Most parents, including me, take pictures of their children on the first day of school. You know the ones — your children all spruced up with new clothes and backpack, a mixture of excitement and nervousness on their faces. These photos are great and, by all means you should keep taking them, but have you ever considered taking end-of-year pictures?

At the end of the school year, your child has changed in so many ways from that first day back in September. They are older and wiser, more confident and relaxed. They have discovered new friends, styles, and favorite teachers. Take this last chance during the month of May to truly capture your child's year in a review.

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One easy way to do this is to contact your child's teacher and ask them if they would consider taking a few photos of your child for you. (I have never had a teacher even hesitate to say yes and the photos tend to be really fun because they are taken from a different perspective!)

After they agree, I send a disposable camera and a note listing a few shots I really want, then tell them to have fun with the rest. (Be sure to get double of the pictures to send to the teacher along with a thank you note.) If your child is older, you can send a disposable camera with them and ask them to take a few pictures at lunch or recess. Check with the school first to make sure this is allowed.

Another great time to get a few photos is after school. Within about 15 minutes the school is pretty empty. I pick up my children from school and wait around for a few minutes, then have a mini photo shoot in front of the school and with the principal (who is almost always there a bit later).

Last but not least, I take a photo of the kids the morning before they leave for the last day of school just like I did back in September. When you see those photos you won't believe the changes from that first day. They usually don't look quite as spiffy but they always look happy, relaxed, and confident.

Here is a list of fun photos to get you started:

• A picture of your child with their teacher, principal, and at their desk
• A picture of the entire classroom and the door to their classroom
• A picture of the cafeteria, lunch line, and your child eating lunch
• A photo of the playground and your child playing
• A picture of your child with best friends
• A picture of the library, art, gym, and music rooms
• A picture of your child's backpack and lunch box
• A photo of the front of the school and your child's locker

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