Fall vs. Spring: Which is the Perfect Season for a Senior Photography Session
Select the Perfect Natural Backdrop for Your Senior Session in Kansas City
The beauty of the Midwest doesn't come from regal, snow-capped mountains or the ocean's blue vastness and sandy beaches. Instead, it's the ever-changing melody of our seasons: the cheerful flute notes of spring, summer's lazy folk twang, the deep-throaty blues of fall, and winter's slow jazz — each with their own color palette and extrinsic beauty.
As a high school senior photographer, I have found that one season is not better. (We can create beautiful photos no matter the weather.) But one (or two seasons) will suit the portrait session you’ve been dreaming about.
Spring
While days are warming up, the evenings are still brisk — cooling off the sun-soaked clover and fresh-cut grass. Spring signifies the beginning of a new chapter, but for seniors, it means the end of high school.
If you've waited to schedule your senior pictures, use the opportunity to take some cap and gown photos as well.
Spring Pros
There will be abundant flowers on the trees and some in the fields.
If you love pastel tones, this is your season.
Foliage will have bright greens
The weather will be mild, with a few exceptions.
The humidity will be lower.
The light will be soft and flattering.
You can wear various outfits (light jackets, etc.)
Spring Cons
In early spring, the trees won't be fully leafed out.
The temperature will vary, and rain is always a possibility.
If you're ending your senior year, there is a limited amount of time to shoot and deliver a gallery before you need to send out graduation announcements.
Possible Out-of-the-Box Locations for Spring:
Embrace the season and jump in puddles with rain boots.
Venture to the heart of Kansas City before it wakes up.
You can find a local tulip farm.
SUMMER
This season is all about long, hot days and warm summer nights. If lucky, you'll spend your afternoons poolside with an iced drink, hanging out with your best friends. If you opt for a senior photography session in summer, use it to capture the nostalgia of the season.
Your session will likely start later — close to 7:30-8 p.m. — so we can take advantage of the creamy sun at golden hour. It could still be pretty warm, so bring a towel to wipe off any sweat that forms, and dress in light-weight attire.
Summer Pros
In early summer, outdoor locations should still have abundant flowers.
Foliage will have rich greens.
Summer nights will be warm.
The trees will be full of leaves.
There is a lower risk of rain during a summer session than in spring.
You can wear that cute summer dress or a pair of shorts.
Summer Cons
The heat and humidity are the perfect combo for a sweaty session.
Golden hour is late in the evening.
As the season progresses, a lack of rain might cause flowers to die out.
Possible Out-of-the-Box Locations for Summer:
Stop for an ice cream or snow cone.
Visit the beach at a local lake.
Create a Hollywood vibe and lounge poolside.
Have fun with friends and play sand volleyball.
FALL
Autumn is the most sought-after season for senior photos. Everyone wants to capture the leaves turning from green to gold. But the foliage is only peak color about three weeks out of the year — starting in mid-October — so book your photoshoot early if that's your goal.
More than any other season, fall photo sessions require a palette that works with nature's hues (if you're shooting outdoors), so please work with the environment when selecting your wardrobe.
Fall Pros
It has those beautiful warm tones.
The leaves will be changing color.
The green foliage will appear more muted.
In early fall, the weather will be mild, with some exceptions.
Sweater weather means you can wear a variety of outfits.
It's the start of your senior year!
Your senior pictures will be ready in time for your yearbook.
Fall Cons
The weather could be freezing in late fall.
Daylight savings time means it'll be an early evening session, which might interfere with after-school activities.
This is the most popular season, so there will be fewer dates. You'll need to book early in the year.
Possible Out-of-the-Box Locations for Fall:
Shred at the skateboard park.
Do fall activities like picking apples or pumpkins.
Could you add your car or motorcycle?
WINTER
In the Midwest, winter is unpredictable. One day it'll be a nice 50-degree day. The next, we could be fighting 0-degree temps. You never know.
The key to senior photos in the winter is to be flexible and have an indoor location as part of your shoot. Even if you want images with snowfall, most people don't last an entire 60-to-90-minute session in winter weather. And dress in layers!
Winter Pros
This season is less popular, so your session will look unique.
There is always a chance of snow!
You can take advantage of a studio or other indoor locations.
You'll wear cute hats, gloves, and scarves and drink hot chocolate.
Winter Cons
Any outdoor sessions could be shorter due to cold weather.
You'll need to wear layers.
Snow is unpredictable, so booking a snow session in advance will be hard.
Possible Out-of-the-Box Locations for Winter:
Get moving inside a parking garage.
You can carve out some time at a local coffee shop.
Search for the perfect novel at an independent bookstore.
A New Collection
If you want your senior photos to include multiple seasons, I've developed a new image bundle, The Arbor Collection, which includes two 90-minute sessions during your favorite seasons.
Want a flower-filled spring meadow and those vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow leaves? With me as your senior photographer, you don't have to choose. The package includes every edited photo from both sessions as a digital download, a 30-page photo album, free make-up, and hair styling, and an additional print credit.
