What Season Should You Book Your Senior Photos?
Hello to all my seniors!! Are you ready to plan your senior photo session? You might already be envisioning the season, the backdrop, the outfits! But how far in advance do you need to book your senior session for all of the different seasons? Here are some helpful tips on when to book your senior photos for different seasons:
Planning a FALL Senior Photo Session
Timeframe: September-October (November is reserved for weather reschedules)
Fall is easily the most popular season for senior photos! The leaves are changing and fall weather means it’s not too hot and not too cold (and it’s sweater season!!). Plus, golden hour in the fall hits different. If you are wanting a warm, cozy vibe with vibrant colors, fall is the season!
What’s so great about a fall session? Check out some fall sessions to see for yourself! There are so many options for fall photo locations and the weather is typically great. Fall is also great if you are wanting to take photos in multiple locations. Between the weather, bright leaves, awesome golden hours, and good vibes, fall is an easy favorite for photos.
Booking your fall senior photos AT LEAST 4 months out is recommended. I’ve had clients book their sessions as far as 7 months out. Fall spots fill FAST and you will want plenty of time to plan so there aren’t scheduling conflicts with extracurricular activities, etc. Don’t wait until the last minute if you’re planning a fall session! Secure your spot early!
Book By: Early August of your senior year at the LATEST
Planning a WINTER Senior Photo Session
Timeframe: December-March
Being based in St. Louis, I don’t shoot senior sessions outdoors in the winter. There is the option to book an indoor studio session if you need to have your senior session during the winter. There are typically fewer winter sessions because many seniors enjoy having their sessions outdoors. We can still create something absolutely beautiful in the studio if you want to book a winter session, though!
What would a winter studio session look like? We would put as much planning into the session as an outdoor session and pick out outfits that go great with the backdrops and props we decide on! The nice thing about studio sessions is that there are fewer variables that can change our plans. Things like cold weather, wind, rain, and snow won’t affect how you look inside the studio! It’s easier to have outfit changes and touch up hair and makeup inside than outside between locations. We can create something completely you if you book a winter session.
I typically book out completely 4 months in advance. The absolute minimum amount of time to book a session is 6 weeks in advance. That means having your planning session the week after your consultation and booking. The timeline is tighter, but we will still get all of the planning in and have you ready for your photos!
Book By: Minimum of 6 weeks prior to your shoot
Planning a SPRING Senior Photo Session
Timeframe: End of March-May
Spring senior photos are another super popular option! Flowers are in bloom in April, so there are lots of beautiful options for spring photo locations. April is typically also prom time, and May is perfect for a cap and gown session. You can also give yourself a little more time choosing your photographer if you have a spring senior session.
What do spring senior photos look like? Typically, my seniors love finding blooming flowers and trees for their spring sessions. Spring is a beautiful season and you can lean into the look by wearing pastel or cooler colors!
Spring availability goes almost as fast as fall does! Spring of your senior year is also incredibly busy with testing, prom, and sports. Make sure to book AT LEAST 2-3 months in advance for a spring session. I would honestly recommend booking out even further in advance because spring is so close to the end of your senior year.
Book By: December of your senior year
Planning a SUMMER Senior Photo Session
Timeline: June-August
If you’re planning a summer senior photo session, you can plan on warm sunny days and blue skies. Booking a summer session means that yearbook deadlines won’t be an issue and you’ll be one of the first in your class to have your senior photos taken. You will probably have more free time in the summer to schedule your photos as well!
What do summer senior sessions look like? Depending on the weather, summer sessions are typically very sunny and summery. Think growing fields and flowy dresses and a soft breeze. You can incorporate a lot of different aspects of nature into a summer session!
Summer sessions can be booked anywhere from February of your junior year to May/June of your junior to senior summer. If you inquire a few months early for your summer session, you’ll have your pick of dates!
Book By: February-April of your junior year
Book Your Senior Photos
Ready to book your senior session? Contact me today to schedule your consultation and get started! Or read more about the senior photo experience on the blog.
