When to plan your senior portraits



Here in the Seattle ( and the greater Pacific Northwest ) we have a distinct Senior Portrait “season”. Our summers are beautiful and dry - and for that reason we find ourselves outdoors and taking advantage of the sunshine and gorgeous weather.


Portrait photographers have a busy season during the warm & sunny months - from May through October. Your favorite photographers will book up weeks if not months in advance for ideal session dates - whether you are doing senior portraits, family photos and/or engagement sessions.


For Senior Portraits specifically there are a few factors to keep in mind that will help you determine the ideal timing to schedule your session.


For the up-coming Senior class you can take your senior photos as soon as May of your junior year, right up until graduation of your senior year.


 

Group of eight women in white dresses dancing and celebrating together on a park pathway surrounded by green trees.

 

A few things to consider:


Yearbook Deadlines


Does your school have one, and if yes, when is it? Public school deadlines are typically October - December of your senior year. Private schools may not have one, or it might not be until the Spring. If submitting your own photo to your yearbook is important to you, be sure to keep track of when that deadline is and planning your session at least a month before-hand.


examples:

Ballard High School, typically late November deadline

and yes - yearbook deadlines exist for a reason, but do not panic if you are up against a deadline. a quick email to your school may allow you to turn in a late submission.



 

Smiling young woman in gingham top and white pants sitting cross-legged outdoors near white flowering bushes.
Black and white portrait of a smiling young woman with long hair in a gingham top, bathed in bright sunlight outdoors.
Young blonde woman in checkered shirt poses outdoors in golden sunlight, wearing a delicate moon necklace.

 

Your schedule


If you play sports or work part time and your schedule is limited during the school year, I would definitely recommend booking your session in the summer. Trying to plan a last minute photo-shoot at the start of the school year between homework, class, and life can add unnecessary stress to your experience.


Many photographers either have (a) limited weekend availability or (b) only offer week-day sessions.Take this into consideration and look for a session before you start school, or give yourself extra time to plan ahead.

 

Young woman in green crop top and jeans smiling outdoors near a garden fountain.
Young woman in green tank top and jeans smiling outdoors near a fountain in a sunny garden.
Young woman in plaid shirt, white tube top, denim shorts, and white Converse sneakers posing outdoors by brick wall.
Smiling young woman with dark hair in plaid shirt posing outdoors near wooden fence in natural sunlight.

 

What’s your style


If you love summer, want a tan for your photos and plan to frolic through wheat fields, it’s best to book a summer session. If you love cozy sweaters and fall colors, pick a date in September or October. If you want things extra green and/or flowers, book at the end of your junior year in May or wait until closer to graduation the following April.


And if you need help figuring this part out, keep reading - or email us for advice!

 

Young woman with long blonde hair smiling in a black dress, sitting cross-legged in a sunlit golden field.
Young woman in black sundress and pink cowboy boots smiling on a rustic dirt path surrounded by golden fields.
Smiling teenage girl with long blonde hair wearing a black sundress, photographed outdoors in golden hour sunlight.

 

Wardrobe


What you wear will also factor into your style and time of year. If you love crop tops and shorts, or white mini dresses, think about a summer session. It’s important to match your outfits to the location ( and time of year ) otherwise your photos may look a little off.


This is where I come in - I will always work with you to share outfit advice and help you figure out what to wear. I can help make sure we are choosing the best location suited to your personality and personal style.

 

Smiling young man in gray sweater posing outdoors with hand on head against lush green trees.

 

QUICK GUIDE TO EACH MONTH

knowing what to pick


MAY & JUNE

Best for super lush green parks ( the grass is green, the flowers are blooming ). Perfect for those who have a busy summer schedule, or Senior Reps / Model Team sessions.

Good for graduating seniors who didn’t yet take senior photos, or for the up-coming senior class wanting to get a head-start.


PROS: Photographers generally have better availability

CONS: You might be busy with grad, prom, parties + vacations


JULY & AUGUST

Best for wheat grass fields and cute summer fits.

Good for up-coming seniors who have early yearbook deadlines, and are out of town for most of the summer. The last week in August before school starts gets extra busy. Plan ahead!


PROS: Almost guaranteed good weather

CONS: Wildfire and/or Heatwaves can cause re-scheduling ( the haze can get too thick for photos and/or be at unhealthy levels. Some people can be heat sensitive and we recommend morning sessions on extra hot days )


SEPTEMBER

Prime late summer sessions, cooler temps and color shifts. Good for those wanting a mix of summer/fall outfits ( it can still be warm out ) But be prepared to miss school as afternoon sessions move up an hour due to earlier sunsets.

Another push for last minute sessions this month as people find out yearbook deadlines and want to get ahead of the weather shifting into fall & rain.


PROS: Ideal weather

CONS: Might have to miss school


OCTOBER

Perfect for anyone who loves fall fashion, cozy outfits and changing leaves.


PROS: End of season means more openings

CONS: Sunset continues to push earlier in the day. Higher potential for rain


 

Smiling young woman in gingham dress posing outdoors by a rustic wooden fence on a sunny day.
Young woman in blue gingham dress posing outdoors near stone wall with lush greenery background.
Young woman in white sundress sitting on grass in a sunny park, smiling at camera with long dark hair.
Young woman in white sundress and black shoes twirling joyfully on green grass in a sunny park.

 

Your Senior Portrait experience should be memorable - and a reflection of who you are.

We can help make your session fun & stress-free!

 

 

final notes


  • Find your Yearbook photo deadline. Decide if it's important to you
  • Think about the timing that works for your life + schedule.
  • Choose outfits that match the season + location or vice versa
  • Plan ahead - as best as you can


lastly, be sure to choose a photographer that feels in alignment with your vision

and don't forget to have fun!

 

Young woman in black crop top and white skirt standing in sunlit golden field with trees.

ready for your session?

 

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