Recently I did a blog post highlighting the advantages of a summer session and some tips and tricks if you think a summer session is right for you. But it got me thinking, that maybe it would be helpful if I outlined all the seasons and the pros and cons of each. So, here we go.
Summer Senior Pictures
I did an entire blog post on summer sessions and who they are a good fit for, you can check it out HERE. So I will give you the cliff notes version. Summer sessions are great for seniors who have a busy extra-curricular fall. Those who are involved in band, cheer, dance, football, etc. So many big things happen in the fall and often practices really start mid summer. So if you are aiming to meet a yearbook deadline, summer is the perfect season for you. Its also great for the girls who love sundresses and shorts and all those fun summer looks. So if summer is your favorite season, then thats the best time to have your senior pictures. And I know you are worried about the heat, it is Texas after all. Check out my previous blog post for some tips and tricks to staying cool and looking your best. But just know, that while the heat is here, its not a reason to skip on this season for your senior pictures. I promise we make it work and its beautiful.
Fall Senior Pictures
Fall is great for those beautiful earthy tones. We are lucky (or unlucky depending on how you see it) that we are still pretty warm in the fall. Which means, that the grass and trees are greener, longer. We don't have to rush to get pretty greens before the leaves fall, because they really don't fall, or even change until mid-late November. Thats several months of beautiful foliage to make your photos really gorgeous.
And, we do actually get a few weeks of beautiful fall colors in our parks. So if early tones are your favorite, fall is the time for you.
Its also considerably cooler than the summer. So if you love the idea of beautiful green grass but loathe the idea of triple digit temps, consider early fall. September and early October are so much cooler than August, but still warm enough you can plan on short sleeves and dresses if you want. The best part about this season is that almost any outfit you want to wear, you can. Its perfectly comfortable jeans weather, you could even put on a jacket or sweater for a look and your next outfit be a sleeveless dress. Which is great for any variety.
The biggest con for fall is that fall is usually extremely busy for lots of seniors and you might not meet your yearbook deadlines. We also tend to get more rain in the fall and spring than winter or summer. Don't worry, I always plan rain days in my calendar so you are never stuck. But if schedule flexibility is something you don't have, it is good to be mindful of weather patterns.
Winter Senior Pictures
I will be honest, winter is my least popular season for seniors. Life just gets really busy around the holidays, and usually after the first of the year temperatures are cold and most everything in nature is dead.
But that said, just because the grass isn't green, doesn't mean its not gorgeous. And if you are not even interested in a nature session, then winter is great for urban looks.
My clients that choose winter are typically heat averse. The idea of sweating makes them cringe and they would rather be outdoors in 40 degree weather than 80 degree weather. Its also the clients that love warm cozy looks with lots of layers. They gravitate towards sweaters and jackets instead of shorts and crop tops.
The time of year can also be a good thing. Sure the holidays are busy, but come January and February life slows down a bit. There are not a lot of sports happening, maybe some competitions, but there tends to be more flexibility this time of year. There's not finals, the second semester just started and missing a couple hours of school isn't as big of a deal. If you opt for an evening or weekend session you're usually done before dinner. And its the last little lull you'll get before spring season.
Another bonus for some of my girls is that they have already found their prom dress. And I absolutely LOVE when clients bring their prom dress. Its the perfect addition to their gallery and is a truly meaningful outfit. And I love that you can flip through your album in 20 years and show your kids your prom dress, that doesnt have your date in it. There is just something special about it.
Spring Senior Pictures
Spring is gorgeous in Texas, period. Its wildflower season, the grass is the greenest this time of year and the temperatures are perfect. But spring weather has its downside. Its the rainiest time of year, so be prepared to be flexible. And if you have allergies, spring can be rough, I know it is for me. My spring sessions usually take my down for an entire day after. I never had that problem when I was younger, but if you do, it should be considered.
Spring schedules are often really busy, but a lot of sports and competition seasons are over. So depending on your activities, this could be a great time of year or a really difficult time. Its really different for everyone. So look ahead and see if spring is a great time, or just one that is really busy.
If you are wanting to send out grad announcements or have products for a party keep that in mind when scheduling for the spring. March and April are the best times to schedule in order to meet all your deadlines.
Spring sessions are great if you want to have your cap and gown and chords in your photos. There are ways around this if you want cap and gown photos other times of the year, but having your own does make it easier.
Which season would be right for you? The beauty is that there is not right or wrong answer, its completely individualized.
This is not an exhaustive list. But you can see a pattern here, what clothes do you like? What is your schedule like? And most of the points on this list are what nature is like. If you want an urban session or a studio session, the season outdoors is mostly irrelevant! But keep these things in mind when you're thinking about your own senior pictures.
The best time to BOOK your session is as soon as you know which season you want. Yes I book spring sessions the summer before your senior year, its never too early. But I know its a lot to ask to be ready for your sessions 9 months out. I do recommend book AT LEAST 2 months before you want your session to take place. This is to ensure the date you want is available. And you have time to actually prep for your session. There is hair appointments, outfits, nails, etc that you should plan time for and the earlier you get your session on the books the better prepared you will be.
If you're ready to schedule, shoot me an email and I will start the booking process and be happy to answer any questions you have.
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