When to Schedule Senior Portraits: A Season-by-Season Guide

Seniors ask me all the time: when should we shoot? In West Michigan, senior portrait season really runs from June through October — that's when the light is best, the locations are at their peak, and most seniors want to be photographed. Here's what each month of that window offers, plus a note on the off-season.

Early Summer (June)

School's out, the pressure is off, and the light is soft and forgiving. June is a great time for juniors who want to get ahead of the fall rush. Greens are fresh, flowers are blooming, and sessions feel relaxed. June also tends to be easier to schedule because most seniors aren't thinking about portraits yet.

Mid to Late Summer (July – August)

Lush greens, long days, golden hour that stretches forever. Late summer is my favorite time for seniors who want warm, vibrant images. Lake Michigan is at its best, downtown feels alive, and wildflowers are everywhere. This is also the time when seniors are finalizing everything before school starts, so sessions book up fast.

Early Fall (September – mid-October)

Peak Michigan. Fall color is unbeatable, the weather is comfortable, and the light is perfect. This is the busiest time of year for senior portraits, which means you need to book early. If you want fall foliage in your images, aim for sessions the first two weeks of October in most of West Michigan.

Late Fall (late October – early November)

Moody skies, dramatic light, beautiful fall grasses. Late fall gets overlooked, but I love it for seniors who want something quieter and more contemplative. Layers photograph beautifully, and locations that were crowded in October are suddenly yours.

Winter (December – February)

Snow changes everything. Winter seniors often want something dramatic — black and white, moody, or snow-covered. These sessions are shorter because of the cold, but the images are unlike anything you'll get other times of year.

When to Book

For fall sessions, reach out by mid-summer at the latest. For early summer, reach our sometime in April or May. The earlier we start planning, the more flexibility we have for locations, weather, and outfit options.

Ready to start planning? Contact me today and we'll find the right season for your senior.