Class of 2024: It’s Not Too Late for Senior Portraits!
With May 2024 right around the corner, many of you are knee-deep in college applications and decision letters (as you should be!). You may not have even thought about Senior Portraits yet, and let’s face it - the College application process is more important. However, there’s still time to schedule your Senior Portraits, and ensure they’re picture-perfect!
For those of you who are Juniors and fast-approaching your Senior Year, this post applies to you as well, as it's time to start considering when you want to have your senior photos taken. It's always a good idea to plan ahead and decide which month or season would be ideal for your photoshoot.
So, which season should you choose? Well, that entirely depends on your personal preference! Let me guide you through the characteristics of each season, along with their pros and cons, to help you make a decision.
Senior photos can be taken during the spring or summer before your senior year, or during the fall, winter or early-mid spring of your senior year. Ultimately, you’ll want to definitely have these done by early April of your senior year.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is often underestimated, but it's actually a wonderful season for senior photos! You can opt to have your photos taken in the spring before your senior year when you're still a junior, or you can wait until spring of your senior year, right before graduation.
The Advantages:
For Juniors: You’ll get your photos done early! By scheduling your photo shoot in the spring of your junior year, you can avoid the hassle of having to think about it later when you're already in your senior year! Alternatively, for Seniors, you can opt to do them right before graduation if you prefer not to do them so early, and then the photos will be even more timely.
Blooming spring scenery! Spring is a time when everything comes to life, offering a stunning backdrop with lush greenery and vibrant flowers! The abundance of green creates a picturesque setting for your photos. Venues such as Burden Gardens and Hilltop Arboretum make gorgeous settings during this time of year. Though, let’s face it… they’re gorgeous venues year-round.
Mild temperatures. Early spring especially brings comfortable weather - neither scorching hot nor freezing cold, allowing you to wear a dress, or jeans and a short-sleeved shirt or tank without any discomfort.
Lastly, for Seniors, spring photos can be a wonderful way to conclude your senior year. You can capture memorable moments with the enchanting flowering trees or gather your friends for a photoshoot right before graduation, celebrating the completion of high school!
The Disadvantages:
One downside of spring is the possibility of rainy and unpredictable weather. However, this can be the case year-round in South Louisiana!
During early spring, it can still be a bit chilly outside, which may affect outdoor activities. However, knowing the Louisiana heat, it could also be a scorcher. Regardless, if it were me… I’d prefer to be a bit chilly rather than sweaty and sticky.
Timing can be a challenge when it comes to senior pictures in the spring. However, I strongly believe that the beauty of this season makes it all worthwhile. As a Junior, it may feel like it's too early, but you can always schedule another session later in the year to capture different seasons. On the other hand, as a Senior, it may seem like it's too late, but it could be a perfect way to commemorate the end of senior year!
Summer (June-August)
Ah, summer…. when towering wildflowers are in full bloom and everyone’s pool-side. But… let’s not forget about the Elephant in the Room: THE HEAT.
But before I get to that…
The Advantages:
SUNSHINE! If you're seeking radiant, sun-drenched photos, summer is the ideal season for you. Your pictures will be bursting with stunning colors.
It's warm (understatement of the year)! If you have your heart set on wearing a cute dress, a tank top, or summer attire for your photos, you can do so comfortably (frankly, you’ll have to)!
Wildflowers! Tall wildflowers flourish in the summer, allowing you to be surrounded by exquisite blooms in your photos. Sunflowers also grace us with their presence during the summer months. Late July is the best time for capturing tall wildflower fields.
A more flexible schedule. Many sports and school activities take a break during the summer, providing you with a more flexible schedule.
A summer tan. You'll have a fresh tan and radiate like a goddess! Unless you’re pasty and pale like me… in which case, you’ll be white as a sheet with just a touch of red from the latest sunburn. Yay :)
A later sunset. My absolute favorite part of summer is the late sunsets. In July, the sun sets closer to 8:30-9:00pm, giving you the entire day to enjoy before your photo session.
You'll definitely meet your yearbook deadline! By taking your pictures during the summer, you can eliminate any concerns about missing the cutoff date.
The Disadvantages:
Here’s that Elephant in the Room for us Louisianans…. The weather can be (nay, will be) scorching hot. If you're someone who easily flushes in the heat or despises feeling overly warm, it might be worth considering a different season. However, things like Photoshop make it very easy to “fix” those red splotchy blemishes from the heat, as well as any sweat stains on clothes (ew…gross… sorry, but it’s true!)
