I’m pretty sure this is the most common question I get asked about senior portraits. By parents, by seniors, in my DMs, and everything in between. *if I had a dollar for every time I got this question I’d be living in a McMansion day drinking cocktails by the pool.*

The answer to this question isn’t the same for everyone so I’ll give you 3 easy things to keep in mind. Here we go…

1. Do you have important deadlines that you’ll NEED your portraits done before?

The first deadline you need to think about is your school’s yearbook deadline. When is the due date for senior portrait submission? This is really important to make sure you have your photos taken, edited, chosen, and submitted to the school in time. I know for most of our local schools here in Rochester the deadline is early-mid October. 

You’ll also want to think about any sports program deadlines (for senior nights, senior posters, end of season slideshows, etc). And any personal deadlines you might have (printing graduation announcements, grad party slideshows, banners in your yard…) I know things can get forgotten about in the hustle & bustle of senior year so make sure you are sitting down with a calendar and thinking about all of your possible deadlines before you schedule your session.

2. What style or vibe do you want your senior portraits to have?

When you think about your senior portraits or you scroll through Pinterest getting outfit ideas, what type of photos do you gravitate towards? Do you want fall foliage and leaves changing color with you wearing your favorite jeans and a cozy sweater? Or do you love a field of wildflowers with you soaking up the sun and twirling in your favorite sundress. Make sure you are thinking about the backdrop AND what outfits you feel the most comfortable in when you are considering what season you should schedule your session for. Your senior portraits should capture who YOU are which means you should wear outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident! 

*Make sure you snag our FREE senior portrait outfit guide here! This guide goes over some of the most common outfit mistakes I see in senior pictures ALL THE TIME. This guide will help you avoid those simple and silly mistakes!*

3. Always schedule EARLY!

The spring and summer between your junior & senior year is incredibly popular for senior pictures which means photographer calendars fill up FAST. If I could give one piece of advice it would be to get your session date reserved EARLY! You don’t want the added stress of finding an available date at the last minute. Or asking your photographer to rush the process for you to meet deadlines. I HIGHLY encourage you to book your session for May – September BEFORE YOUR SENIOR YEAR. 

It sounds early, but your stress levels will be so much lower if you do book early. Keep in mind that you’ll ultimately need time to plan, shoot, edit and order your images for graduation goodies, home decor, and yearbook submissions. 

*Don’t forget that this advice is based on our weather and school schedule in Rochester NY. Your area may be completely different than ours so these examples may not be perfect for you. As long as you remember these 3 tips for your area you’ll end up with stress free and gorgeous senior pictures! 

Ready to chat about your senior pictures and get a session date secured on the Evelyn June Photography calendar? Schedule your obligation free pre-booking consult here! We’ll chat and make sure our studio is the perfect fit for you and then get your date locked in on our calendar!