What Time of the Year Should I Take My Senior Photos?

There are a few decisions you’re going to need to make as you plan your senior photoshoot and when to schedule your session is one of them.

So, what season is the best?

In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences and the types of photos you would prefer.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each season to help you make the best choice.

Spring

By choosing to schedule your session in spring, you may end up taking photos before your senior year, but that’s perfectly fine.

Pros

•         If you choose to take your photos outside, it won’t be freezing cold or too hot.
•         Benefit from beautiful spring flowers and greenery as your backdrop.

Cons

•         There is always a slight chance of rain.
•         You might feel awkward taking photos before your senior year, but it doesn’t need to be. Plus, you can always choose to do another session later in the year.
•         Yearbook deadlines have most likely passed.

Summer

Summer is a popular choice for senior photo sessions because it’s such a positive time of the year.

Pros

•         You get to enjoy more hours of sunshine and the warmth that the summer months offer.
•         There’s no need to dress in any heavy layers.
•         Your schedule will be far more flexible during the summer months.
•         There’s the option of getting a tan before your session so that you have a natural glow.
•         There is generally an abundance of wildflowers, which look great in photos.

Cons

•         The heat can be uncomfortable.
•         There are far more bugs to deal with during summer.
•         Since everyone is spending more time outside, you may struggle to find a public location that isn’t overly busy.

Fall

Fall is also a popular season for many seniors across the U.S. and for good reason.

Pros

•         Fall colors make for some of the most beautiful backdrops. 
•         The hot summer temperatures have subsided, making it more comfortable to be outside.
•         Taking your photos during golden hour in fall will give them a beautiful soft glow.

Cons

•         Because of the eye-catching scenes that fall creates, public spaces might be busier than usual.
•         The sun sets earlier in the fall and with a busier school schedule, it might be difficult to work in a photo session without missing some school.
•         Since this is a popular time for senior photos, you may struggle to find a slot with your photographer.

Winter

It might be a bit colder, but you can still capture beautiful senior photos during the winter months.

Pros

•         Public spaces are a lot quieter, which means you have more locations to choose from.
•         You have the option to take photos in the snow.
•         Since winter is not the first choice for most seniors, you can take photos that are more unique.
•         Photographers generally have more slots available during the winter months.
•         You can choose to have your shoot in a studio if you want a warmer location.

Cons

•         The temperatures can make it too cold to use an outdoor location.
•         There is more cloud cover, and the sun sets early, which can affect your photos.
•         You may miss your yearbook deadline.

Now that you have a better idea of what each season entails, you can continue planning your senior session at a time of the year that works for you.