Elijah. Back-to-School. Grade 1.

I know, I know, it’s only August, but…the 2012-2013 school year is here! Like all eager beavers, when I was little, I loved school shopping. Jansport backpack, check. Hello Kitty lunch pail and pencil case, check. Plaid, satin, and jersey bows, double check. Awe yes, the smell of a brand new eraser and leather oxfords still gives me chills. As I recollect the little things that made my heart go pitter patter, I know deep down inside students are also anticipating entering a new classroom and/or meeting their new teacher for the first time.

I created a Back-to-School theme photo shoot for a very good friend’s son. Elijah is entering first grade. His mommy is a talented local artist and teacher, so I knew she would love the school-themed photo shoot. Elijah enjoys traveling with his mommy, Dodgers and dressing-up.  I wanted to make this school theme look authentic so I hunted down a vintage school desk, used real powder-everywhere kinda chalk to write some of Elijah’s favorite things on my new magnetic chalkboard wall. I’m sure ya’ll are thinking to yourselves, why more school pictures when kids take them during the year? Well, as a teacher, I know the creativeness of school-produced photos are a big BLAH! In elementary school its the same backgrounds year after year and they aren’t personalized to each child except with the typical US flag, garden or beach backdrop options. I wanted fun and festive, while also creating a space where students can show and tell more about themselves. So, ten years from now, parents can look at these photos and know exactly what their child liked and what grade they were entering.

Good luck at your new school Elijah! I know you are going to hit a home run there!!!

I’ll have my school-themed studio out for the month of August and September, so if you are interested please just email or FB me:)

Boy’s boat shoes are totally adorable. Good job, mama!

See, totally personalized! This one is also my personal favorite:) 
Elijah is such a good listener, but he can also get silly…and I loved it!