Senior pictures are designed to capture one of the most monumental moments in your life. Graduating high school is one of a student’s greatest accomplishments, and it’s worth capturing and celebrating! As you’re planning your summer, you may wondering when to take senior pictures.

Sometimes planning senior portraits can feel overwhelming, especially for parents who have not done this before. Don’t worry! As a past high school teacher and now senior photographer, I am here to help answer some of your top questions and plan for a fun and easy session for both parents and students!

Are Senior Pictures Taken in the Fall or Spring?

Traditionally, senior photos are taken immediately after junior year of high school, either in the summer or fall. Most yearbooks require portraits to be submitted by November or December of the student’s senior year.

Most senior portraits are taken in the summer, but that doesn’t mean there is a rule for when to take them! Each season offers something unique, so make sure to consider the different temperatures, colors of the trees or time of sunset when planning your photos.

Summer offers lots of sunshine, greenery and warm weather, which can make planning senior pictures easy. Spring offers blooming trees, slightly cooler weather and flowers. Fall is great for capturing the pretty colors outside and having cooler weather to work with (and less humanity). Winter is great for students who want a studio session or love the snow!

The truth is, your student can dictate what season their photos are taken in! I have worked with seniors who love the snow and book sessions in the middle of winter (yes, it was very cold, but we did it!) and students who opted for indoor sessions during summer. 

Many schools require a specific studio to take cap and gown photos for the yearbook, which is different than scheduling to work with an individual photographer. Many families choose to book a separate session with an individual photographer for the opportunity for customized sessions and multiple locations.

The bottom line: The only deadline you have to worry about is the high school yearbook photo deadline. Each school has different requirements, so be sure to consult with the school before you book your photos! 

Best Time of Day to Take Senior Photos

Lighting is typically best during sunrise and sunset if you want outdoor photos. If you want to capture the golden sun and have some beautiful glow in your photos, golden hour may be perfect for you.

When is golden hour? It is the time of day that is 1-2 hours before sunset. In Michigan summers, this usually falls around 7-9 p.m. This changes depending on the season as sunset changes times. The location you choose will also determine when the sun will be best.

If golden hour doesn’t work for you, I recommend aiming for a morning shoot to avoid mid-day harsh sunlight. This mostly affects pictures taken outdoors. If you are looking for a studio shoot or a city shoot, your time of day won’t matter as much.

Where to Take Senior Photos in Detroit

Looking to book a senior session in the Detroit area? I have many locations to help you choose the perfect spot! Whether you’re looking to take photos in the city or in a park in the suburbs, I have some beautiful location to help you pick the perfect place for your senior pictures.

Check out my senior photo guide here to check out some of my favorite locations!

When to Schedule Senior Pictures

Summer and fall are the busiest seasons for photographers, and calendars tend to book up months in advance. Booking in spring or summer of your student’s junior year is ideal, if not sooner. It’s never too early to book! You can learn more about our senior pictures packages here.