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What Season is Best for My Senior Photos in St. Louis?

February 12, 2023 | By: Polly's Lens Photography

What is the best time of the year for senior pictures?

Your senior year will be packed with so many fun activities that will make time fly faster than you can imagine. Sports, banquets, college visits, homecoming, prom and, hopefully, a lot of time hanging with your friends are all going to fill your schedule really fast. But don’t forget to plan your senior photo shoot. Your session is an important milestone to celebrate your final year, and it’s so much fun! Now is the time to start thinking about when you want your session. Photographers fill their calendars early, and you don’t want to miss out on your favorite season. 

 

Here in St. Louis, we are lucky to get all four seasons, sometimes in a single day! You have the luxury of vastly different backgrounds depending on the season you choose. So, what is the best month to take senior pictures? The answer to that depends on whether you love wildflowers and green grass, gorgeous autumn leaves or snow-covered trees. I’m going to share some pros and cons of each season to help you decide what’s best for you.

 

Senior Pictures In Spring (March-May) 

 

Spring senior pictures are a great option for juniors who want to knock their session off their to-do list. Although it may feel like you waited too long, spring is also a great time for seniors who are about to graduate. You may even be able to incorporate your cap and gown into your session and it’s the perfect way to end your high school career. 

 

Pros:

  • The weather is getting warm, so your session will likely be comfortable. You won’t have to worry about freezing to death or sweating off your makeup.
  • You get to go shopping for cute spring clothes! You also have a lot of flexibility with a spring wardrobe. You can wear a cute dress or shorts as well as jeans-whatever best suits your style.
  • Trees and flowers are blooming, so you will have a colorful backdrop in your photos.
  • The sun sets later than in the winter, so it’s easier to have your session after school if a weekday works better for your schedule.

Cons:

  • Spring weather in St. Louis is unpredictable, so there’s a greater possibility we would have to reschedule because of rain or unseasonably cold temperatures. I usually recommend waiting until April to minimize both of these issues.
  • If you’re a senior, you will be cutting it close to graduation which may stress you (or your mom) out. You also need to make sure you leave enough time to order graduation announcements which may cause unnecessary stress.

 

Senior Pictures In Summer (June-August)

St. Louis summers are notoriously uncomfortable, but summer sessions here can really be a lot of fun.

 

Pros:

  • No school means you will have a more flexible schedule and plenty of time to prep on the day of your session..
  • Late sunsets mean we can start shooting in the evening when the temperatures start to drop.
  • Cute summer clothes and accessories are a definite advantage.
  • Just like in the spring, you will get beautiful colors from trees and flowers in your background.

Cons:

  • Summer in St. Louis is HOT and HUMID. Sweaty faces and frizzy hair can be a problem, so you may want to consider your summer session in June or early July before it gets too uncomfortable.
  • Mosquitoes and other bugs are a summertime annoyance, especially if we are shooting in a wooded area. I always bring bug spray, but you still may end up with a few bites.
  • Sunburns may also pose a problem. If you tend to burn easily then either make sure you are really diligent about wearing sunscreen/staying out of the sun for a couple of weeks before your session, or consider a different season altogether.

 

Senior Pictures In Fall (Sept-Nov)

Fall is my absolute favorite season to shoot senior photos. The weather is perfect, and the colors never disappoint.

 

Pros:

  • Your fall senior pictures will be full of warm tones. The colors in St. Louis are stunning and usually peak in mid October.
  • Just like spring, the temperatures are nice and comfortable.
  • Sweater weather! Fall is the perfect time to experiment with layers and you can completely change your look just by adding a cute jacket or hat.

Cons:

  • Fall is the most popular time for senior pictures, so the calendar fills up fast. If you have your heart set on a fall session, make sure you get on the schedule early.
  • Locations may be crowded because the weather is so nice and it’s a popular season for all types of photo sessions.
  • Hair and makeup artists are often booked on the weekends because it’s also wedding season. Make sure you schedule pro hair and makeup early.
  • The sun sets earlier and you are back in school which means there is less time to prep before your session starts.

 

Senior Pictures In Winter (Dec-Feb)

I think winter senior pictures are the most neglected, but we really can create some amazing images this time of year.

 

Pros:

  • You can add a really cute coat/jacket or hat to your outfit.
  • Since most people tend to avoid winter photos, your pictures will be unique. The last thing you want is for your pictures to look just like all your friends’.
  • I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule, so we could plan for a last minute snow session.
  • The locations are usually less crowded, so we won’t have to worry about people getting in our way.

Cons:

  • It may be bitter cold on the day of your session, but we can always reschedule.
  • Snow is unpredictable, so you may not get the winter wonderland of your dreams.
  • Really early sunsets means we may not be able to shoot during the week because of your school schedule.

 

The best month to take your senior pictures is totally up to you. There really is no wrong answer. You just want to consider your favorite weather, the kind of clothes you love the most and your schedule. If you would like to start planning your perfect senior session, just click here and send me an email. We can schedule a complimentary consultation to see if we are a good fit. I would love to meet you!

 

 

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