When Should You Schedule Senior Portraits? A Guide to Planning Ahead

Senior year is an exciting milestone filled with so many "lasts" and even more "firsts." As parents, we want to capture this special moment before our teens move on to the next chapter of their lives. Senior portraits are one of the best ways to celebrate this season, but knowing when to schedule the session can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to help! This guide will walk you through the best timing for booking your senior’s portraits and why planning ahead makes all the difference.

Why Timing Matters

Senior portraits aren’t something you want to rush or leave to the last minute. Booking your session early ensures that:

You Get Your Preferred Photographer: Popular photographers—like us!—tend to book up quickly, especially during peak times like spring and summer.
You Have More Scheduling Flexibility: By planning ahead, you’ll have more options to find a date that works for your busy senior’s schedule.
You’ll Have Photos Ready for Deadlines: Many schools require senior portraits for yearbooks or graduation announcements, and those deadlines can sneak up on you.

The ideal time to schedule senior portraits depends on a few factors, like when your senior wants their photos taken and how you’d like to use them. Here are some general guidelines:

Spring of Junior Year

Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about senior portraits. Booking early means you’ll have your pick of dates, and it gives you plenty of time to prepare. Plus, spring sessions are a great option for seniors who love blooming flowers, fresh greenery, and mild weather.

Summer Before Senior Year

Summer is one of the most popular times for senior portraits. With no school to worry about, your teen’s schedule is usually more open, and the long days offer beautiful golden light for outdoor sessions. Summer also gives you plenty of time to have the photos ready for yearbook deadlines or to create stunning graduation announcements.

Fall of Senior Year

If your senior loves cozy sweaters, warm tones, and outdoor backdrops, fall might be the perfect season. However, it’s also a busy time for families with school and extracurriculars back in full swing, so it’s best to plan ahead. Understanding yearbook deadlines, we encourage you to know the dates for final submissions.

Winter of Senior Year

While winter might not be the first season that comes to mind, it has its own unique charm. Think crisp air, soft lighting, and even the possibility of a snow-dusted setting (if weather permits). Winter sessions are great for seniors who want something a little different and prefer not to compete with busier seasons. If you are not concerned about yearbook or announcements and just want to create beautiful portraits for your own home, this is a great option!

Consider Important Deadlines

Every school is different, but most have deadlines for submitting senior portraits for the yearbook! These deadlines often fall in late fall or early winter of senior year. If you’re planning to use the photos for graduation announcements, gifts, or wall art, you’ll also want to factor in the time it takes to edit, print, and deliver your photos. Booking early ensures you won’t be scrambling to meet these deadlines.

How We Help You Plan

At our studio, we make the process as stress-free as possible. When you book with us, we’ll:

Discuss Your Senior’s Vision: We’ll talk about your senior’s style, interests, and preferences to plan a session that feels uniquely theirs.
Help You Choose the Right Time: Whether your senior loves summer sunsets or crisp fall mornings, we’ll find the perfect time for their session.
Guide You Through the Process: From choosing outfits to selecting locations, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Don’t Wait—Book Today!

Senior year flies by, and these moments are too special to miss. Booking your senior’s portraits early gives you one less thing to worry about during this busy season. Whether your teen dreams of a trendy outdoor session, a timeless studio portrait, or a mix of both, we’re here to bring that vision to life.