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.

Senior portraits have come a long way since I was a graduate, awkwardly posing for maybe 20 images in a department store studio. Nowadays senior sessions can be customized to include meaningful locations, favorite outfits and overall composition that showcases each student’s personality like never before! So say goodbye to the stiff, cookie-cutter “senior pictures” of the past, and say hello to stunning photos that make your heart swell. 

Seniors have put lots of time and effort into becoming the young humans they are, and senior portraits are your one chance to capture their hard work and accomplishments, preserving them in a way that’s totally worth the investment—and totally worthy of showing off! Not sure how? Here are my favorite ways to use your senior portraits.

Grad Party Invitations/Decor

There are plenty of companies that will help you create amazing graduation announcements and grad party invitations with all your favorite shots (think Minted, Zazzle or Shutterfly, to name a few). But why stop there? Displaying senior portraits at the party itself is a great way to show them off. String your favorite images up like a banner, use them as centerpieces on tables, or create a path to the festivities that starts with kindergarten and finishes with a collage from your senior session.

Dorm/Home Decor

Sometimes the thought of displaying your own senior portraits can be a little cringe, but if you love your photos and still want to show them off, I get it! Framed portraits aren’t everyone’s thing, especially if you’re heading into your first apartment or dorm. So why not make it cute? Print out wallet sizes of your favorite shots, and collect a handful from your family and best friends, too. String them up or add them all to a bulletin board to keep your favorite people close!

Yearbooks

Believe it or not, most schools allow you to use one of your own senior portraits as your official yearbook photo now! And if not, they allow you to create custom pages and collages from your senior session with notes from families, mixed with childhood and other photos from over the years. I told you stiff, traditional senior pictures were a thing of the past!

Meaningful Gifts 

Maybe framed senior portraits aren’t every young graduate’s idea of home decor, but I guarantee their people disagree! Think of the countless hours and miles spent going to and from school, cheering at games and showing up for extra curricular activities over the years. Those moments count, and they’re etched into the hearts of every graduate’s biggest fans. These are the years you’ll never get back, and honoring those who supported the journey will always be important. So turn your senior portraits into a photo book or album, frame some prints, create some display collages and canvas prints. They make great (and meaningful!) gifts for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, coaches, mentors… you get the idea! 

Social Media

Did someone say #SeniorSunday? Sharing senior portraits with your friends and family is so much fun! And looking at all of their posts and pictures is part of the whole senior-year experience. Showcase your favorite shots by sharing them in your stories and posts, and I bet your proud followers will want to share them, too. You’ll only have this opportunity once. Share it with those who are nearest and dearest to you!