Pros and Cons of Each Beautiful Season!

When should you schedule your senior pictures in the Seattle area is one of the most common questions I get. And it’s not hard to see why! Every season has it’s share of pros and cons. And you want to choose the perfect one for you that will give you exactly the look and feel you are going for. Read on to see some of the reasons to love each season in the PNW, and a few disadvantages of each.

Spring (March – May)

I get so excited every spring as the days start to get longer, the sun starts showing up more often, and flowers and trees start to bloom. And it can be a gorgeous time of year for a photoshoot!

Reasons to love spring:

• Cherry blossoms, tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers start making an appearance.
• Grasses, trees, and bushes start showing bright greenery.
• The days are getting longer.
• Spring clouds can offer flattering, even lighting that’s beautiful for portraits.
• This is a great time for seniors with earlier yearbook deadlines OR current seniors who missed their yearbook deadline and would still love senior photos done.
• Those who are already seniors, can always add on some cap and gown photos!

Disadvantages:

• The weather can be unpredictable and rain showers are common. I always keep plenty of space in my schedule for moving sessions around to dry days if needed.
• Some of the most popular cherry blossom, tulip, and daffodil locations can get overcrowded. One way around this is to plan on weekdays or early mornings.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is the most popular senior session season – with golden sunshine, long days, warm weather, and more flexible schedules. These always book up first!

Reasons to love summer:

• Most locations are gorgeous this time of year in the Pacific Northwest. From golden fields and wildflowers to beaches and rivers, it’s all beautiful!
• This is the most reliable time of year for sunny weather in Washington.
• You can wear a wide variety of outfits (from dresses to layers) comfortably and not feel chilly.
• Seniors expecting a busy school and sports schedule usually have more availability in the summer.
• You will still have your photos back in plenty of time for yearbook submissions.

Disadvantages:

• Some might find it challenging to work around summer work or family vacations.
• We do sometimes get some very hot weather. But with late evening photoshoots or early mornings, we can work around this if it is a problem.

Fall (September – November)

Fall is my absolute favorite season for senior portraits! Especially early fall with the colors just changing, plenty of flowers in bloom, nice weather still available, and stunning golden hour light.

Reasons to love fall:

• Fall lighting is beautiful and warm.
• We begin to see changing colors and fall foliage.
• The weather can still be beautiful – especially in early fall!
• Overcast skies create nice soft light.
• Fall flowers are stunning! Some of my favorites are sunflowers, dahlias, and roses.
• You can start adding in cozy fall layers for outfit choices.

Disadvantages:

• There is more chance of rain. I always leave more space in my schedule to move sessions to a dry day.
• The days are beginning to get shorter and shorter.
• It can be hard to tell when the most dramatic foliage will show. It changes every year.
• If you have an early yearbook deadline, you might be cutting it a little close.

Winter (December – February)

Winter can be a wonderful time for senior photos if you are looking for a more unique look and completely different vibe from sunny spring – fall looks.

Reasons to love winter:

• Winter is a more unique look for senior portraits.
• Winter is a great time to have some fun with a studio session with fun backdrops and creative props.
• Head to the mountains for some snow!
• It’s the perfect time to do a family session add-on for the holidays.
• Have fun with winter wardrobe choices.

Disadvantages:

• Many schools have yearbook deadlines that make winter photoshoots too late.
• It can be dark, wet, and cold. Clouds can provide some nice soft lighting, but super dark and wet days are no fun. Luckily, I have plenty of flexibility during this time of year for rescheduling.
• The days are really short in the Seattle area.
• Seniors who would like a winter session will need to inquire. Because it’s a more quiet time of year, I don’t keep my booking calendar open and we arrange the perfect date, time, and session type together.

A few final thoughts:

• Consider the overall look you are hoping to achieve: It can help to look through galleries and blog posts to see what senior sessions can look like during different seasons.
• Think about the type of outfits you are really wanting to select: This might influence the best time of year for your session.
• Book early if you are hoping for a summer or early fall portrait session: Those always book up first!
• Still unsure? Reach out and ask the photographer you are hoping to have your senior photo shot with. They will be able to answer any questions you might have. I can always make suggestions based on the overall aesthetic, flowers, or background choices you are hoping for.