It seems intuitive to start thinking about getting your high school senior pictures taken when you are about to graduate. It’s logical. After all, the senior photo session feels like the cherry on top of what will already be a milestone year. It makes sense to end it with a photo session to capture all the feels. But, as a high school senior photographer, I am here to tell you that waiting until the spring of senior year may not be the best time for your senior session. In today’s blog post, I am answering when I think is a good time for a high school senior to get their pictures done.

Start early

Someone once told me that the last day of junior year is really the start of senior year—and that completely caught me off guard. I was ready for a relaxing summer, not having to deal with my kid’s college applications and digging up baby photos the school would ask for in the fall. But I quickly realized that senior year prep doesn’t wait. Sorry.

One of the first things to think about is senior photos… who will take them and when. Starting your search for a photographer during the summer after junior year (or even earlier if you’re eager) can save you a lot of stress later. Once school starts, your plate will be full of deadlines and decisions. Plus, your favorite photographer might book up fast.

Lock in your session early so it’s one less thing to worry about.

Consider the seasons

Once you choose your photographer, think about what season you want your photos taken in. (If your photographer only offers studio portraits, you can skip this part.) If your high school has a senior recognition ad deadline in the fall, summer is the ideal time to schedule your session.

Outside of those deadlines, you can plan your senior photos for any time of year. If you love cozy layers, sweaters, and a warm, earthy vibe, fall or winter might be perfect. Prefer flowers, sunshine, and fresh spring colors? Then a spring session will fit your style best.

It’s never too late

So maybe you changed your mind about senior photos after the year you had. Now you’re graduating and feel like you missed out on something special.

Well, guess what, my friend? You didn’t.

It’s never too late to have your senior photo session. Even if you missed the yearbook deadline, these photos aren’t just for a page in a book… they’re for the people who love you most: your family. And here’s the bonus of waiting… you now have your cap and gown to include in your session!

It’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible year. Don’t stress about the timing. What matters is that you take a moment to celebrate and capture this milestone.

Your senior year, your way

In the end, what truly matters is what you want for your senior year. If you know you want senior pictures, starting early in the planning process is a smart idea. However, if you decide to do it later, that’s fine too. Senior pictures are meant to be fun, so there is no need to stress over them when there are already so many other expectations for senior year.

A good time for high school senior pictures is whenever you are ready for them. As a senior photographer, my goal is to make your experience easy, relaxed, and uniquely you. Whether you’re planning months in advance or booking last-minute, I’m here to help you capture this milestone in a way that feels natural and fun. From choosing the perfect location to guiding you through every pose, I’ve got you covered… so you can focus on enjoying your senior year and walk away with images you’ll love for a lifetime.

Contact me and let’s chat about your session.