WHAT WILL YOU DO NOW THAT YOU HAVE REALIZED IT'S TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR OWN SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION???
As a senior portrait photographer, I often find that the very first question on my clients' minds isn't about wardrobe choices, print options, or how to strike a pose; it's all about timing.
"When should I have my senior pictures taken?"
"What about my yearbook deadline?"
"When's the ideal weather for a photoshoot?"
(I would make millions if I had a magic weather prediction tool for that last question!)
Some clients are excited about the idea of aligning their senior photo session with their post-high school plans. Whether it's college, trade school, a year of travel, or a work-study program, they want to time their session to coincide with their graduation ceremony.
"Can I wait until I've figured out my post-high school plans to book my session?"
Yet, the most common query I receive regarding senior portrait session planning is whether they've missed the figurative boat for senior photos. Year after year, I hear from last-minute inquiries asking,
"Why didn't I start planning this earlier? Is it too late? Is it weird to book a session after I graduate?"
The fantastic news is that it's never too late to capture what truly matters!
And if you haven't noticed, senior year tends to get busy quickly, with college applications, a jam-packed sports schedule, and a long list of "lasts."
So, what determines the "best" month for one of the most significant milestones in your life, your senior portrait session? To be completely honest, there are very few "bad" months (depending on where you live) because you can tailor your outfits and locations to match the local weather. Sometime it does get so hot in Riverside, CA that we may want to skip some days during the summer but even then we can make it work.
Do you envision flower fields and green foliage with a flowy sun dress?
Or do you see yourself strolling along the beach, tossing your cap into the palm tree-framed sky?
Perhaps you're leaning towards a chilly season and snow with cold-weather outfits like a cozy sweater?
Some of these visions are seasonal and work best during specific times of the year (like the winter wonderland idea), while others offer flexibility. So, the first step in deciding when to have your senior photos taken is asking yourself what's important to YOU and aligning it with your vision for the session.
Consider these three primary factors when selecting the ideal time for your senior photos:
1. College Choice or Post-High School Plans: If you want to represent your future hometown during your session, you'll need to know where you're headed first. It doesn't necessarily have to be a college choice; students often take gap years to travel, participate in work-study programs, or pursue other passions. While some students make their post-high school plans during the fall of their senior year, most finalize them in April. If this is your top priority, the best months are March, April, and May.
2. Deadlines: Yearbooks typically require portrait submissions in the winter, and as June approaches, your calendar will be filled with graduation party plans. For professional photos in your yearbook, aim for September, October, and November. If you want to have ample time to order delightful products featuring your images for your graduation party, plan your session to be no later than April to be safe.
3. Seasonal Preference: Do you envision yourself bundled up in winter attire at a charming local coffee shop, or are you up for some fun by your nearby lakes or oceans? If you adore warm neutrals, October is your month. If you're more into the lush greens of spring, aim for March.
No matter which month you choose, the best way to prepare for your session is to plan in advance - we sometimes book 6 months or more in advance and go into it the experience with an adventurous attitude!
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