When Is the Best Time of Year to Take Senior Pictures? Tips From a Nebraska Senior Photographer
I get this question all the time…
“When should I do my senior pictures?” Or “When should senior pictures be done?”
Well, really the best time to take senior pictures comes down to the look you want, your schedule, or what season is more you.
Maybe your heart is set of a field of flowers. Maybe a combine & tractor during harvest. Or maybe you really like a
warm summer evening at the lake.
Sometimes the answer is really that simple.
One thing to remember, when you take your senior pictures and when you book your session are two totally different things.
If you’re thinking August September, or October, you’ll want to start planning months before that.
Summer Senior Pictures
The summer between junior and senior year is one of my favorite times to do senior pictures.
The days are longer, school hasn’t started yet, and schedules are easier to work around. You may still have sports, vacations, and work but there’s just way more flexibility.
Simmer also gives us green pastures, wildflowers, water, and long Nebraska evenings with gorgeous sunsets.
And yes, we will probably need some bug spray, but those locations that need it are the best places.
Nebraska weather has a way of changing plans from time to time. If it crazy hot, or to windy a storm rolls in we have more wiggle room to reschedule without missing the yearbook deadline.
If you are into a relaxed, colorful look, summer senior pictures in Central Nebraska are hard to beat.
Fall Senior Pictures
Fall is another fan favorite, it’s easy to see why.
Cooler weather, colors are changing, and sweaters, denim, and layers photograph beautifully.
The only catch? Fall get busy fast.
School starts, sports start ramping up, and the days are getting shorter to name a few.
If you know you want fall senior pictures in Nebraska, Book your session month to get in on the calendar.
What About Spring?
Spring is beautiful too, the grass is fresh & new, trees starting to bloom and cooler weather.
If spring is your choice, I’d recommend doing your session the spring of your junior year and not spring of senior year that is too late and doesn’t work well with graduation and end of year stuff happening.
Once You Pick the Season, Work Backward
Once you know what season your leaning toward, the planning gets easier.
About 6 months before: Check your calendar & book your session month.
About 3 months before: Start thinking outfits, locations, & props.
1-2 months before: Finalize your outfits, shoes, accessories. Schedule hair & nail appointments. Keep an eye on tan lines might have to even them out. And double check on the deadline for the yearbook.
The week before: Try on all your outfits with accessories. Steam what needs steamed. Collect everything you are taking to your session in one place.
Session day: Be sure to eat something, drink plenty of water, and bring all your outfits, props and things. Most of all come ready to have fun.
And please don’t worry about knowing how to pose and what do I do with my hands.
That’s my job.
So, What’s the Best Time to Take Senior Pictures?
For most seniors, summer through early fall is an ideal time for Nebraska senior pictures.
Summer gives you longer evenings, flexibility and pretty locations. Fall give you cooler weather, layers and warm colors.
Neither one is better.
It really comes down to your schedule, and the look you want.
The biggest thing is to start planning early enough that you have choices and don’t feel rushed. Senior year goes crazy fast, and your senior session should be one of the fun parts.
If you’re starting to think about senior pictures in Central Nebraska and you’re still not sure what season would work best, reach out. I’d be glad to help you figure out what fits your senior best.
And if you already know you’re ready, get your session month on the calendar and let’s get it done.