As a professional high school senior photographer located in Seattle, Washington, I have seen so many great photo opportunities.  Whether your senior is into an urban setting or the great outdoors, you can find it in our area. I take great pride in listening to your senior to help plan their epic senior photos and capture their unique personalities and interests.

The decision to schedule a senior portrait session is an exciting one - however it's essential to consider several factors to ensure the perfect timeing.  In this blog, we'll explore key factors such as availability, seasonal considerations, location choices, and potential themes to help you determine the perfect time for your senior portrait session.

 1. Availability:

 Scheduling your senior portrait session as soon as possible should be a top priority; putting it off till later can lead to not getting the photographer you want, or the time of day you prefer. Professional photographers often have busy calendars, especially during peak seasons, so it's crucial to plan ahead and secure your desired date. Contact photographers early on, preferably during the summer or early fall, before their schedules become fully booked. This way, you can ensure you'll have a spot that aligns with your preferences and timeline.

2. Seasonal Considerations:

 Seattle's seasons offer diverse backdrops - each with its charm - and challenges! Consider the unique qualities each season brings to help you decide when to schedule your session. Clouds create great backdrops just as much as a sunny day, but pouring rain can lead to multiple reschedules.

    Spring: The blooming cherry blossoms, vibrant flowers, and fresh greenery can create a picturesque setting, adding a touch of nature's beauty to your portraits.

   Summer: Seattle's long summer days provide opportunities for outdoor sessions with abundant sunshine and blue skies. Beaches, parks, and urban landscapes become fantastic options during this time of year.

   Fall: The mountians and parks come alive with warm hues of red, orange, and yellow during the fall season. The changing foliage creates a magical ambiance, making for stunning portraits against nature's colorful backdrop.

   Winter: While winters in Seattle are often rainy, embracing the season can lead to unique and creative shots if you plan ahead! Snowfall in the mountains can transform your photos into a winter wonderland, offering a chance for memorable portraits in cozy outfits or amidst festive decorations.

3. Location Choices:

 Seattle offers many stunning locations, each with its distinct characteristics. When selecting a location for your senior portrait session, it is important to choose places that align with your interests, hobbies, and personal style.

    Urban Landmarks: Downtown Seattle provides a modern and urban backdrop, perfect for showcasing a contemporary and stylish look. Iconic sites such as Pike Place Market, the Seattle Great Wheel, Gasworks Park, and colorful murals offer a vibrant atmosphere.

Nature's Beauty: Seattle's surrounding areas boast picturesque landscapes, including parks, forests, and waterfronts. From Discovery Park's lush greenery to the enchanting Kerry Park overlooking the city skyline, these locations provide serene settings for a touch of tranquility.

  Sports Arenas or Fields: If you're passionate about sports, consider capturing your senior portraits on your team's field or at a local sports arena. Showcasing your dedication and love for the game can add a dynamic and personal touch to your images.

4. Themes:

  Want to make your senior portrait session truly unique? Consider incorporating a theme that reflects your individuality and interests. Whether it's your passion for art, music, drama, or cars, integrating these elements into your session can create a visually stunning and meaningful experience. Discuss your ideas with your photographer to collaborate on bringing your vision to life.

5. Yearbook Deadline:

If you want to use a photo from your session in your senior yearbook, consider that every school has a different deadline to turn in a photo to be used in the yearbook. You will want to schedule your session with enough time for your photo session as well as your viewing and picking out the picture you want published in the yearbook.

    Deciding when to schedule your high school senior portrait session involves careful consideration of availability, seasonal elements, location choices, and potential themes. By planning ahead, choosing the right season and location, and incorporating your interests into the session, you'll have an unforgettable experience capturing the essence of this significant milestone. We will work together to plan the perfect session that tells your story. I will ensure that your personality shines through in every photograph, creating lasting memories for years to come!