Avoid the Rush! When & How to Book the Perfect Senior Session

When Should You Book & Schedule Your Senior Portrait Session?

As a parent of a high school senior, you have a lot on your plate—college applications, sports, extracurriculars, and everything else that comes with this milestone year. It’s easy to let senior photos slip through the cracks, but booking your senior portrait session early can save you stress and ensure your teen gets the session they deserve. Let’s break down the difference between booking and scheduling your senior session, the best time to take photos, and why planning ahead is the best decision you can make.

Booking vs. Scheduling: What’s the Difference?

Booking your senior session means securing your spot with your chosen photographer by signing a contract and paying the retainer. Scheduling is the actual date and time you and your photographer agree upon for the session to take place. These are two separate steps, and booking early ensures you get your preferred date for your session. Senior portraits are typically done the summer before senior year or during the fall and winter months. While your school may require yearbook photos to be taken by their selected photographer, you’re not tied to their photographer for your personal senior session. This means you can plan a session that reflects your teen’s personality, style, and interests—without being rushed into a time slot that doesn’t work for you.

The Best Time to Schedule Senior Photos

Michigan has four distinct seasons, each offering unique backdrops for senior portraits. Choosing the right season depends on your teen’s preferences, schedule, and the type of look they want for their photos.

Summer Senior Sessions

✅ Pros: Longer daylight hours, warm weather, flexible schedules, tanned skin, wildflowers, sunflowers, and golden sunsets.❌ Cons: Hot temperatures, potential humidity, and possible vacation conflicts.Best for: Seniors who want vibrant, sunny photos with a relaxed, summery feel.

Fall Senior Sessions

✅ Pros: Cooler temperatures, gorgeous fall foliage, cozy sweater weather, and a variety of scenic backgrounds.❌ Cons: Busy school schedules, unpredictable weather, and limited time before Michigan’s early winter hits.Best for: Seniors who love warm autumn tones, flannel outfits, and a mix of urban and nature settings.

Winter Senior Sessions

✅ Pros: Unique, snow-filled wonderland backdrops, cozy layered outfits, and fewer crowds at popular locations.❌ Cons: Shorter daylight hours, cold temperatures, and the need for flexible rescheduling in case of bad weather.Best for: Seniors who love the winter aesthetic, holiday lights, and want a session that stands out from the crowd.

Spring Senior Sessions

✅ Pros: Blooming flowers, comfortable temperatures, fresh greenery, and a chance to include college gear for grad announcements.❌ Cons: Rainy season, unpredictable weather, and limited availability due to school commitments.Best for: Seniors who want bright, fresh portraits with a springtime feel before graduation.

Why You Should Book Your Session Early

Many parents wait until fall or even winter to book senior portraits, only to realize that photographers’ schedules are already full. Here’s why booking early is key:

More Availability: Weekend and evening slots fill up quickly, so securing your date early ensures you get the best time for your schedule.
Less Stress: With so much going on during senior year, checking senior photos off your to-do list early makes life easier.
Flexible Rescheduling: If weather becomes an issue, having extra time allows for easy rescheduling without a time crunch.
Customization: Booking in advance gives your teen time to plan outfits, locations, and any special requests for their session.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for the Best Senior Experience

Senior year is an exciting and emotional time, and capturing this milestone with professional portraits is something you won’t regret. Whether your senior wants a summer, fall, winter, or spring session, the key is to plan ahead so they get the experience—and the images—they’ll love for years to come.

Spots fill up fast—don’t wait! Secure your senior’s session with Behind the Shutter LLC today. Visit Behind the Shutter LLC to book now!

This blog is written by Jessica Butterworth, a senior and family photographer at Behind the Shutter LLC in Grand Blanc, Michigan.