Wondering about the right time to schedule your Senior pictures?

Senior picture sessions can happen anytime between spring of your junior year and August after graduation.  This is especially true living in a four season state like Arkansas.  Some Seniors really want pictures in the fall leaves, others really want spring flowers, or summer green at the creek.  The most important part of the senior portrait experience is that it truly reflect who you are right now.  You aren't the same kid you were when you started high school and, believe it or not, you aren't quite who you will be a few months after graduation either.  This is a special juncture in your life - the culmination of your high school experience and maybe the end of your focus on football, cheer, or quiz bowl, at least the end of that experience with the rest of your team and at your soon to be alma mater.  You want to celebrate this moment and it's importance in your life.

If you are part of a team, it may be important to consider when you will have access to your Senior jersey or uniform and schedule your senior pictures for that season.  You will definitely want to include all of the uniforms or accessories that are part of the activities that are important to you.

Another consideration is deadlines you have Senior year that you will need grad photos for.  These might include yearbook ads, football program ads, scholarship applications, awards, and senior announcements.  Many of these deadlines are in the fall, or even before school starts so be sure to check with your school before the end of your junior year so you will have time to choose your favorite images for these significant needs.

It's all a lot to take in and plan for and you may still be wondering - with all this to think about when is the best time to take Senior pictures?!?  In our experience, the very best month for your session is June.  Here's why:

• It's not too hot out yet so you won't be sweaty and uncomfortable in the pictures
• Outdoor settings have beautiful green grass and blooming flowers
• As busy as you are right now, you will only get busier as the year progresses
• You will have plenty of time to look at the images, choose your favorites, and get your order back before you need it for any approaching deadlines
• If you want to do a payment plan, you will have plenty of time to complete it before you need your images for any approaching deadlines
• You won't have to miss school for your portrait session, schedule around big test or sports days, or worry about it cutting into homework/study time
• You will have just received graduation announcements from all your older friends so what you liked and didn't like will be fresh in your mind for planning your own session and grad cards
• If you want a fall or spring look in some of your images, it's easier to do the bulk of your session in June with a quick "update session" when you are busier to include those images

All that being said, the best time for scheduling your Senior pictures is the time you want to do them.  Think about the look you want, the important things you want to include, and the deadlines you have when planning the date to schedule your session. 

You may also be wondering, "What is the best time of day to take senior photos?".  This also has many factors.  You might first want to consider your own body clock and personality.  While most people look their best when they are fresh after a good night's sleep, some are truly night owls who take a while to get awake and moving and would not have the best expression in the early morning.  You will want to figure out what time of day you can be up and ready (including hair and makeup appointments if desired) and at your best.  If shaving before your appointment, make sure the session is early enough that you won't have a "five o'clock shadow". The location of your session may play into the best time of day, as well.  Although we carry lighting equipment so we can photograph you at any location at any time of day, your expression won't be great if you are looking directly into the sun in order to get the background you want for your photos.

If you have questions about the best time of day or season for a particular location, give us a call.  We are happy to help you figure out when to schedule.

The most important thing to keep in mind when scheduling your Senior pictures is the final look you want and the time most convenient for you.  The second most important thing is to choose your photographer and get your session scheduled early.  Most photographers (including us) schedule sessions months to a year or more in advance.  While we may be able to squeeze you in with less notice, you will have the most selection of a convenient time for you if you book early.  The best time to start the process of deciding on a photographer and booking is in the middle of your junior year.