Should I book a Senior Photo Session in the Fall?

A common question I am asked is when is the best time to book your high school Senior photo session? And honestly, my answer is usually, “It depends.”

Today I’m going to address the advantages and disadvantages of booking your Senior photo session in the Fall. Next Blog post, I’ll talk about the booking your Senior Session in the Spring.

Advantages of having a Fall Senior Photo Session

1. Beautiful Fall colors!
   Central Texas isn’t known for having the typical fall leaf season as our northern states do, but we do have a beautiful short fall season! Throughout my years, I’ve noticed the Round Rock, Georgetown, and Austin area usually has our Fall color changes in late October into November. Of course, this varies year to year depending on the weather and rain conditions, but for the most part I can say this is true. In late October into mid-November, Central Texas starts seeing our leaves change colors and dropping. With this, we get beautiful colors of yellow, orange, and red! The changing of the fall leaves creates a beautiful backdrop for senior pictures.

2. Weather finally cools off!
   I don’t know about you but the summer heat is no joke in Central Texas! Once we get over the hump of summer heat, false fall, and second summer (if you know, you know!), Central Texas has beautiful crisp fall, cooler weather. Timing depends on Mother Nature, but cooler fall weather allows Seniors to wear comfortable, stylish sweaters, jeans, and boots without sweat. I love the fall wardrobe color palette, and it’s always great to photograph Seniors in. Waiting for cooler weather is definitely an advantage for senior pictures.

3. Getting Senior pictures done early means less stress in the spring!
   High School Senior year is no joke! Between maintaining grades, college admissions essays, last sports game, banquets, and all of the other senior fanfare, it can become overwhelming quickly. Having your Senior photos taken earlier in the year can be a big advantage because it’s done, and it’s one thing you can check off your to do list!

Disadvantages of having a Fall Senior Photo Session

1. Central Texas Fall weather is unpredictable.
   If you’ve lived in the Round Rock/Austin area for any period of time, you are well aware of how unpredictable our weather can get. We can go from a 7 year drought to full lakes within a 2 week time span with a deluge of rain. We can go from 90 degrees to 50 degrees within an hour of a cold front, or we can stay in the 100s well into October. As much as I would love to guarantee wonderful weather all the time, I can’t. That being said, I’m definitely flexible with rescheduling because obviously, no one can predict the weather.

2. Your appearance can change and you want updated Senior pictures.
   We’ve all been there. You loved your long hair then all of the sudden, you want a change and cut it all off. Or you decide to change your wardrobe and aesthetic. Or you decide to dye your hair. Appearances can change for whatever reason, and you want your Senior Photos to reflect the person you currently are. If you take your Senior pictures in the fall then change your appearance in the spring, you will probably want updated photos to reflect the current you. If you think there might be a chance of that happening, then I would suggest you wait until the Spring to have your Senior Photos taken.

3. Cap and gowns aren’t given out until the Spring.
   All Seniors love their cap and gown pictures! Who wouldn’t?! If you really want to include a few cap and gown photos into your Senior photo session, then definitely wait until the Spring for Senior Pictures.

I hope this helps with your decision on when is the best time for you to have your Senior Photos taken!

If you’d like to book a Senior Session, email me at emily@emilyingallsphotography.com or Contact Me HERE.