When to Schedule Your Senior Photos: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Time

As a senior photographer, I’m frequently asked, “When is the best time to book my senior photo session?” My response is usually, “It varies!” There are several important things to consider when deciding which season is best for your shoot. In this blog post, I’ve outlined several important points to help guide you in choosing the perfect time for your session.

1. Check Your Yearbook Deadline

If your school allows a senior photo submission for the yearbook, this should be one of the first things you consider. You don’t want to miss this deadline. Yearbook deadlines typically fall between the end of October and the first few weeks into December, but each school is different. Schools may share this information over the summer, or at the start of senior year.

Additionally, factor in your photographer’s turnaround time. Delivery of images may take a couple weeks from you photoshoot. Be sure to ask about this before booking to ensure you have enough time to select and submit your favorite shot.

2. Think About the Weather

It might seem obvious, but weather plays a huge role in how your photos turn out. If you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, a midsummer session might not be the best fit for you. Likewise, if you dislike the cold, a late fall or early spring session may not be ideal. Consider how different seasons align with your vision for your photos:

• Early Spring & Late Fall: Ideal for mild temperatures, colorful scenery, layering outfits.
• Summer: Great for a relaxed schedule, tanned skin and summer flowers and greenery.
• Winter: Perfect for cozy outfits and a unique seasonal aesthetic.

Also, think about your hair, makeup, and outfit choices. If frizz is your enemy in humid weather, or if you dream of wearing a sweater and boots, choose a season that complements your style.

3. Consider How You Want to Look

This might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s something many seniors think about. Some prefer to wait until later in the year to reflect their most “authentic” senior-year look, while others are excited to take photos earlier, capturing their fresh start as seniors.

Think about how your style or appearance might change throughout the year. Do you plan on a major haircut? Are you hoping for a sun-kissed summer glow? These small details can help you determine the best time to capture the version of yourself that feels most like you.

4. Plan Around Your Schedule

Senior year is packed with activities—sports, college visits, homecoming, and all the fun moments that make this time so special. To avoid scheduling conflicts, consider when you’ll have the most flexibility.

For some, summer before senior year is the easiest time to schedule a session without school and extracurricular obligations. Others prefer to carve out a school day for their shoot, turning it into a fun senior-year memory. Consider your sports/band/hobby schedule. If you only have Sundays free from activities, be sure to schedule early as weekends fill up quickly. Whatever the case might be, be mindful of all your commitments when picking a date.

5. Consider Other Uses for Your Photos

Beyond the yearbook, how else do you plan to use your senior photos? 

• Senior photos also make great Christmas gifts for relatives
• Social media use to mark and highlight milestone moments throughout senior year
• Many seniors incorporate them into graduation announcements, party invitations, and even personalized thank-you cards

If you’ll be using your images for graduation-related materials, work backward from your event date. Give yourself ample time for photo selection, printing, and mailing. Planning ahead ensures your invites go out on schedule and eliminates unnecessary stress.

6. Book Early

Senior photo sessions fill up quickly, and my calendar typically books out by mid-summer. If you have a specific season, location, or date in mind, it’s best to schedule your session as early as possible or get on a waitlist to secure your preferred timeframe. Planning ahead not only ensures you get the perfect setting for your photos but also gives you plenty of time to prepare for your shoot without the stress of last-minute booking!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best time for senior photos depends on your personal preferences, schedule, and goals. Whether you opt for a summer session, a crisp fall backdrop, or a springtime shoot, planning ahead ensures you get the perfect photos to celebrate your senior year.

And don’t forget—if you want to showcase both your sun-kissed summer glow and the vibrant fall colors or capture special cap-and-              gown moments, the premium senior package offers the flexibility to schedule TWO separate sessions. This way, you can enjoy a variety of looks and seasonal backdrops to fully celebrate your senior year!

Still unsure when to schedule? REACH OUT, and let’s chat about the best timeframe for your perfect senior session!

Are you part of the Class of 2026 and ready to shoot with me? Let’s do it! 

CONTACT ME to book your custom senior portrait experience.

To see more of my work, visit my SENIOR PORTFOLIO or check out her most recent work on INSTAGRAM.