If you read nothing more in this post, read this: BOOK EARLY!
You’ll want to start looking for a senior photographer towards the middle to end of your junior year, and when you decide who you want to book with, get on their schedule right away. It's never too early! Many photographers (myself included) are booking 3 or more months out for senior sessions and if you wait, you may not be able to get the date you want or if you wait too long you may not get to book a session at all. I encourage my clients to secure their session date as far in advance as possible. You get more prep time for your session when you book early and have more flexibility if weather forces rescheduling.
When are you most busy?
Do you play a fall or spring sport? Or both? Some seniors like to have their session in the summer before their senior year because they aren’t super busy yet with sports and activities. Once school starts things get more hectic and it’s not always as easy to fit it in. If you play a sport and want to include your jersey in your session, but it's the off season, that's ok! Most coaches are accommodating if you ask in advance to borrow your jersey for your session.
What season do you like best?
Do you prefer jeans and sweaters or short sundresses, etc.? Hoping for fall foliage or spring flowers? Sure, you can always freeze or melt to get the outfit you want but being comfortable in your session is key to getting natural expressions and goosebumps are impossible to edit! This can also help lead you to what time of year you should book.
When do you need your photos and products?
Know your deadlines and leave yourself plenty of time to get your products before you need them. When do you need photos for banquets, yearbook, sorority recruitment, etc. If you plan to mail graduation announcements at the beginning of May, be sure to back up enough time to allow for the session, ordering session and production time of your photographer to deliver them to you.
It takes time to plan an incredible session...
The best senior portrait sessions are the ones that have been well planned. I work with my clients to be sure we are on the same page in terms of what they like and what locations will best showcase their personality. I help with selecting the best outfits that not only look good on them but also give plenty of variety for posing. This doesn't happen overnight and choosing your outfits can be especially time consuming. Don't forget too that you'll want to schedule any hair appointments, nails, etc. so if your stylist is hard to get into be sure you plan accordingly. So if you're a junior it's not too early to be planning and BOOK EARLY!
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