The mosquitoes… oh, boy, the mosquitoes are not my friend. They are certainly more prevalent during the summer. Even if I always bring bug spray to fend them off during photo sessions, there's still a chance you might leave with a few bites.
Potentially larger crowds. It’s summer - the kiddos are out of school, the teachers are off work, etc. This time of year, even nature spots will have individuals out and about taking walks. However, I do know of some secluded spots that are usually empty!
Fall (September-November)
Fall… it’s that time of year for Football and Gumbo… and maybe some Senior Portraits?
The Advantages:
Vibrant Fall Colors. The crimson and orange leaves create picturesque scenes, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. The peak time for these enchanting fall colors usually falls between mid to late October.
Milder temperatures. If summer's scorching heat isn't your cup of tea, fall provides the perfect alternative! You can often comfortably rock jeans and a cozy sweater or even opt for a tank top paired with a cardigan. Autumn always brings more pleasant temperatures.
The Magical Golden Hour. September gifts us with some of the most magical golden hours. The light during this time is simply breathtaking.
Warm tones are ideal for adorning your home's walls with art. The colors of fall effortlessly complement any wall color, making it easy to decorate your living space with your own stunning photographs.
The Disadvantages:
One downside of experiencing fall colors is their unpredictability. The peak of color changes slightly each year, making it challenging to determine the exact timing for the most vibrant display. Additionally, a windy day can cause a significant number of leaves to fall prematurely.
Another drawback is the potential for crowded locations. Since everyone appreciates the beauty of fall colors, popular spots tend to attract more people, including those taking pictures. Some venues also hold fall events/festivals that are open to the public, such as Burden Gardens Harvest Festival (held specifically on Saturdays in October). These festivals can bring large crowds, and can also limit availability for photoshoots at the venue during those times.
As fall progresses, the sunset occurs earlier and earlier. By the time November arrives and Daylight Savings Time takes effect, photo sessions may need to be held in the afternoon, potentially conflicting with school or extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Otherwise, you may be limited to Saturday or Sunday morning photoshoots in order to ensure you have plenty of light.
Lastly, due to high demand (peak Christmas Card season), my availability during the fall is limited. Fall dates fill up rapidly, so it's essential to plan ahead and book early if you’d like to secure a session with me during this season!
Winter (December-February):
Winter scenes are often overlooked due to the cold temperatures and lack of vibrant blooming flowers, but they hold a unique and breathtaking beauty!
The Advantages:
Less crowded. Popular locations tend to have fewer visitors during winter, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a more serene setting.
Distinctive photos. Winter photo shoots are not as common as they should be (in my opinion!), so your pictures will have a special and personal touch - something unique that differentiates your Senior Portraits from those of your friends.
Showcasing your hometown. More urban settings like Downtown Baton Rouge, or the Garden District are absolutely gorgeous locations for Winter photos. When you aren’t focused on finding the most vibrant flowers (because they aren’t currently in bloom), you’re open to alternative locations with a totally different (and unique) vibe.
More flexible scheduling. During winter, Christmas Card season has wrapped up (for me), and I can finally breathe again. While everyone’s now rushing to mail their Christmas Cards out, I, like most photographers, have a slightly more adaptable schedule.
Studio/Indoor Venue Options. Winter is an ideal time to take advantage of indoor studios since you don't have to worry about weather conditions. Beyond studios, there are also other venues that offer gorgeous indoor settings, such as The Gilmour.
The Disadvantages:
One drawback is the cold weather (if applicable… because, you know, it’s Louisiana). During winter, it can get uncomfortably cold at times. However, I always provide helpful tips on how to stay warm during winter sessions to make them more bearable!
Another con is the abundance of cloudy days. Winter tends to have a lack of sunshine, resulting in many dreary days. As a result, capturing golden photos might be challenging.
The early sunset is also a downside. Winter sessions usually have to start around 2-3pm due to the early darkness, which can be inconvenient, especially for those with school commitments. Saturday or Sunday photoshoots may be the only options, but they’re options nonetheless!
Ultimately, the most ideal time to capture your senior photos depends on the season that aligns with your personal preferences. I sincerely hope that my list of advantages and disadvantages has assisted you in making your decision!