The Best Time to Book Senior Portraits in Central Ohio

The Best Time to Book Senior Portraits

If you’re starting to think about senior pictures, you might be wondering: When is the best time to book a senior portrait session? In Ohio, where seasons, weather, and school calendars all play a big role...timing matters more than you might think!

While there’s no single “right” answer for every senior, there are definitely advantages to booking at certain times of the year. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what works best for your senior and your schedule.

Most Popular Option: Summer Before Senior Year

The most popular time to book senior portraits in the Midwest is the summer before senior year (typically June through August).

Why summer sessions are so popular:

• Seniors are out of school and less stressed

• Flexible schedules make planning easier (especially if reschedules are needed due to weather!)

• Lush greenery, flowers, and golden sunsets

• Plenty of time before yearbook deadlines

• Comfortable spacing before fall sports and activities ramp up

Because summer dates are in high demand, booking 2-3 months in advance is ideal if you want a prime date..especially weekends or golden-hour sessions!

A VERY Close Second: Fall of Senior Year

The fall of senior year (September-October..and even a bit into November!) is another extremely popular time for senior portraits, especially in Ohio where fall color can be GORGEOUS.

Why seniors love fall sessions:

• Stunning fall foliage and warm tones

• Cooler temperatures after summer heat (most of the time..ha!)

• Seniors feel more “settled” into senior year

• Great timing for sports uniforms or school pride looks

Fall books up VERY quickly (most of the time even faster than summer) because the season is shorter and a little more weather-dependent. Booking 3–4 months in advance gives you the best chance at securing an ideal date. My schedule in particular is limited to Saturday afternoons only for sessions in the fall, so if your heart is absolutely set on fall portraits, booking as early as possible will help secure your desired date!

**Keep in mind: Everyone's fall calendars tend to fill fast with school events, sports, and activities, so planning ahead is crucial!

A Less Common (But Still Great) Option: Spring of Senior Year

Some seniors choose to book their session in the spring of senior year, especially if they missed earlier windows or want a more relaxed timeline.

Why spring can work well:

• Relaxed timeline if there are fewer yearbook and photo deadlines (check with your school!)

• Less competition for session dates

• Fresh blooms and soft spring light

• Seniors feel more in their element of being a senior by the end of the school year

• Lots of excitement for what comes next makes senior portraits a fun way to celebrate in the moment

Spring sessions are typically more flexible with booking timelines, though weather in Ohio can be a bit unpredictable. This option works best for seniors who go to a school that doesn't have a specific requirement for yearbook deadlines.

**Keep in mind: if you are having a graduation party immediately after school ends and you want to use your senior portrait images at the party, you'll want to make sure your session is done at least 3 weeks before your party to give enough time for the images to be done and allow for any printing times.

So… When Should You Book?

Here’s my best advice for when to book senior portraits in central-Ohio:

• Summer & Fall sessions: Book 3–4 months in advance (think of reaching out in April for a summer date or June for a fall date)

• Spring sessions: Often more flexible, but earlier is still better (Think of reaching out in February/March)

If you have a specific season, look, or date in mind, booking early ensures you won’t have to compromise!

Final Thoughts

The best time to book senior portraits in central Ohio depends on your senior’s personality, schedule, and vision, but the summer before senior year and fall of senior year remain the most popular and desired options! Planning ahead not only gives you more choices but also creates a smoother, less stressful experience. If you’re even thinking about senior photos, chances are it’s the right time to start the conversation!

READY TO START PLANNING SENIOR PHOTOS?!

If you’re ready to start planning your senior portraits, now is the perfect time to get on the calendar! Prime summer and fall dates book quickly. Reach out to start planning a session that fits your senior’s style, schedule, and vision.

Inquire below to reserve your senior portrait date and take one thing off your senior-year to-do list!

Start Planning Your Senior Portraits Now!