Choose Solid Colors: Solid, muted colors like navy, burgundy, or dark green photograph best and keep the focus on the face. Avoid busy patterns or large logos that can be distracting.

Utilize Natural Light: If shooting at home, stand near a large window to use soft, directional light.

Use AI Masking: Modern tools like Lightroom Classic use AI-based masks to automatically identify subjects or backgrounds for precise editing.

Avoid Harsh Shadows: If shooting outdoors, look for "open shade"—areas under a tree or building that are bright but not in direct sunlight.

Digitize Memories: For older physical school photos, consider using a scanning service or a flatbed scanner to preserve them in high-quality digital formats like TIFF or JPEG.