ADVICE NEEDED: My kid's school photo is terrible and I don't want to buy it

"They didn't do their job properly - am I obliged to waste my money?" Kidspot's Jordana helps this reader re-think her dilemma.

Have an anonymous question you desperately need answered? Submit a question to our Advice Needed column.

Advice Needed 

I look forward to my kids' school photos; somehow the photographers get a natural smile out of them. I never seem to get a good smile when I take photos of them. They usually look like serial killers.

So I was ready to place my order for my son’s 2023 photos, but when I looked at the proofs, they were a disaster. He’s a cute kid (not biassed, I have been told by random people), but these photos did not reflect my son’s cuteness. He wasn’t smiling, in fact he looked horrified to be there. I didn’t think it was possible, but I hate them.

But, if I don't buy them, am I giving up a memory?

I'm torn. I really don’t want to spend $70 for digital files or $90 for prints. If I had taken those pics, I would have deleted them off my phone.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

RELATED: Mum shamed for photoshop fail of young daughter

Jordana’s Advice 

Welcome to the never-ending expenses of having children. We are constantly forking out for this, that and the other during the school (or preschool) years. And it all adds up. 

I agree, there is a steep margin put on the professional photos - I get there are overheads but $70 for digital files during this cost-of-living crisis is pushing the friendship! 

School photos are a great record, but I totally agree with you, I would assume they would capture your child's essence.  Most parents would want strong photos that make great memories.

Image: iStock

RELATED: I didn't consent the school taking photos of my child 

Your money, your choice

Just because someone has offered you something doesn’t mean you have to take it! Yes, it’s your child, but he will still be your child even after they delete those files. 

You have to ask yourself; will I really look at those photos in the future or will I receive any joy from the prints? If the answer is no, then save the $70-$90. I mean a weekly shop alone is at least $100 - I’d rather spend it on a couple of bottles of wine to ‘cheers’ at the end of the day, for a job well done. Raising kids is hard!

Some people might choose to buy them for a laugh - those who want to roast their child at their 21 or something like that. I won’t recommend it, it’s not worth holding onto clutter for that long. 

Maybe think of it this way; would you buy an outfit from a clothing store that didn’t fit or look quite right just because it’s your favourite store? No! So don’t buy the photos if they don't make you happy. Save your cash, because next year they will undoubtedly be at a higher price point. 

Whatever you decide, I hope next year the pictures are better and your son looks a little more like himself! 

Originally published as ADVICE NEEDED: My kid's school photo is terrible and I don't want to buy it