What Time of Year is Best for Taking Senior Photos?
There are a few decisions you’re going to need to make as you plan your senior photoshoot, and when to schedule your session is one of them. As an experienced and trusted Dallas Senior Photographer, I have some ideas for you to consider. Fortunately for us Texans, we can photograph a senior almost year round. So, what season is the best? In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences, personal timeline, and the aesthetics of photos you like best. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each season to help you make the best choice.
Spring—by far the most popular time for the seniors I photograph!
Pros:
● If you choose to take your photos outside, it won’t be freezing cold or too hot.
● Benefit from beautiful spring flowers and greenery as your backdrop.
● You’re in graduation mode and super excited so the joy is easily captured on camera.
Cons:
● There is always a slight chance of rain and wind.
● Last minute bookings might be hard to get because that’s my busiest season.
● Popular locations, such as your college campus, will probably be crowded with others taking their senior pictures, too.
Summer—Early summer is a popular choice for senior photo sessions because of the wildflowers plus it’s such a positive time of the year.
Pros:
● You get to enjoy more hours of sunshine and the warmth that the summer months offer.
● There’s no need to dress in any heavy layers.
● Your schedule is likely far more flexible during the summer months.
● There is generally an abundance of wildflowers and tall grasses, which look great in photos.
Cons:
● The heat can be uncomfortable (especially here in Texas!).
● There are more bugs to deal with during summer.
● Since everyone is spending more time outside, you may struggle to find a public location that isn’t overly busy.
Fall—My second most popular season for many Dallas-Fort Worth seniors and for good reason.
Pros:
● Fall colors make for some of the most beautiful backdrops.
● The hot summer temperatures have subsided, making it more comfortable to be outside.
● Taking your photos during golden hour in fall will give them a beautiful soft glow.
● Your senior pictures will be checked off your to do list before that super busy final semester begins.
● You’ll beat the yearbook deadline if your school requires submissions in October.
Cons:
● Because of the eye-catching scenes that fall creates, public spaces might be busier than usual.
● The sun sets earlier in the fall and with a busier school schedule, it might be difficult to work in a photo session.
● Since this is a popular time for senior photos, booking that best time for your schedule might be an issue so book early!
Winter—It might be a bit colder, but you can still capture beautiful senior photos during the winter months.
Pros:
● Public spaces are a lot quieter, which means you have more locations to choose from.
● You might have the option to take photos in the snow!
● Since winter is not the first choice for most seniors, you can take photos that are more unique.
● Photographers generally have more slots available during the winter months.
● You can choose to have your shoot in a studio if you want a warmer location.
Cons:
● The temperatures can make it too cold to use an outdoor location.
● No florals. Brown grass.
● You may miss your yearbook deadline.
Now that you have a better idea of what each season entails, you can continue planning your senior session at a time of the year that works for you. If you’re ready to get your session on the calendar, contact me here, and we can start the process!