When Should I Schedule My Senior Photos?
I am asked this question quite frequently by both seniors or their parents: “WHEN SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE SENIOR PICTURES?” Well, I’m glad you asked! I typically photograph seniors in either the fall or spring of their senior year. There are a couple of things to consider when deciding when to book your senior photos.
1. Do you have a deadline you’re working with?
(yearbook deadlines, sports banquet program, school slideshows, ordering announcements, etc). If you’re wanting to use your senior pictures for yearbook ads or for fall sports programs or slideshows then consider scheduling your senior portraits for early fall . Then, you will be able to use your senior pictures all year long and you will not have to stress about fitting in a session in before the deadline! Senior yearbook ad deadlines vary from school to school. Some deadlines for yearbook ads are as early as October 31. Check with your yearbook staff to see when your specific school’s deadline is. When considering announcements, most printing services require a couple of weeks turn around time. If you are wanting to send out custom announcements before graduation plan accordingly for time to design, order and send out.
2. Are you on a sports team that has a “busy” season?
If you’re a football player, or soccer player, softball player, or on the cheer squad, be prepared for a packed schedule for the year. Football, volleyball and other fall sports know that their schedule is pretty tight September through November. Between games, spring shows, spring concerts and competitions, your after school schedule and weekend schedule tends to be busy! Plan around your busy season so you’re not stressed during your senior session.
3. Does foliage matter?
If you are looking for more of an urban setting with brick walls and buildings in the back such as Old Elk Grove or Old Sacramento then the seasons and foliage do not matter. If you’re wanting a session in a more natural area with trees, flowers and fields, the season does matter. If you love the fall rich colors as the season changes then consider a fall session! If you want a lot of flowers in your pictures and love the pretty green grass and fields wait until the spring.
My advice to you on scheduling your senior session:
1. Plan in advance and plan for a rainy day.
If you have a deadline for your images, make sure to leave plenty of time just in case we have to reschedule due to Mother Nature. I wish I could control the weather…TRUST ME!
2. Schedule your photos 2+ months ahead of time.
If you know you can only shoot on a weekend or have a specific day in mind, make sure to schedule 3 months in advance. Typically, weekend and school holiday sessions are the first to be reserved, so make sure to reserve your date ahead of time!
3. Know when your photographer’s busy seasons are.
By knowing when your photographer’s busy seasons are, you’re able to book with plenty of time to reserve your session before slots are taken. For me, my schedule is tight October through November and March through May.
4. DON’T WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE!
Your senior year is full of activities including sports, extracurricular activities, testing, banquets, etc. You don’t want to be stressed having to squeeze in your senior photos. Every year it seems I am doing senior photos the week of graduation and those seniors and their parents are very stressed and worried about turn around times and ordering announcements. Don’t be that senior.
With summer at an end(CRAZY!), start thinking about when you want to book your session! Even if it isn’t until the spring, it is a good idea to get something on your schedule so it doesn’t slip up on you.
I hope you found this post informative! Stay tuned for more tips and tricks! They’ll be posted every Thursday.
