Help! When is the best time to take Senior Pictures?
This is a question I get asked quite often from parents and rising seniors alike. The reality is that senior portrait season isn’t just a couple months. Here in North Carolina, we are blessed to be able to photograph outside almost all year long. For the most part, the preference in seasonal portraits is up to you! However, there are a couple of things to consider: busyness with seasonal activities (sports, job, extracurricular activities), and yearbook deadlines. Some schools allow you to submit a yearbook photo, and you have a deadline to follow for that. If you indeed go to a school that you must submit a yearbook photo, those deadlines are usually at the beginning of October. That mean you need to get those photos completed by mid-September, and scheduled even sooner! Otherwise, you have some flexibility in the season you select for photos!
Regardless of when you decide to have your portraits taken, BOOK EARLY! Many senior portrait photographers, myself included, have limited availability and calendars fill quickly. I don’t shoot everyday leaving room for reschedules, consults, ordering appointments, and life in general. Once my calendar is filled, its filled, so make sure you get on it at least 3-6 months before you want your session.
Below I’m going to give you my take on the pros and cons of portraits in every season!
Late Summer Senior Portraits in High Point, NC
Pros:
- Warm temperatures mean fun, summery outfits like sundresses, shorts, tank tops
- Water is warm for options in streams or lakes
- Flowers are colorful and abundant, and lots of farms have flower fields available to photographers
- Days are longer for early morning shooting or early evening light
- Tan skin – but watch out for those tan lines!
- Flexibility with schedules especially before school starts!
Cons:
- It can be hot and humid resulting in sweat, shiny skin, and frizzy hair
- Often a chance of afternoon thunderstorms
- We shoot early or late for cooler temperatures
- Bugs! Mosquitoes are prolific in the summer, so bug spray is a must!
Fall senior portraits in North Carolina
Pros:
- Fall colors – duh! Our fall colors in High Point, NC peak around the end of October. This is a very popular time to do portraits so book early!
- Milder temperatures that allow for a variety of outfit choices like jeans, sweaters, boots, etc.
- Fields of grass are tall and brown
- Flower fields of sunflowers and zinnias, and abundant goldenrod
- Clear sunny days with low humidity
Cons:
- Temperatures can fluctuate, and even the best planned days can result in a very warm day or a very cold day.
- Shorter days mean session times start earlier. Some school may be missed for your senior session.
- Lots of activities in the fall especially if you are a fall athlete.
- College applications are due!
Winter Portraits in The Piedmont Area of North Carolina
Pros:
- More date flexibility
- Beautiful subdued, earthy tones: browns, sage greens
- Warm, gorgeous light
- Snow if we are lucky!! Snowy portraits can be so unique and gorgeous!
- Cozy outfit choices without being hot: sweaters, jeans, puffy vests or jackets, layers, boots
Cons:
- Cold temperatures
- Paler skin
- Shorter days mean starting sessions around 2:30 p.m.
- Unpredictable weather
- Missed yearbook deadlines for a yearbook ad
Spring Senior pictures in the North Carolina Triad
Pros:
- Bright green tones
- Spring flowers: azaleas, tulip fields, daffodils
- Pastel tones in clothing: pinks, yellows, greens
- Incorporate cap and gown into your session
- Wear college swag! By the spring, you’ll probably know your plans for post high school. Show it off in your senior session!
- It’s prom season which means you can wear your prom dress for you session if desired!
- Boomerang sessions: if you had your session done in the fall, spring sessions are a great add-on for those spring athletes or those wanting cap and gown images too!
Cons:
- Unpredictable spring storms and temperatures
- Wind! Spring sessions can be breezy! We just embrace the Beyoncé wind effect!
- Limited availability: like fall, spring can get booked fast. For seniors wanting spring photos, April is super popular so make sure to book these early too!
Regardless of what season you choose, your portraits should be all about you. What is your vibe? What kind of weather do you love? Are you a warm weather or cold weather person? When is your sport season? These are all factors to consider. Our consult meeting will help you hone in on all these things that make you unique. Click that button below to get started today!
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