I know… Senior pictures might be the last thing on your mind right now. Your graduate’s junior year just finished, afterall. But trust me when I say their senior year will be over before you know it! And with college applications and commitments, and plenty of senior-year events and awards headed your way, taking senior pictures is one of the few things you actually have flexibility in scheduling. So whether you’re headed into the Class of 2026 or you (or your student) are still a few years away, here are my top three reasons to plan on taking senior pictures over the summer.

1. Summer Weather/Summer Outfits for Senior Pictures

Two words: Golden Hour! It’s got a reputation for a reason, and those magical summer sunsets can produce some stunning shots. So why not take advantage of the sun-kissed skin of the season? Taking senior pictures in the summer lets you enjoy the comfort of warm temperatures during your shoot, which also means lighter outfits. Think breezy sundresses, signature tees, and bright colors. And speaking of colors, summer sessions for senior pictures also get the advantage of more diverse backgrounds like blooming flowers, lush greens or even weather-specific locations like beaches and lakes. Plus, with autumn taking over the wedding scene, you’ll likely have better luck with your photographer’s available dates!

2. Check Off Senior Pictures… Before the Busy

Scheduling your senior portrait session in the summer is so much easier for, well… scheduling! Without school, extracurriculars, sports, and other academic calendar activities to work around, a photo shoot is easy to schedule—and reschedule if you need! Session times are flexible, which means less stress for you. Like I said, there will be plenty of things filling your calendar senior year, from senior prom to senior carnival, senior breakfast and senior capping. And if your student is involved in sports, clubs, or committees, you’ll have even more on your plate heading into graduation! Cross this task off your list early. You can! This one is up to YOU to schedule, and getting it out of the way before the business helps to create a joy-filled, stress-free image gallery. 

3. Early Gallery Completion

While it might feel early, having senior pictures on hand at the start of the school year will be more useful than you think! Be ready for yearbook deadlines, prepared for senior night displays, and set for all those #SeniorSunday posts from the very start. Simple as it sounds, taking photos early means having pictures ready early, too! When the time comes for graduation party invitations, college announcements, thank you notes, etc., you’ll have a gallery full of stunning photos to use without worrying about fitting in a shoot, getting images back in time to design and print before sending out invitations in time for them to arrive, etc. Take the worry out of it—Take your senior pictures over the summer!

Why Take Senior Pictures with Sarah Arnold Photography? 

I believe in a world where you are only a senior once, celebrating these moments undeniably matters. By focusing on the significance of this pivotal time in seniors’ lives, I work to freeze these moments and make them last forever! Simply put, it’s my goal to create images that won’t let you forget this special time in your life. You deserve an unforgettable experience — one that culminates in stunning, timeless photos that will make your heart swell! 

With three different Senior Portrait Packages to choose from, you’re sure to find the services that best meet your needs and your budget. And with an added family session option, you can take full advantage of the summer light/styling and make the most of your time in front of the lens! 

Want to know more? Check out the details of each package, what’s included, FAQs and more HERE.

Detail shots might be a bride’s favorite wedding day to-do. Why? Because you don’t need to worry about them! This is where your wedding photographer (and the details you took such care in planning) really shine. And the best part? It doesn’t take any time from you on your big day. You’ve already put in the work to make every detail picture perfect. Now let your wedding photographer preserve them forever in a meaningful way! Not familiar with these images? Let’s talk dreamy detail shots—and why they’re an important part of every wedding gallery.

What Are Detail Shots?

Detail shots help to tell a whole story by highlighting a smaller part of the big picture. When it comes to wedding photography, these images can bring focus to the smaller details that help make your big day so special! 

A few examples of photo subjects would be:

• Your invitations
• Your guest book
• Your food
• Your dress/suit (without you in them)
• Your shoes
• Your rings and other jewelry
• Perfume/cologne bottles
• Bouquets/corsages 
• Signage/decor
  
  

Why Do You Need Them?

Yes, the traditional wedding photos, both portraits and candids, are an important part of your wedding gallery. In fact, they’re probably the first images that spring to mind when you’re booking a wedding photographer! But capturing those lesser-known elements is just as important. These are the sentimental touches that will be harder to remember over time, and your detail shots will preserve them forever. 

Think of it this way… after you choose a wedding dress, you wouldn’t skip the accessories, would you? The veil, hair and makeup, shoes, and jewelry decisions are all part of the complete bridal look. And the detail shots make for a complete wedding album when all the “I Do-s” are said and done.

What Should You Bring?

While detail shots won’t take up any of your wedding day time, there are some things you can prepare (or assign to someone in your circle) ahead of time. These are things that will set your wedding photographer up for success—and they’re all things you can start to put in a box in the weeks (or even months) leading up to the big day as you think of them.

Here are a few things you’ll want to pack:

• Two copies of your wedding stationery (your invitation suite, save-the-date card, program, menu, etc.) Why two sets? So we can get both sides in one great photo!
• Polaroids or old film photos of the bride and groom
• Nice hangers—Yes, you’ll have your dresses and such packed already, but you’ll want something more than a plastic Target hanger for the detail shots of your gown!)
• Boxes for jewelry and shoes—Just like the hangers, your photographer would appreciate a few fancier options for displaying your sentimental pieces.
• Cake toppers—make sure your photographer gets a hold of it before you place it on top of the cake!
• Empty photo frames—this might sound strange, but having a frame that suits your style or wedding colors/theme can do a long way in showcasing your important details.
• Loose florals—This might be a day-of grab, but it’s an in-advance ask! Check with your florist and request a few loose florals thrown in separate from the traditional structured pieces. That way your photographer can use them in staging the perfect detail shots that encapsulate the day’s design!
  
  

Of course, even if you forget or choose to forego any of these items, the most important thing is to communicate with your wedding photographer. Are you wearing your mother’s ear rings? His great grandfather’s cufflinks? Will the inside of your wedding cake be as fancy as the outside? Will photos or items be used or displayed to honor family and friends who aren’t present? Make sure your photographer knows! These are the meaningful details that make this not just any wedding, but YOUR wedding. They deserve as much care and attention as you put into planning them!