The Ins and Outs of Booking Your Senior Portraits in Central Texas
As you start to approach your senior year, you may be wondering when is the best time to book your senior portraits. There are a lot of different factors to consider, such as weather, school schedules, and other events, so it can feel overwhelming. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered! Here is a breakdown of each season and the pros and cons to consider when booking your senior portraits.
Summer (June-August): Sessions start around 4pm
Pros: Predictable Weather, Everyone is Tan, Pretty Scenery, No School Schedule
If you’re looking for consistent weather and beautiful views, summer might be the perfect time for your senior portraits. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the scenery is lush and green. Plus, if you’re someone who naturally tans, you’ll be glowing in your photos. And if you’re someone who has a busy school schedule, you’ll have more flexibility to schedule your shoot during the summer months.
Cons: Hot, Vacations/Camps to Schedule Around, Furthest Time from Graduation
The heat can be the main downside of doing your senior portraits in the summer. However, I take great care to keep us in the shade and your direct exposure to the heat very minimal while shooting. All of my summer clients say how amazed they are with their photos when they can’t tell how hot it was in the images. Additionally, some families may choose to schedule vacations or summer camps during this time, which could make scheduling your shoot more complicated. Finally, if you’re someone who can’t wait to graduate, keep in mind that summer is the furthest you’ll be from your graduation date. It might be harder to get in the celebratory mood when it still feels like a long way off.
Fall (September-November): Sessions start around 1:30, 12:30 after the time change
Pros: Cooler Weather, Checked off Senior Year To-Do List, Predictable Weather, Easily Incorporate Cooler Weather Style Trends
Fall is one of the most popular times for senior portraits, and for a good reason. The weather is usually comfortable, and the leaves are changing colors, which makes for beautiful backdrops. Plus, if you schedule your shoot in the fall, you’ll have one less thing to worry about during the busy end of the senior year. You can focus on enjoying prom, senior trips, and other events without worrying about upcoming senior portraits. Fall also allows you to incorporate more layered clothing and on-trend jackets, which can be fun to play with.
Cons: Often Sports to Schedule Around, Can Still be Hot
If you’re someone who plays sports, keep in mind that the fall season can be busy with games and practices. You’ll need to plan accordingly to schedule your senior portraits around your team’s schedule. Additionally, while the weather is usually more manageable than summer, it can still be hot in the early fall months.
Winter (January-February): Sessions start around 12:30
Pros: Usually Downtime from School Events, Can Often Be Very Nice Weather in the 70s
Winter is a great time to schedule your senior portraits if you’re looking for a break from school events. The holiday season is over, and most schools have a small lull in between events during the winter months. Plus, the weather is usually mild and comfortable in Austin, TX during this time. You can take advantage of outdoor locations without worrying about it being too hot or too cold.
Cons: Chance of Cooler Weather in the 40-50s, Chance for Non-Sunny Days
Of course, winter can have its downsides as well. While it’s typically mild in Austin, TX, some days can dip down into the 40s or 50s, which might be too cold for some people to handle (I give you the option of waiting for a warmer day if this happens). Additionally, there’s always the chance for non-sunny days, which is beautiful weather for photos, but some people are set on sun lit images.
Spring (March-April): Sessions start around 2:00-3:00
Pros: Closest to Graduation, Cooler Weather, Spring Wildflowers
Finally, we have spring, which is the closest season to graduation. If you’re someone who is counting down the days until you’re done with high school, scheduling your senior portraits in the spring could help you feel the most excited and energized for your shoot. Additionally, the weather in Austin, TX is usually mild and pleasant during the spring months, which makes it easy to shoot outdoors. And if you’re lucky, you might be able to take advantage of the gorgeous wildflowers that bloom during this time!
Cons: Very Unpredictable Weather, Often the Ground is Blooming While Trees are Still Dead, Very Windy, the Busiest Time of Senior Year
However, spring can also be one of the most unpredictable seasons when it comes to weather. We have sporadic summer like days, followed by a cold snap that feels straight out of January. It’s also ALWAYS windy in March & April. Additionally, while the wildflowers are stunning, the trees are often still dead during this time (until around April), which could limit the variety of locations for your shoot. Lastly, spring is the busiest time of senior year, which means you’ll have to balance your academics, extracurriculars, and photoshoots.
In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should schedule your senior portraits. It’s all about finding the time that works best for your schedule and your preferences. Keep in mind the different pros and cons of each season as you start to plan for your shoot. Be sure to take the time to find a trusted and experienced photographer who can help bring your vision to life. Best of luck during your senior year!
