As we enter a new year, parents and senior students are thinking about finishing their last year of high school and booking their senior photo shoot.
Hey, it’s a big deal and a massive milestone in a person’s life, so you should be thinking about it.
It’s kind of like organizing and prepping for a wedding — there are more moving pieces and things to consider than you anticipated.
If you’re a soon-to-be bride, don’t come for me! But think how your senior year, senior photo shoot, and graduation were the most significant deals when you were a teen.
Don’t worry, teens and parents; I’ll be there to help you!
If we haven’t met before, I’m Stacy. I’m a high school senior photographer in the Fargo, ND, and Moorhead, MN, areas.
I’ll help ease your mind, make you feel comfortable, plan a senior photo shoot, and leave you with lasting memories and pictures that will stand the test of time.
This blog will walk you through preparing for your senior photo shoot, timelines for scheduling your shoot, how to choose a season for your photo shoot, how to dress for your photo shoot season, and more!
Ready to get into it? Let’s go!
How to Prepare for Your Senior Photo Shoot
I’m about to reveal a senior photographer’s secret… Most senior photos are taken before a teen’s senior year starts.
Think about it: If you want to take your pictures in the spring or summer, it’s best to take advantage of the nice weather ahead of time at the end of your junior year.
Most senior photo sessions happen during the spring and summer of junior year or the fall and winter of senior year. Any time before that might be too early, and any time after that would be too close to graduation! Yes, it can be too close to graduation, but each school has its own timing for when they need yearbook photos. The due dates for yearbook photos can vary, but typically, they’re in the fall or winter of senior year.
Now, as far as scheduling goes, I recommend booking your senior photo shoot at least three months in advance. This should work out fine if you aren’t as tied to a specific date.
If you are particular about the exact date and time you want to shoot your senior pictures, I’d recommend booking that day as far as nine months in advance. Sure, this might seem excessive, but if you know what you want, you won’t want to miss out on the date you have in mind!
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in Each Season
You might already have an idea of the pros and cons of each season for senior photos, but I’ll map them out for you!
Spring
Pros
There are minimal bugs and less humidity, and flowers and trees are starting to bloom. Because it isn’t warm enough, you won’t have to worry about tan lines or sunburns.
Cons
Grasses are not fully grown, and water is still cold. Some nature spots can still be wet from the thaw of the snow. If you want to have a base tan before your shoot, you won’t be able to achieve that naturally.
Summer
Pros
School’s out, and the weather is warmer! Flowers and trees are fully bloomed. This is the most popular time for senior photo shoots for a reason!
Cons
You’ll need to withstand the heat and humidity. Plus, there are bugs around. You’ll also need to be conscious of getting tan lines and practice sun safety to avoid sunburn.
Fall
Pros
The changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop for pictures and milder temperatures are easier to work with.
Cons
You’ll be back in school and starting your senior year, so working around school activities might be difficult.
Winter
Pros
I’d mostly shoot indoors, so you don’t have to worry about wind and weather.
Cons
The temperature can be too cold—I don’t shoot outdoors if it drops below 30. The temperature also limits the places where I can shoot outdoors. Winter senior shoots are scheduled very close to the date your yearbook picture is due to school.
How to Dress for Your Season
Congrats! You picked a season for your photo shoot.
But what will you wear!?
It has much to do with the temperature and styles that pair with each season. But you also need to think about what works for you!
If you haven’t seen anything around your color analysis and figuring out what season you are, I’m not sure where you’ve been!
But have you heard of color analysis for each month and season?
If not, no worries! I’ve got a cheat sheet. Each season has three months and three words arranged from primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Spring
March (Bright Spring): Bright, light, warm
April (Warm Spring): Warm, light, bright
May (Light Spring): Light, warm, bright
Summer
June (Light Summer): Light, cool, soft
July (Cool Summer): Cool, soft, light
August (Soft Summer): Soft, cool, light
Fall
September (Soft Autumn): Soft, warm, dark
October (Warm Autumn): Warm, soft, dark
November (Dark Autumn): Dark, warm, soft
Winter
December (Dark Winter): Dark, cool, bright
January (Cool Winter): Cool, bright, dark
February (Bright Winter): Bright, cool, dark
My Favorite Seasonal Senior Photo Shoots
If you’re located in Fargo, North Dakota or Moorhead, Minnesota, here are some seasonal senior photo shoots to gain inspiration for your senior shoot!
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Choose the Best Season to Book Your Senior Photo Shoot
I hope you feel confident and ready to book up and ready to book your senior photo shoot!
Better yet, I’d love to work with you to make sure you get the best pictures—on time and done before your yearbook due date.
I want you to feel comfortable and let your personality shine no matter your chosen season! You deserve to have pictures you’ll love and cherish forever.
Reach out to book an initial conversation with me to get started. I can’t wait to meet you!
