Senior year of high school is a whirlwind of milestones and excitement, but it’s also packed with deadlines and events. One of the most memorable moments of this important year is senior pictures - a rite of passage that captures your senior's personality and who they are in this moment before they take the next big step in life.
On top of it, if you are a parent who has never walked through the senior portrait experience, chances are this is all Greek to you. Not to worry, I've got your back.
Let’s break it down because essentially there are two timing elements to consider.
How far in advance should you schedule your session?
What time of year should you schedule your session?
How Far in Advance Should You Schedule Your Session
Most high school senior photographers open their senior schedule the beginning of the year in January or early spring. This is where it can be confusing. Even though you currently have a junior and your child isn't graduating until the following year, you schedule their session in the summer or fall before they graduate.
For example, let's say your child is graduating in the class of 2026. In the beginning of 2025, while they are still a junior, you will want to think about senior pictures. You are essentially scheduling for the summer or fall of 2025.
It can be misleading because pictures are taking place either before senior year has started (in the summer), or taking place at the beginning of senior year.
There are photographers who offer spring sessions right before seniors graduate. This can be a nice option if you ran out of time to schedule in the previous summer or fall. If your yearbook requires that you submit your own photo, this option is not for you because you will have missed the deadline.
Winter and snow pictures can be fun. However, it takes the perfect conditions to pull it off. Obviously, you will want snow on the ground, some sun and the temperatures to be just right so everyone doesn't freeze.
Typically, the summer and fall before seniors graduate is the most popular. It gives you plenty of time to enjoy the pictures while they are still in their senior year.
For this reason, if you know what photographer you want to work with, when their schedule opens, I highly suggest booking sooner than later. Over the 12 years that I have been in business, nothing pains me more than having to turn clients away because they waited too long to schedule.
I have seen many parents get confused by this so I do my best to educate them on the timeline of senior pictures.
What Time of Year Should You Schedule Your Session
The time of year that you schedule your actual session is the next piece of the puzzle. There are several factors to consider when answering this question.
When is your family life the busiest?
Is your senior involved in any sports? It's okay to schedule during this time, but realize they may miss a practice for their session. Make sure you know your coach's policy on missing practices.
What is your senior's favorite time of year? Are they a summer, hot weather shorts person or do they prefer chilly air and the look of cozy sweaters, flannels and boots?
Do you prefer a lush green background of summer or the warm, vibrant colors of fall?
As the days get shorter with fall, your senior may need an early dismissal for their session.
If you need to submit a picture to the yearbook, what is the deadline? I've worked with school districts that have early deadlines and ones that have late winter deadlines. I've also worked with school districts where you are not required to submit a photo so there is no deadline.
Once you've answered the questions above, you'll have a better idea of what time of year you should schedule your session. Still coming up short with an idea? Look at other photographer's pictures in their portfolio and see what speaks to you and your senior. After all, that's what this process is about - capturing who your senior is at this point in their life.
Check out some of these examples of different seasons. You'll be able to figure out what season is what. ;)
If you still need some help, schedule a call and I'm happy to help you sort things out. That's what I'm here for....to walk you through the process from start to finish.
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