light before you set off. Natural light creates a great tone. Try to angle the shot so the subject is completely lit but not dazzled.

2. Location

Sticking with the same location each year can create a great set of first day back photos to revisit. Most common is the doorway, but any consistent background feature, like a wall or fence, will make for a great point of reference to see the changes year on year.

3. Camera position

Keep your camera straight on at the face height of the subject. This can be easier said than done when trying to line up a photo with distracted or disinterested child! Thankfully, most smartphone camera will have a grid setting that you can pre-set. This will make it much quicker to frame the subject. Failing that, there’s always cropping and editing that you can do after.

Enjoy the moment

Back to school day is a busy and sometimes quite emotional one. Pausing to take a snap gives you the chance to take in the moment and reflect before the new term begins.

We would love to see your back to school shots, so if you are sharing on Instagram, remember to tag us in on @jetblacksquares.