Feeling like you're a bit behind on the senior photo journey? Don't sweat it; you're in the right place. Researching is where it all begins, and the mere fact that you're here shows you're on the path to celebrating your senior year.
You might be here because your bestie has already shared their stunning senior photos, or as a senior parent, you've marveled at your friend's kid's adorable pics on Facebook. Now you're only just starting to contemplate your own senior session.
So, you dive into exploring local photographers, ask around for recommendations, and, lo and behold, the first few you reach out to are all fully booked
.
Uh-oh! Hold on a sec...graduation is still months away (or it's even already passed, and your senior isn't leaving for college yet). Can it actually be too late?
Take a breather; there's always time to capture the moments that matter.
For context, senior photographers typically work with students from the latter part of their junior year (around June after they've wrapped up 11th grade) through the end of their senior year (around March or April, just before the graduation ceremony in May or June).
The best time for senior sessions can vary by location. Summer and fall are usually popular due to better weather conditions. Yet, in places like sunny Southern California (I'm based in Riverside, California), we can work year-round, except for the occasional rainy spring day or the ridiculously hot summer day. Spring sessions are also a hit here because students can incorporate their post-high school plans.
Picking the right month within the academic year for your photo shoot depends on where you currently stand in your senior journey. If you're just embarking on senior year or still a junior, check out our article on the best months for senior photos for some helpful insights.
However, if you're already rounding the corner to graduation, it's time to rethink what senior photos mean to you and consider booking a session close to your big day.
Now, you might be wondering, "But does this mean I'll have to send out my announcement cards after graduation?"
In short, yes! Trust me, sending cards over the summer is perfectly fine—there are no hard fast rules.
But what about having photos in the yearbook and posting them online before crossing the stage? In the grand scheme of things, senior portraits aren't just checkboxes on your to-do list. They're about celebrating you (or your son/daughter) during this unique, fleeting chapter of life.
If you're planning a senior session in the latter part of your senior year and graduation is approaching, you're actually in an ideal spot for booking a summer session. Why? Because you likely already have your post-high school plans in place (which can be a blast to incorporate), and you'll be stress-free after wrapping up your classes.
Now, if your graduation is mere months away, and your preferred photographer is fully booked, don't worry; you still have options:
Option 1: Keep reaching out to local photographers to check their availability. There's a wealth of talent out there, and sometimes all it takes is one email or DM to discover an opening.
Option 2: Approach your preferred photographer and ask if you can join their waitlist. Get the lowdown on how the process works, what to expect, and have a backup plan, just in case.
Option 3: Trust your instincts and go with the photographer whose vision aligns with yours. In ten years, will it bother you that you captured these lifelong memories a few weeks after graduation? Remember, senior photographers often book up prime summer spots for the next graduating class.
In the end, it's never truly "too late." As I mentioned earlier, we always find time for what truly matters. So, instead of a "senior" session, consider it a "celebration" session. In due time, you and your loved ones will be grateful for the priceless memories you've captured when you decided to move forward with a photo shoot.
Now go out there and have a blast! And congratulations on your senior year journey! 🎓📸
Want to learn more about planning your senior portrait experience? Want to to take your senior portraits with me? Click below to get started.
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