When to schedule your senior portrait session
Your senior photo session is a special milestone. Because of this, planning involves many considerations:
Who should I hire for senior photos?
What will I wear?
Where do I want to go?
What types of backgrounds or scenery do I want?
Should I include my favorite sport or hobby?
When should I have my senior pictures taken?
When should I book my senior photo session?
The question of “when” is an important one! Senior portraits will have a different overall look, and invoke a different feeling, depending on the season or time of year when the session takes place.
Senior Season in Wisconsin
For Wisconsin senior photographers, “senior season” generally runs from the end of May through October, with a peak busy season from June through August, while students are on summer break from school. The season can vary by area and even by school district, when yearbook photo submission deadlines are considered. Mid-summer typically offers the most flexibility in scheduling, nicest weather, and longer hours of daylight. But there are advantages of scheduling your session in early summer or later in the fall too!
What backgrounds and looks will I get during each month?
May/June
In mid to late May, tree blossoms are at their peak. June brings lush green grass.
There is typically a lower volume of senior sessions during this time, so there is more flexibility with scheduling.
If the time or season isn’t relevant to the location you would like to use, this is the perfect time for your session! Locations that are versatile include downtown alleys/urban settings, architectural backgrounds, the beach, indoor venues, nighttime city lights, and the studio.
You’re less likely to have sunburns or tan lines early in the summer.
June/July
When school first lets out for the summer, many school sports are on pause for a few weeks. This is ideal for those who want to go to a sports field or indoor court, since it’s less likely that there will be a conflict with a team using the location for practice. It’s also ideal for seniors who participate in a fall sport, because practices may not have started up yet.
Water locations like streams and ponds are likely to have higher water levels. Portraits with fishing gear and boats/canoes work best in high water.
Around the summer solstice, sunset times are later. This is ideal if we need to travel a further distance without losing light too quickly.
July/August
A colorful variety of prairie wildflowers peak towards the end of July to the beginning of August.
Water locations like streams and ponds usually have lower water levels. This is ideal for wading in the water.
Weather is less predictable, and thunderstorms or high humidity during these months can cause a need for rescheduling.
August/September
As some wildflowers wither and die off, others peak!
Fields of tall grasses and goldenrod are prominent at the end of August and early September.
Pink and purple asters are in bloom by the middle to end of September.
Water locations are still good, especially if you prefer shallow and calmer water.
By now, you have a tan but hopefully sunburns have subsided.
September/October
Temperatures are typically milder with less humidity.
Fall colors begin to show in October and peak by the middle of the month.
Pine forests are thick and lush around this time.
Pesky mosquitoes are less of an issue after the weather cools down.
This is another time when non-seasonal specific locations work well.
Other Months/Winter
If you want something a little out of the ordinary, a winter session (or add-on session) might be perfect!
Studio or indoor locations work any at any time and in any weather.
This is a great time to showcase a winter sport or hobby.
Senior photographers are not as busy during this time.
This is ideal for those who don’t need to submit a photo to the school for their yearbook.
Anytime
Don’t forget! There are many locations that are versatile and look the same in any season, regardless of the time of year.
Studio and indoor locations are not seasonally dependent.
Sports locations, such as the ice rink, indoor pool, or football field will not show what season it is.
Downtown night photos can work almost any time.
No matter what month you decide to schedule your senior session for, it is essential to book with a local professional photographer well in advance! Because many seniors and their families have busy summer schedules to consider with vacations, events, job schedules, and sports practices, most reserve their session date right away in the spring of junior year. This allows some peace of mind and ample time to plan the perfect senior session.
If you’re looking for a Fond du Lac senior photographer with many years of practice in every season, Roxanne Elise Photography can provide quality portraits and a memorable experience.