Wondering when to book senior photos? I’m here to help! This is actually a question families can look forward to answering. After all, with all of the meetings, deadlines, and emotional “lasts” you face senior year, this is something fun to check off your to-do list. (And then you can look forward to a professional gallery of images that will live in your heart and your home for years to come!) So let’s get started. Let’s talk about when to book senior photos, when to schedule your shoot, and why waiting can seriously limit your options.

Before You Book Senior Photos

Before you book senior photos, there’s a few things you’ll need to do. First, determine your budget. I recommend doing this first, since your price point will dictate your photo package. And that’s where you start! Knowing your package details will determine how many outfits/locations to plan, how long of a shoot to prepare for, and the number of images/turnaround time for your gallery to be delivered.

Next, define your style. This means everything from your clothing and any props you want handy, to photo locations, and a senior photographer who can deliver your vision. My advice? Make it YOU! Do you love sunsets? A golden hour session at Garden of the Gods never misses. Extracurriculars? Be sure to bring your uniform, equipment, or instrument. Did you eat or study at the same handful of haunts throughout your 4 years? Pick one (or a few!) for a joy-filled senior session that captures the moments exactly as they happened. These are the looks, the people, and places that defined your years of education. The ones you’ll remember fondly every time you look at your images. Make sure you recognize the you in each one! Need some tips and outfit inspo? I’ve got you covered here on Instagram.

Then, check the calendar. Gone are the days of awkward class photos. Students are submitting their own yearbook photos senior year, but there’s often a deadline. Don’t let it catch you off guard! If you’re hoping to use senior photos for graduation announcements, grad party invites, family gifts, thank you notes, etc., I recommend working backward. When is the yearbook deadline? When are graduation events? How far in advance do people need to save the date? How long could printing and shipping take once you’ve designed announcements? Make a mental timeline, and be sure your photographer can deliver your images when you need them. Be sure to take those dates and turnaround times into consideration when choosing a date to book senior photos!

When to Book & When to Schedule

The best time to book senior photos is in the spring of junior year. You’ll want to schedule your date 3–4 months in advance, as popular photographers fill up by May/June for summer and fall sessions, since those are peak times for seniors and weddings. Most schools require yearbook submissions by October or November, making the summer before senior year the most flexible time, and your best bet for relaxed photos!

That’s why I recommend booking your senior photos in January-March of junior year, and shooting your photos in June, July, or August before your senior year begins. Why so early? This date range ensures better weather, better availability, and avoids conflicts with fall commitments, sports, and activities. The best way to guarantee relaxed, joy-filled photos? Scheduling your senior photo shoot in the months when you’re the most relaxed! Think sun-kissed, no homework, and no tests to study for or papers to write.

Of course, your senior photos should feel authentic to you! If you want your gallery to include cozy sweaters and gorgeous fall foliage, book by June for a September or October shoot. (Just double-check the yearbook deadline first!) If you want your images to give sundresses and springtime blooms, book by Christmas for a March/April photo session.

The bottom line? Don’t delay. Summer and fall weekends fill up fast! Between your busy schedule and your photographer’s event calendar, waiting to book can seriously limit your options. Are you a junior and ready to lock in your date? Let’s chat! Check out the details of my Senior Experience here, and then send me a message.  I’ll get back to you within 72 hours with everything you need to know about partnering with me for your senior year!