Updated: Mar 23, 2021

Believe it or not, before you even finish your junior year of high school is the best time to start thinking about senior photos! It might seem a little early in the game, but trust me – the earlier you start planning, the better! Never too early to start preparing!

Start off by weighing your options. I’ve had many seniors find me through Instagram, Facebook, Google, and even Pinterest! When looking for a senior photographer, make sure you find a style you like – for example, do you prefer a bright and airy style, or more of the earth and gem tones? Are you more into posed photos, more natural photos, or a mix? Your answers to these questions will drive the direction of your search! And don’t forget to look at reviews – you’ll be able to really find out what other people think by taking your time to search through reviews.

Once you find a senior photographer that you love, make sure you contact them right away to reserve your spot! Senior photographers can be booked up to a few weeks to a few months in advance, depending on the time of year you’re looking to have your photos taken. For example – in North Dakota, summer and fall photo sessions book up months in advance because of how short the season lasts here, so the earlier you contact your senior photographer, the better!

Okay, you have chosen your photographer! Now it’s time to decide what time of year you want to take your senior pictures. Are you looking for those perfect fall colors or do you want bright blooming flowers instead? Maybe you want to take them in the middle of winter with snowflakes surrounding you! The month you take your senior photos determines the backdrop and colors that will be in your photographs.

After booking your photographer, it’s time to start looking for locations and choosing your outfits! I will be able to guide you to a location based on your preferences and style, but if you have a location you love make sure to add it to your location list! I also love to help with guiding you in the right direction of your outfit choices! I can tell you what will look best in front of the camera and in which location! Personally for me, I love to give my seniors suggestions without controlling what they wear. To me, it’s always important a senior’s personal style shines through their photos!

In addition, you’ll want to start considering appointments for professional hair and makeup, if it’s something you’re interested in. It can be nice to not have the added stress of making sure you look photo-ready on the day of your session. Plus it’s always to fun to have a day of pampering! Don’t forget about your nails!

I suggest having photos done early to mid-summer (post junior year) or during the school year when your sport is in season. Book before the holiday season begins for senior photos. This way, you’ll have more than enough time to meet yearbook deadlines and use your senior photos for graduation announcements in the spring and use your photos as gifts!

Planning a senior photo session can be a bit overwhelming, but if you have a game plan from the beginning, you’ll have nothing to worry about! And even if you are on a bit of a tight deadline, it’s never too late to have senior photos taken!