What is the best time to schedule Senior Portraits?
This is the most popular question every year! Having a Highs School Senior means juggling how to support them with lots of events, deadlines and upcoming celebrations. Scheduling their portrait session takes some planning and consideration for what is important to your family and your High School Senior. First, you have to answer this question:
How do you want to use your portraits? If your High School Senior wishes to include their portraits in the yearbook, the best time to book their session is at least a month before the deadline. Schools vary, but typically, due dates are in December. You will need to check with your school to determine the the specifics.
Fall Season
Doing your High School Senior portraits in the fall of the school year is fun - not just to include in the yearbook! It can help your student feel celebrated as they enter their final year. In Seattle, the weather starts to shift to colder tempertures, bringing out fall color. You will also have plenty of time to include your portrait in the yearbook, and order prints for graduation announcements.
Winter Season
This may be the best fit for your schedule. It is the least common season for portraits outdoors, but is usually the most sought after for Studio portraits. It may miss the yearbook deadline, but it does give you plenty of time to order prints for announcements in the spring!
Spring Season
If your High School Senior likes the idea of having their standard class picture in the yearbook, then perhaps the Spring is the best season for them. Your High School Senior will have their cap and gown in hand by now, and may include them in their portraits! This season has more of an opportunity to feel like a celebration for reaching the milestone of graduation.
Summer Season
If it didn't work out to do your High School Senior portraits during the school year, there is still time! The summer following graduation can be less stressful. You can still enjoy the celebration of their achievement, and plan a dual purpose portrait session: celebrating High School, and setting up for success with headshot portraits too.
And if it is the summer before they enter their Senior year, you can get ahead of the rush, and busy schedule by booking their portrait for this time. Bonus, the weather in Seattle is usually warmer and provides more opportunities for outdoor locations.
Looking for mor inspiration?
I have more to share from finding the best photographer for your High School Senior to What to Wear - check out my next post below:
