Seniors are always asking me, “what is the best time or season to have my senior photos taken”? It’s one of the most common questions I get because it’s an important piece of the puzzle.
What Is the Best Season for Senior Photos in Massachusetts + New Hampshire?
The truth is, there isn’t one perfect season for senior photos. The best season for senior photos in Massachusetts + New Hampshire depends on your personality, your style, your schedule, and your school’s yearbook deadline.
Some seniors love the beaches, flowers, and long sunsets of summer. Others picture themselves surrounded by colorful New England foliage in the fall. Some prefer the fresh flowers of spring, while others love the unique look of a winter session.
As a senior photographer serving Boston, Lowell, Dracut, the Merrimack Valley, and Southern New Hampshire, I always encourage seniors to choose the season that feels most like them. Your senior photos should reflect who you are right now, not just what season happens to be popular.
Here are few things to consider when determining what season is best for you:
- When is your yearbook deadline?
- This is the MOST important question to consider unless your school requires you to use their photographer for the yearbook and you are booking a photographer to get more unique photos for you and your family.
- Which season fits your personality?
- My goal as your senior photographer is to show the world who you really are and sometimes one season or time of year speaks to you more than another.
- Which season’s clothing do you like to wear the most?
- If you aren’t a lover of chunky sweaters or warm coats, late Fall or Winter may not be the best choice for you.
- What’s your schedule like during the time frame or season you’re thinking of?
- Senior Year gets VERY busy, very fast so you want to consider how much time you have to schedule a senior session. Sometimes summer is the easiest because you don’t have any school commitments.
Here are my thoughts on each of the seasons. Hopefully they help you to make the best decision for you!
Summer Season
You are officially a senior!!
The last class just graduated, and you are now stepping into their shoes. What should you do first? Schedule your senior session, of course!
June, July and August leading into your senior year are all great months to have your senior photos taken. Summer is also one of the most popular times for senior photos in Massachusetts + New Hampshire because many schools have yearbook deadlines in the early fall. By scheduling your session during the summer, you’ll have plenty of time to select your images and submit your yearbook photo before deadlines arrive.
Plus, the weather is warmer which means green grass, flowers and long days with beautiful sunsets. If you want to show off your tan, or you love summer looks (sundresses, shorts, lightweight tops, etc.) then summer season could be perfect for you. Summer is also the perfect time for a fun, destination senior session in your favorite vacation spot. What would be better than having a fun trip planned before you start senior year?
The summer season tends to be less scheduled with activities than during the school year. It gives you plenty of time to prepare for your senior session and not feel overwhelmed with school activities. Plus, by taking your senior photos during the summer, you can check it off your list and you won’t have to stress once school starts!
If summer sounds perfect, be sure to contact me to book your session as soon as the school year ends for the best dates.
Fall Season
School has just started and you are getting the hang of being a senior!
School activities such as homecoming, football games, fall sports and more are in full swing! The days are getting shorter, and the air is getting crisp. Early September in New England can still be warm enough to bring an outfit that is geared more toward summer AND an outfit that is more fall. Two season looks in one session, I’d call that perfection!
By the end of September and into October, the temperatures are cooling off and the fall colors have officially arrived. If you love the orange, gold, red and yellow of fall leaves and want that in your senior photos, then scheduling later into the fall season would be perfect. Think golden light, rustic settings and vibrant colors as your backdrop. And what about fall clothes?! Cozy sweaters, flannel shirts, jeans and boots paired with hats are the perfect outfit choices for this time of year. Texture and layers are key elements to fall looks and look amazing in photos!
Fall is often considered the MOST POPULAR season for senior photos throughout Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The combination of comfortable temperatures, colorful foliage, and cozy fashion choices makes it a favorite among both seniors and parents. If Fall is the perfect season for you, be sure to book your senior session early in the summer to get the best dates because the dates fill up quickly!
Winter Season
Winter isn’t really popular for Senior photos here in New England because, let’s face it, it’s cold!!! Plus it’s usually past the yearbook deadline so most students aren’t booking sessions at this time of year.
However, if you are a senior who is taking photos just for yourself and your family, this could be the season for you, especially if it’s your favorite! One thing I love about winter sessions is that locations are often much less crowded than they are during other times of the year. If you’re someone who prefers a quieter experience and wants something a little different from what everyone else is doing, winter can be a great option.
Depending on the look you want, you can do something very urban during the winter time or you could come up with a fun, winter-themed concept for your senior photos! Winter could also be a great time for a destination senior shoot….do snowy mountains and warm fires sound good to you? Then let’s book a destination winter session for your senior photos!
If you’re into the Winter look for your senior session, be sure to contact me during the early fall, so we can start planning what you might be interested in!
Spring Season
Since yearbook photos are generally due in the Fall of your senior year here in New England, spring isn’t a popular time for senior photos. It could, however, be a great opportunity to get updated photos for your grad party invites or to capture who you are right before you head off to college. You’re sure to change during this milestone year of high school so why not consider some updated photos!
During the Spring of senior year, you’ll be busy with spring break, prom, getting ready for graduation and so much more. So, if you want to add a spring season session, be mindful of your busy schedule and plan ahead. Many seniors also choose a spring session to celebrate college acceptances, upcoming graduation, or simply to document who they are right before the next chapter begins. It can be a meaningful way to wrap up your senior year.
As you know, the weather here in New England can be VERY unpredictable in the Spring….it can still be cold and drab until mid-April, or we could have a 70 degree day. So, its important to be flexible and prepared to reschedule your session, should Mother Nature decide to be silly. On the plus side, the spring rain showers bring beautiful flowers and green grass! So the backdrop during a spring season session could be exactly what you want for your senior photos.
One other great reason to choose Spring for your session…. FASHION! No more heavy clothes of winter! This is the perfect season to lighten up the fashion choices and start off the most exciting time of your senior year right! Think light-colored jeans with a fun colored top or a boho sundress, a lightweight sweater or jacket and sandals! And for the guys, break out those shorts, polo shorts and how about a great pair of sunglasses!
If spring sounds like the season for you, then be sure to contact me during the early winter months to get on the schedule.
Want to see more photos showing off the different season my seniors have chosen? Head to my website here!
No matter which season you choose, the most important thing is choosing the season that feels right for you. The best season for senior photos in Massachusetts + New Hampshire isn’t the same for every senior. Some love summer sunsets, others love colorful fall leaves, and some are drawn to spring flowers or winter scenery.
If you’re not sure which season fits your personality, style, or schedule, that’s completely normal. Most seniors aren’t sure when they first reach out. I’ll help guide you through the decision so you can feel confident choosing the season that best reflects who you are.
I look forward to creating a senior photo experience that feels comfortable, relaxed, and completely unique to you.
To book your senior photo session, click this LINK or you can email me at paula@paulahouldphotography.com or call 978-985-7264.
