One of the first questions I get from excited (and sometimes overwhelmed) seniors and their parents is:
“When is the best time for senior pictures and when should I schedule them?”
Great question—and the answer depends on a few things: your schedule, your style, when yearbook submissions are due, and how you plan to use the photos. Let’s walk through the options so you can find the best time for you.
🌸 Spring Sessions (March–May)
Best for:
Fresh florals, soft light, and a light, airy vibe.
Pros:
- Flowers and greenery are starting to pop, which makes for a beautiful, cheerful backdrop.
- Great option if you didn’t get photos done in the fall and want to squeeze them in before graduation. Equally as awesome – if you take them the Spring of your Junior year, you’re ahead of the game!
- The weather is starting to warm up, but it’s not too hot.
Things to consider:
- Spring can be unpredictable with rain and allergies. I always keep a few backup dates open just in case!
☀️ Summer Sessions (June–August)
Best for:
Golden sunsets, lush greenery, and no school to worry about!
Pros:
- Your schedule is likely more flexible without school and activities.
- You’ll be ahead of the game—plenty of time to use photos for yearbooks, announcements, or party invites.
- Gorgeous golden-hour lighting and full, green landscapes.
Things to consider:
- It can get hot, especially in July and August, so evening sessions are best.
- Popular time for sessions, so it’s a good idea to book early!
🍂 Fall Sessions (September–November)
Best for:
Warm colors, cozy outfits, and that classic autumn glow.
Pros:
- Vibrant leaves and soft sunsets make for stunning backdrops.
- Sweaters, boots, and fall vibes always photograph beautifully.
- It’s early enough in the school year to stay ahead of deadlines.
Things to consider:
- This is a busy time with school starting back up and fall sports, so booking ahead is key.
- Leaves change quickly—if you want peak fall color, let’s plan it just right! Also, leaves are unpredictable, so we may get color…and we may not.
- The weather can flip on a dime. It could be as warm as summer, rainy like spring, or frigid!
❄️ Winter Sessions (December–February)
(*Ahem, Maybe March and April too)
Best for:
Moody, minimalist vibes or a snowy dreamland.
Pros:
- If you love coats, scarves, or a more dramatic look, winter sessions can be magical.
- Locations are often quieter, and you might get lucky with a snow day.
Things to consider:
- Outdoor sessions can be chilly, so we’ll plan around that or keep it short and sweet.
- Daylight is limited, so sessions are usually in the early afternoon.
- Finding evergreens is a must if you want color. Other trees will look like…well…dead sticks. However, even dead sticks can look awesome after a new snowfall.
🎯 So… When Is the Best time For Senior Pictures and When Should YOU Schedule?
It all comes down to your personality, schedule, and how you want your photos to feel. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| You want… | Best Season |
|---|---|
| Warm tones + cozy vibes | Fall |
| Flowers + fresh colors | Spring |
| Flexibility + golden light | Summer |
| Unique + cozy wintery look | Winter |
Most of my seniors book 4–6 months in advance, especially for fall and summer dates, which tend to go first.
📅 Ready to Book?
If you’re not sure what season is best for you, I’m happy to chat and help you figure it out. Whether you’re aiming for cap-and-gown moments or something more creative and styled, we’ll make sure it reflects you.
Senior year is a big deal—let’s make sure your photos are, too.
📩 Reach out today to reserve your session date!
If you need help deciding who to photograph your senior session, here are Three Tips on How to Choose Your Senior Photographer.
