It’s hard to believe that spring is right around the corner – come May and June, so many of my lovely seniors who I photographed will be graduating and moving on to bigger and better things. The class of 2018 seniors will be stepping up to take their place. As a senior photographer in Pittsburgh, one of the top questions I get asked is “when is the best time for senior photos?” Really, there is no right nor wrong time to have senior photos taken, but most seniors and their guardians are surprised with my number one answer: summer! Here are my top 5 reasons for why you should have your senior photos taken over the summer:
1. You’ll be more relaxed.
It’s safe to say that everyone keeps busy during the school year. Whether you’re a senior balancing class, homework, clubs, and practices or a parent balancing cooking, cleaning, working, and chauffeuring kids from one activity to the next, the school year is generally a very hectic time for most. Having senior photos taken over the summer will allow both senior and guardian more time to prepare outfits and enjoy the session without the busyness that a school year brings.
2. You’ll have gorgeous scenery.
One of my favorite parts about photographing seniors over the summer is the beautiful scenery. Everything is green, flowers are in bloom, and the sunsets are magical. For as much as I love the beauty of autumn in Western Pennsylvania, there’s something just as (if not more) beautiful about the gorgeous fields, lush greenery, and bright, blooming flowers that summer provides!
3. You’ll have more free time.
Much like the first point, with so many activities and commitments during the school year, it can be hard to find a time slot in the midst of a crazy schedule and endless demands. Scheduling senior photos over the summer will allow for a more flexible time frame. Bonus: if you’re a parent who works full time, photos over the summer can be taken later in the day, due to the sun setting later in the evening.
4. You’ll have one important item for senior year already checked off the list before the year even begins!
Yearbook deadlines can put an enormous amount of unneeded stress and tension on something that should be special and fun. Scheduling over the summer ensures that there is no possible way that dreaded senior picture yearbook deadline will be missed!
What’s your ideal time of year for senior portraits? Let us know in the comments below!