Your senior year of high school goes by in the blink of an eye. There are exams, pep rallies, prom, and a plethora of other events to keep you busy. As a New Orleans senior photographer, I have worked with hundreds of seniors over my career. I know how stressful the months leading up to graduation are. That is why it is so important to book your senior photographer as early as possible. You will feel so accomplished once you have your photoshoot checked off your to-do list!
Here Are Some Reasons Why You Should Book Your Senior Photographer Early
Yearbook Deadlines
Every high school’s yearbook editing process looks a bit different. My local high school that I graduated from includes a section in their yearbooks dedicated to personal advertisements from friends, family, and local businesses. I love that personal ads are included because they allow each senior to have the opportunity to show off their hobbies, interests, and personalities. Parents and relatives can purchase an entire page to dedicate to their beloved senior. This personal advertisement is often adorned with sentimental quotes, well wishes, and their gorgeous senior casual photographs. Usually, these photographs have to be submitted by early spring to keep the yearbook editing process flowing. This is exactly why you should have your photoshoot completed before then! It is important to confirm submission deadlines with your high school’s yearbook editor to ensure that you can plan your photoshoot in a timely manner.
Season Preference
Fall and spring are my most popular seasons for senior casual photography. During spring, New Orleans parks are filled with stunning florals that create a beautiful backdrop for photos. However, our subtropical climate often leads many clients to choose fall or winter sessions to avoid excruciating heat. Based on your location, booking your senior photoshoot early in the school year may be best for ideal weather conditions. Think about your vision for your photoshoot. Does a fall or spring session best align with your vision? If your ideal senior casual photoshoot features vibrant florals and breezy sundresses, spring is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer cozy outfits in rich, earthy tones, a fall or winter session might be a better fit. Fall and winter sessions often have a moodier atmosphere, perfect for clients who love a more dramatic vibe. Keep in mind that lighting conditions differ throughout the year. During fall and winter, shorter days mean less daylight for evening photoshoots.
Senior Photographer Turnaround Times
Every photographer has a different turnaround time which is an important question to ask when searching for your senior photographer. Keep in mind that if you want physical products, such as senior announcement cards or photo prints, that your senior photographer needs time to edit, order/print, and deliver your products. Typically, seniors mail their announcement cards about 2 weeks before graduation day. Personally, it takes me about 2-3 weeks from the photoshoot date to deliver completed digital copies to my clients. It can take up to 3-4 weeks for my clients to receive printed products. Your photographer should disclose this information with you before booking to ensure that you will receive your digital images or products by your required deadline.
Tourist Season
If you live in or near a bustling city, you are likely familiar with the ebb and flow of tourists throughout the year. In New Orleans, the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras bring an extraordinary surge of visitors. For this reason, I always recommend that my senior clients book their sessions well before carnival season. The heavy traffic and packed public spaces can make it challenging to capture the serene, personalized moments my clients desire. If your city experiences a surge of tourists during certain times of the year, consider scheduling your senior photoshoot during the off-season. You will definitely feel more comfortable in a relaxed environment.
Sports And Extracurricular Schedules
If you are an athlete or heavily involved in extracurricular activities, then you know that your schedule fills quickly with practices, games, meetings, and other events. Most of my clients prefer weekend appointments, but this can be tricky for student-athletes who often have games and tournaments on weekends. It can be difficult to find the time to book a photographer amidst your other commitments. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and consider scheduling your session during a weekday or a quieter time to ensure you don’t miss out on capturing this special milestone.
Senior Photographer Availability And Flexibility For Rescheduling
Many photographers book their clients months in advance. During peak senior season, it may be hard to get in with a senior photographer that you have been considering. In addition, booking your senior session as early as possible gives you some buffer time in case of unexpected weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. If you wait too close to graduation to book your session, your photographer may not have time to accommodate your request to reschedule.
Location Options
Some locations require permits and appointments in order to photograph there. Your senior photographer needs enough time to acquire these permits. One of my most requested outdoor locations is also a wedding and event venue. Therefore, they offer limited appointment slots for other photoshoots.
Planning And Styling
Picking your outfits for your senior casual session is a lot of fun, but it can be overwhelming! Booking your session early allows you to plan out all of your outfits and add your personal touches that showcase your interests and achievements.
Payment Plans
Personally, I offer flexible in-house prepayment plans for all of my photo sessions. If cost is a concern, many photographers, including myself, provide options like this to help. My flexible in-house prepayment plans allow families to reserve their sessions early and pay in manageable installments over time. This approach makes a professional photoshoot more accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable and stress-free experience.
I Hope That These Tips Help You Plan Your Dream Senior Casual Photoshoot!
Graduating high school is a wonderful, exciting accomplishment that should be celebrated! Booking a professional photoshoot with a senior photographer is the perfect way to capture this incredible milestone and create lasting memories. Senior sessions are my absolute favorite to photograph. Every session is thoughtfully customized to highlight my clients’ personalities, passions, and and journeys to showcase what makes them unique!
