One of the most common questions I get asked is what is the best season to have senior photos taken?
There are few things to consider when determining what season is best for you:
What is your yearbook deadline if the photos will be used for that?
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.
Here in New England, most yearbook deadlines happen between October - January of your senior year.
Which season fits your personality?
My goal as your senior photographer is to show the world who you really are and sometimes one season speaks to you more than another.
If you love multiple seasons, let's make it happen. We can always break up the time of your senior package into smaller sessions in the seasons you love.
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.
If you prefer lightweight dresses or short-sleeve shirts and shorts, then Spring or Summer are probably your best choice.
What’s your schedule like during the season you’re thinking of?
Senior Year gets VERY busy, VERY fast so you want to be sure you are considering how much time you might 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 make the best decision for you!
Summer
You are officially a senior!!
The last class just graduated, and you are now stepping into their shoes. And one of the first things you can do as a senior is have your senior photo taken the summer before you start your senior year.
June, July and August leading into your senior year are all great months to have your senior photos taken. The weather is warmer which means green grass, flowers and long days with beautiful sunsets. If you are someone who wants to show off your tan, you love summer looks (sundresses, shorts, lightweight tops, etc.) then summer could be perfect for you. And if you want a fun destination senior photo session in your favorite vacation spot, then summer is a great time to set that up! I love to travel so a destination location can definitely be planned!
Summer tends to be less scheduled with activities than during the school year, so you should have plenty of time to prepare for your session and not feel overwhelmed with school activities. Plus, by having your senior photos taken during the summer, you get it taken care of and you won’t have to stress when it comes time to graduate!
If summer is the perfect time for you, then be sure to contact me to book your session at the end of the school year so you have lots of options for available dates.
Fall
School has started and you are getting the hang of being a senior!
Fun 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 allow you to get variety in your session by bringing an outfit that is more geared toward summer and an outfit that is more fall. Two season looks in one session!
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 green of fall leaves and want that look for the background of your photos, then later into the season would be the perfect time to book your senior session. Think golden light, rustic settings and vibrant colors as your backdrop. And what about fall clothes?! If you love the idea of cozy sweaters, jeans and boots paired with hats then this is the perfect season for you. Texture and layers are key elements to fall looks and look amazing in photos!
If fall sounds like the perfect time for you, be sure to book your senior session early in the summer so you can get available dates for sessions. This tends to be the MOST POPULAR time of the year for sessions and dates fill up quickly so don’t wait too long to book!
Winter
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 your yearbook deadline so most students aren’t looking for photos at this time of year.
However, if you are a senior who is taking photos just for yourself and your family, and not for a yearbook, this could be the season for you, especially if it’s your favorite!
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! And like I mentioned in the summer months, winter could 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 a session, be sure to contact me during the early fall, so we can start planning what you might be interested in!
Spring
Since yearbook photos are generally due in the Fall of your senior year here in New England, spring isn’t all that popular for senior photos however, it could be a great opportunity to get some updated photos for your grad party invites or maybe you just want to add a session to your senior year to capture who you are right before you head off to college. You’re sure to change during this milestone year of high school.
Spring tends to be a really busy time of year as a senior. You will be busy with spring break, prom, getting ready for graduation and so much more. So, if you want to add a spring session, be mindful of your busy schedule and plan ahead with scheduling. And let’s not forget about the weather here in New England….it can still be cold and drab until mid-April and the weather is VERY unpredictable. All that to say, we have to be prepared to reschedule your session, so you get the best possible day during the early spring months. On the plus side, the spring rain showers bring beautiful flowers and green grass! So the backdrop during spring could be exactly what you want for your senior photos.
One other great reason to choose Spring for your session…. FASHION! If you can’t wait to get out of the heavy clothes of winter, then this season is the right one for you. You can lighten up the fashion choices and start off the most exciting time of your senior year right! For girls, think light-colored jeans with a fun colored top or a boho sundress, a lightweight sweater or jacket and sandals will all look great in the spring! 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.
I hope this helps you decide which season is right for you! No matter what season you choose, I look forward to creating the perfect senior photo session that is all about YOU!!!
To book your senior photo session, click this LINK or you can email me at paula@paulahouldphotography.com or call 978-985-7264.