Hey there, it's Julie from Jules K Photography! Getting your senior pictures taken is such an exciting milestone. As you're looking ahead to this momentous occasion, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is when to take senior pictures. Here in Michigan, the best times are typically summer after your junior year, fall of your senior year, or potentially even winter. Each season offers its own unique perks and considerations, so let's dive in!
Summer Senior Picture Perfection
If you're dreaming of sun-drenched, golden photos, summer is going to be your vibe. Seriously, nothing beats those warm summer rays for giving your pictures an extra glow...
Summer Pros
- SUNSHINE! Your photos will be filled with gorgeous colors.
- Michigan is at its finest in the summer sun.
- Plenty of time before senior pics need to be turned in to school.
- So many beautiful outdoor location options to choose from.
- Your schedule is more open with no school/activities.
- The sun sets late, giving you flexibility on session times.
Summer Cons
The downside? Well, it can get pretty dang hot and humid out there. If you tend to flush easily in the heat or if being overheated makes you uncomfortable, summer may not be your ideal season. Mosquitos can also be a nuisance, even with bug spray on hand...
Fall Photos Are Where It's At
If you'd rather avoid the heat and bugs, fall is where it's at! I mean, could anything be more quintessentially Michigan than photos amidst those blazing red, orange, and yellow leaves? It's pure magic...
Fall Pros
- FALL COLORS! The stunning warm tones are so vibrant.
- Temps are crisp and comfortable for layering.
- The golden light in the fall is incredibly soft and flattering.
- Fall colors look amazing as wall art in your home.
- Outfits can include layers and textures which add great dimension.
Fall Cons
Of course, fall isn't without its drawbacks either. The color peak can be finicky and change year to year, and all it takes is one windy day to knock all those leaves to the ground. More popular spots also tend to get a bit crowded when everyone and their mom wants to take advantage of the stunning backdrops. And as the season stretches on, we start losing daylight fast. Once November hits and we "fall back" for Daylight Saving, sessions have to start in the afternoon which could mean leaving school a bit early to get ready and make it on time.
My calendar also tends to book up at warp speed in the fall, so if this is your preferred season, you'll want to get scheduled ASAP before all the prime dates are snagged.
Winter Pros
For those who want photos that will really stand out from the crowd, a winter session could be the way to go! Not many seniors opt for this snowy backdrop, so your pictures will automatically have a unique vibe. And can you imagine how cozy and cute you'll look bundled up in your favorite coat and accessories?
Winter Cons
While winter scenes can be magical, they're also unpredictable around here. We'll have to keep a close eye on the weather and be ready to pounce on any fresh snowfalls before things get slushy and dirty. Timing is also a factor since many schools have senior picture yearbook deadlines in the fall, so a winter session could mean missing that cutoff.
No Bad Choice, Just Your Perfect Fit
At the end of the day, there's no wrong choice here. Summer, fall, and winter all offer stunning scenery and their own unique perks. When you book your session with me, we'll weigh all the factors and find the perfect time for your vibe, personal preferences, and availability. Just know that regardless of the season, we're going to create memories and photos you'll cherish forever!