Hands down the number one question I get is when to take senior photos. For me the answer is simple. The best time is when it’s best for the senior. Now I now that is not the answer you were expecting but hear me out. Senior year is super busy and seniors have so much going on. For some seniors it may be the summer before senior year. For others it might be in the spring. The range is big and there is almost no wrong answer.
If all things were up to me I think my favorite time to do senior sessions are in the fall of their senior year. The weather has changed and the humidity is not as killer. You still have enough time to deliver photos for a Senior ad for the yearbook. And once spring comes and they have decided where they will be going to school after graduation we can make some beautiful (custom announcements).
Now, I know that not everyone has that time table and the kids have lots of activities. Here are a few things to consider when you are thinking of the perfect timing for YOU.
What activities fill your Senior’s calendar?
Let me give you a couple of examples. Let’s say that you have a band member, xc runner, football player, those kids will be the busiest in the fall. It will be hard to do a session with them in that time. A good option for this would be to schedule something for the summer before senior year or after their session is over.
For some kids their activities will peak in the spring. When to take senior photos for these kids would probably be fall or early winter. Spring sports will not be in full swing then and hopefully their schedules will have a spot that they can give up for a fun afternoon of photos.
What season is your favorite for senior photos?
Some of my seniors have an idea of what they are looking for in their senior photos. I know we we don’t have very marked seasons in this part of Texas but we do have a really nice fall/winter and a beautiful spring. Very few people prefer the summer to take pictures.
In the fall we get some color changing in the trees and cooler temps. Winter can be magical with all the Christmas lights coming out. And spring is beautiful with all the flowers (and we are lucky we can even get bluebonnets).
In conclusion, there is not an answer that fits all. And that is the reason I do custom photography. I like to work with the needs of my clients. Every client is different and every session is custom designed for their needs.
Send me a message and let’s get your session planned just the way you need it!
