A Complete Guide on the Best Months to Take Senior Pictures
You’ve realized it’s time to start thinking about your own senior photo session — now what?
And more importantly….when?
As a full-time senior photographer, the first question I get asked from inquiring clients is not necessarily about outfits, print products or posing guidance.
It’s about timing.
“When am I ‘supposed’ to take my senior pictures?”
“What about my yearbook deadline?”
“When is the weather the best?”
(Oh, how I wish I could have an always-accurate answer to that last question!)
Sometimes, clients are looking forward to combining their senior photo session and their future plans after high school, whether that be community college, a 4-year university, trade school, travel, or work-study program. As such, they want to plan their session to be closer to their graduation ceremony:
“Can I wait until I know what school or program I’ll be participating in after high school to book my session?”
The most common question I get when it comes to senior photo timing is about whether or not the metaphorical senior photo ship has sailed. Year after year, last-minute inquiries ask me,
“Wait, why didn’t I start planning this earlier?! Is it too late? Is it weird to book a session after I graduate?”
The good news is this: there is always time to document what matters most!
And if you haven’t noticed, senior year gets busy quickly — college applications, stacked sporting events, and a lengthy list of ‘lasts’...
So what exactly determines the ‘best’ month for one of the most important milestones of all — your senior photo session?! The honest truth is...there are hardly any ‘bad’ months (depending on your area) because you can dress and choose locations according to the average weather in that area.
Do you want to shoot in the snow with cold-weather outfits in a cozy cabin location (followed by a session on the slopes)?
Do you imagine walking along the beach and tossing your cap to the heights of the palm trees behind you?
Do you envision an indoor photo session with chic wardrobe and editorial, studio lighting?
Some of these visions will only work during certain times of the year (i.e. hitting the slopes), while others are flexible (i.e. the studio idea). So, deciding when to take your senior photos starts with asking yourself what’s important to YOU and your vision for the session!
In summary, here are the 3 primary factors to consider when choosing when to take your senior photos:
COLLEGE CHOICE OR POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANS 🏈 If you want to rep your soon-to-be hometown during your session, then you gotta know where you’re goin’ first! And it doesn’t have to be a college choice, either. Maybe students take a gap year to travel, participate in a work-study program, or pursue other passions! While some students commit to their post-high-school plans during the fall of their senior year, most do so in April. If this factor is your top priority, your best months are March, April & May.
DEADLINES 📔 Yearbooks often require your portrait submissions in the winter, and your calendar will be bustling with grad party plans come June. If you want professional photos in your yearbook, aim for September, October & November. If you want plenty of time before your grad party to order super cute products with your face on ‘em, plan your session to be no later than April to be safe.
SEASONAL PREFERENCE 🍂 Do you picture yourself bundled in a winter outfit in a cute local coffee shop, or are you game to splash in your local lakes or oceans? If you like warm neutrals, October is the month for you. If you want spring greens, aim for March.
The best months to take senior pictures is up to you!
No matter the month, the BEST way to prepare for your session is to a) plan ahead and b) go into it with an up-for-anything attitude!
Want senior photos like these? To learn more about designing your own senior or celebration portrait session, fill out the form below!
