School photo day is an exciting time of the year where parents can buy beautiful, high-quality images of their children. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how much they’ve grown over the years and to create cherished keepsakes that can be shared with friends and family.
However, over the years these school photos have become more expensive, and with parents feeling the pinch more than ever, are they still affordable?
To find out how much parents spend on school photos of their children, or if they choose to take the photos themselves at home, NetVoucherCodes surveyed 844 British parents.
The poll asked: “It’s school photo season and the parents on our team are certainly feeling the pinch. This left us wondering how much of our audience bothers buying photos and how much is spent. Does anyone take their own uniform photos to avoid the cost altogether? ”
Here are the results:
| Response | Number of respondents | % of respondents |
| I don’t buy school photos / spend £0 | 151 | 17.89% |
| I buy digital copies & spend up to £25 | 313 | 37.08% |
| I buy digital copies & spend between £25-£50 | 54 | 6.39% |
| I buy physical prints & spend up to £25 | 234 | 27.72% |
| I buy physical prints & spend between £25-£50 | 88 | 10.42% |
| I buy physical prints & spend £75+ | 4 | 0.47% |
The survey found that 37% of parents buy digital copies of their children from school photo day and spend up to £25. Digital copies are popular, as parents can then post them online, share them with family and friends, and print off as many of the photos as they want.
27% of parents choose to buy physical prints & spend up to £25 on these, while just 10% of parents spent £25-£50 on physical prints and a few spending over an eye watering £75 on school photos.
Interestingly, 17% of parents decide not to buy school photos at all. This could be down to a few reasons, including school photos being too expensive, parents questioning the quality of the pictures and some even saying that their children look better and more natural when they take the photos at home.
Here are some comments from parents who responded to the poll about why they might miss school photo day:
Jemma Derbyshire:
“I bought my daughter’s for the first 3 years then stopped as it was too expensive and with some I thought I can do just as good on my phone. My son started nursery and had his first so thought I’m guna have to buy his first nursery ones then his first school ones and my daughter is in her last year at primary so I’ve bought her last one but only gone for the cheapest they have to offer.”
Jen Oldaker:
”I got my eldest daughter’s nursery picture and first year of high school and I’ve done the same with my youngest too and I’ll get one when they’re in their final year. I didn’t want to buy them every year”
Sophie Claire Barr:
”For the last 2 years my kids sit nervous for a photo, by a person they don’t know. The pictures we are sent, the kids just look uncomfortable.
”So we take them to Max Spielmann photo shop, where they have the photos taken with us with them and they are relaxed and happy. I think I spent around £40 last year for a decent package.
”I’ll be probably get a smaller package this year, as it will only be fore us and grandparents.”
Jenny Wren:
”I’ve taken my child’s school photo at home before, which turned out way better than the one taken at school, mainly because he hates being forced to smile, so I managed to get one of his beautiful, natural smile, wearing his uniform and taken against a plain wall background. School photos are WAY too expensive, and parents shouldn’t feel forced to purchase them!”
Rebecca Bebbington, NetVoucherCodes’ resident photography expert reveals some tips on how to take school pictures at home to save money:
Taking school photos at home can be a really enjoyable way to capture some special memories without the cost of hiring a professional photographer. Here are some friendly tips to help you get great results!
- Pick the right background
Start by finding a clean, uncluttered spot in your home. A plain wall or a simple backdrop works wonders. Light, neutral colours like white, light grey, or beige are ideal since they keep the focus on your child and try to find somewhere that contrasts with your child’s school uniform colours to help them stand out. If your walls have too much going on, consider hanging a sheet or curtain to create a smooth background—just make sure it’s wrinkle-free!
- Make the most of natural light
Good lighting is key for great photos! Position your child near a window to take advantage of natural light, especially in the morning or late afternoon when it’s softer and more flattering. Try to avoid harsh, direct sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows. If you need extra light, use lamps or a ring light to brighten up the space.
- Play with your smartphone’s settings
Your smartphone camera can do a lot, so don’t hesitate to use it! Make sure the lens is clean for the best clarity. If your phone has a portrait mode, give that a try—it helps blur the background and makes your child stand out. Hold the camera at your child’s eye level for a natural and flattering perspective. You can also stabilise the phone by resting it on a tripod or a steady surface.
- Encourage natural smiles
To get those authentic smiles, let your child see themselves in a mirror beforehand. This can help them feel more comfortable and find their best expressions. You can also capture candid moments by asking them to laugh or think of something funny. Taking photos at home instead of at school often means your child is much more relaxed leading to a better smile.
- Frame the shot just right
When you’re about to take the photo, make sure to leave a little space above your child’s head while avoiding too much empty space around them. Centre the shot so that their face and shoulders are prominent—this gives you that classic school photo feel.
- Edit for a polished finish
After you’ve taken your photos, it’s time to have some fun with editing. Use the built-in editing tools on your phone or download an app to adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness. A little tweaking can really enhance the colours and details.
