Which Season Is Best for Senior Pictures

If you’ve found yourself asking, “When should we book senior pictures?", you should know you are not alone! There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but each season offers something totally different. We go through all the pros and cons for each season to help you find the perfect fit for your senior photos!

Here’s a breakdown of what makes each season special (and how to choose the best one for you or your senior)!

☀️ Summer Senior Sessions: Stress-Free & Golden Light

If you’re looking to check senior pictures off the list before school starts, summer is the sweet spot. No sports practices, no homework, no schedule chaos. Summer sessions give us flexibility, golden hour light, and glowing skin (thanks, sun). We have longer days and less commitments making it the easiest time to schedule or reschedule when needed.

Bonus: You'll have your images ready in time for back-to-school, ALLLL the Senior Sundays, super early for grad announcements, and all the fun that senior year brings.

Best for: early planners, relaxed schedules, people who want flowers in photos, sun lovers, and anyone who wants to be done before fall gets busy.

Not Ideal for: People who hate being hot. Seniors that want to wear sweaters or jackets. Anyone who says they love cold weather.

🍁 Fall Senior Sessions: Colorful & Classic

Fall is our most requested season! Fall is a top choice for good reason. The colors are stunning, the temperatures are comfortable, and sweaters, boots, and layers photograph beautifully.

Plus, if your school has a yearbook photo deadline, booking in early fall gives you enough time to meet it without the last-minute rush. Deadlines begin in early December.

Best for: cozy vibes, warm tones, leaf lovers, and seniors envisioning a cooler session. Seniors that love to layer up with sweaters, hats, & jackets. Not Ideal for: Teens in marching band or a Fall sport, or those anticipating a struggle transitioning into senior year.

❄️ Winter Senior Sessions: Studio Chic & Snow Magic

When people first think Winter, they tell me they are worried it will be ugly out there. While outdoor options are more limited if you want areas of color or itnerest, we have an entire location guide and almost 20 years photographing in Columbus, Ohio, so we know all the best spots to make Winter work for you! We also have a full studio in Westerville, which means the weather doesn’t matter.

Studio portraits allow for the focus to be just on YOUR SENIOR and not all the "stuff" outside. On those beautiful snow-dusted days, outdoor winter photos can look straight out of a storybook and give your senior a look almost no one gets!

Best for: seniors with a tolerance for cooler temps, a slower Winter schedule, and anyone who wants a unique (and warm) indoor look. Perfect for those that want to show off a Winter hobby like skiing or are looking to have their photos in an urban area where the background isn't leafless trees.

Not Ideal for: Students in Winter sports or seniors that have a yearbook deadline in February or earlier. Also outdoor Winter photos are not recommended for people that prefer to stay inside and don't like being cold.

🌸 Spring Senior Sessions: Fresh & Fun

Spring sessions feel like a reset! We have fresh blooms, budding trees, soft greens, and new energy. These are great for late planners or those who on a timeline as graduation is right around the corner.

Think flowering trees, early Spring blooms, Cap & Gowns, but potentially a lot of rain reschedules.

Best for: last-minute sessions, cap and gown photos, prom dresses, and seniors who finally feel ready. Best if there is no yearbook submission permitted at your school as you would have already missed the deadline. Not Ideal for: Seniors that want to show off their images all year online, students in extra curricular activities that want to use them in slideshows and posters at the end of the season, those in school sports, and those with a busy family schedule as Spring is already the busiest senior season.

Choosing a Season for Senior Pictures

There’s no wrong season for senior pictures. Choose the one that fits your timeline, personality, and vision best. Want help figuring out which one is right for you? I’m always happy to walk you through options, share galleries, or help you build a timeline that works with school, sports, and yearbook deadlines.

Feeling lost on all things senior year? Check out this guide for everything you need to know!

Ready to book the best senior photography experience in the area? Get in touch to learn more!