As the cost of school photos rises, British parents are increasingly turning to DIY alternatives, a new survey by NetVoucherCodes reveals. Out of 844 parents surveyed, many reported feeling the pinch, with a significant number now choosing to capture these keepsakes at home.
The survey results show that 37% of parents purchase digital copies of school photos, typically spending up to £25. Digital options offer flexibility, as parents can share the images online and print additional copies at home if needed. This option has become increasingly popular, allowing families to avoid high markups on physical prints while still preserving school day memories.
Traditional physical prints remain in demand, but fewer parents are willing to pay a premium for them. According to the survey, 27% of respondents purchase physical prints, generally keeping their spending under £25. A smaller group – around 10% – spends between £25-£50, while less than 1% pay £75 or more for school photos. For these parents, school photos remain a valued tradition, though spending trends indicate that even physical print buyers are becoming more budget-conscious.
However, 17% of parents have decided to forego school photos altogether. Many in this group expressed dissatisfaction with high costs, while others noted that the quality of photos doesn’t always justify the expense. For some, the images taken by school photographers don’t capture their children at their best, prompting parents to consider DIY alternatives.
One such parent, Jemma Derbyshire, shared her decision to stop purchasing school photos after a few years. “I bought my daughter’s school photos for the first three years,” Derbyshire explained. “Then, I realised I could achieve similar results with my phone. My son started nursery recently, so I bought his first-year photo, but I only go for the cheapest option available. These photos shouldn’t break the bank.”
Similarly, Jen Oldaker has adopted a selective approach to purchasing school photos, buying only key milestones. “I bought my eldest daughter’s nursery photo and her first year of high school picture,” Oldaker said. “I plan to get a photo when my youngest finishes primary school, but I don’t feel the need to buy one every year. It’s just too costly.”
Other parents are choosing to visit local photography shops, where their children feel more comfortable and are more likely to smile naturally. “For the last two years, my kids have been nervous with the school photographer,” shared Sophie Claire Barr. “Now, I take them to a photoshop where they can relax and smile naturally. Last year, I spent around £40 on a package that includes prints for the family. This year, I’ll likely go for a smaller package, but at least I know they’ll look their best.”
Jenny Wren is one parent who has fully embraced DIY school photography, capturing her child’s school photo at home. “School photos are too expensive, and I don’t want to feel forced to buy them,” she said. “At home, I can get a picture where he’s comfortable and looks like himself. I love being able to capture his natural smile—something school photographers rarely manage.”
NetVoucherCodes’ resident photography expert, Rebecca Bebbington, offered some simple tips for parents considering DIY school photos. To achieve high-quality results at home, she suggested finding a clean, uncluttered background, ideally a neutral colour that contrasts with the child’s school uniform. Natural lighting also plays a significant role; Bebbington recommended positioning the child near a window to capture softer, flattering light. For those aiming for a polished look, adjusting smartphone settings can be effective, especially using portrait mode to blur the background and make the child stand out.
Bebbington also advised focusing on comfort to capture genuine smiles. “Taking photos at home allows children to be relaxed,” she said. “Encourage them to smile naturally by making them laugh or letting them see themselves in the mirror beforehand. Small adjustments like these help bring out the child’s personality, creating a more memorable keepsake.”
For parents, taking school photos at home has proven to be a cost-effective and enjoyable alternative, especially as professional school photo prices continue to climb. The survey indicates that this approach is part of a growing trend, with many families finding DIY photos to be just as meaningful as traditional school photos. As parents face increasing financial pressures, capturing school memories may no longer require a professional photographer, with many preferring to take matters into their own hands to preserve these special moments.
