When to Book Senior Photos in Michigan — A Complete Timeline

Junior Year Spring (March – May)

This is when the smartest families start planning. You don't need to book yet, but this is the perfect time to start researching photographers. Look at portfolios, read reviews, and pay attention to whose style makes you stop scrolling.

If you already know you want fall senior photos, reaching out in spring gives you the widest selection of dates. My fall weekends start filling in April and May for the following season. Early birds get the golden hour Saturday evenings that everyone wants.

Summer Before Senior Year (June – August)

This is prime booking season. If you want fall photos, you should be reaching out and securing your date by June or July at the latest. The most popular dates — Saturday evenings in late September and early October — are usually spoken for by mid-summer.

Summer is also a fantastic time to actually shoot if you're open to it. The long evenings give us extended golden hour, the greenery is lush, and most seniors are relaxed and tanned from a summer of fun. Summer sessions have a completely different feel than fall — lighter, more carefree, more summery. Some seniors book summer sessions specifically because they want that vibe.

If your senior is doing a sport in the fall and their schedule is packed with practices and games, summer might actually be the smarter choice timing-wise.

Senior Year Fall (September – November)

Peak season. This is when most sessions happen. The Michigan fall color from late September through mid-October is unmatched — Kensington Metropark, Island Lake, downtown Milford and Brighton all come alive with warm golds, deep reds, and that perfect autumn light.

If you haven't booked by September, don't panic — I usually have a few weekday slots available through October and sometimes into November. Weekdays are actually wonderful because the parks are empty and we have the run of the place.

November is underrated. The leaves may be past peak, but the bare branches and muted tones create a moody, dramatic look that photographs beautifully. If your senior has a more editorial or artistic style, late fall is worth considering.

Senior Year Winter (December – February)

Most people don't think of winter for senior portraits, but hear me out. Snow on the ground, bare trees, dramatic skies — winter sessions have a quiet, cinematic quality that stands out. Your senior's photos will look completely different from everyone else's fall portraits on the graduation slideshow.

The key is dressing for it. Cozy layers, boots, a great coat — winter sessions are shorter by design because of the cold, but they're incredibly productive. We move fast, the energy is fun, and the photos have a richness that's hard to get any other time of year.

Winter is also the easiest time to book because demand is lower. If your schedule is flexible and your senior is adventurous, this is a hidden gem of a season.

Senior Year Spring (March – May)

Spring sessions work perfectly for seniors who missed the fall window or who want fresh photos closer to graduation. Cherry blossoms and spring blooms in April and May give you soft, romantic backdrops. The light gets warmer and longer as the weeks go on.

This is also a popular time for cap-and-gown photos if you want graduation-specific shots. We can do a mix — casual portraits plus cap and gown — in one session.

The one thing to watch for in spring is Michigan's unpredictable weather. We might reschedule once or twice for rain, but that's free and easy — I just ask for 24 hours notice and we find a new date.

Why Fall Is the Most Popular

It's not just the colors, although those are spectacular. Fall in Michigan has the best combination of comfortable weather, gorgeous light, and natural variety. The temperature is perfect for outfit changes — warm enough for a dress but cool enough for layers.

Golden hour in fall is also at a more reasonable time. Instead of starting at 7:30 PM like summer, fall sessions begin around 5:00–5:30 PM, which works better for families, school schedules, and anyone who doesn't want to eat dinner at 9 PM.

The downside of fall's popularity is that it books up fast. If fall is your goal, plan early.

The Case for Summer

Summer sessions are a strong second choice and sometimes the better choice depending on your situation. The light lasts longer, giving us more time and more flexibility. Green backgrounds and wildflowers create a lush, vibrant feel that's completely different from fall's warm tones.

For athletes whose fall is consumed by football, soccer, cross-country, or volleyball, summer is often the only realistic window. And honestly, a senior who's relaxed and happy after a summer day at the lake is going to give you better photos than one who just came from a stressful practice.

Spring & Winter Sessions

Both spring and winter are excellent choices for families who want something different. Spring gives you soft greens and blossoms with a fresh, hopeful energy. Winter gives you drama and contrast with a cozy, intimate feel.

The practical advantage of both is availability. You'll have your pick of dates, you won't feel rushed, and I have more flexibility to accommodate specific locations or times. If being able to choose exactly when and where is important to you, off-peak seasons are the way to go.

Split Sessions — Best of Both Worlds

A split session takes your full session and divides it across two different dates. Maybe one session in summer with a casual, outdoor vibe, and the second in fall with a dressier look against the changing leaves. You get two completely different looks, two different seasons, and a gallery that has incredible range.

Split sessions are one of my most popular options for seniors who can't decide between seasons or who want maximum variety. You get the same total number of images as a full session, just spread across two shorter shoots.

School & Yearbook Deadlines

Every school has different requirements and deadlines for yearbook photos. Some want a formal headshot by October, others just need a digital file by January. Check with your school's yearbook advisor before you book so we can plan accordingly.

I can incorporate a yearbook-ready shot into any session — solid background, head-and-shoulders framing, good lighting. Just tell me the requirements ahead of time and I'll make sure we get exactly what the school needs in addition to all your other portraits.

For graduation announcements, most families order those in the spring. Your session photos work perfectly for announcements, so there's no need for a separate sitting unless you want cap-and-gown shots specifically.

How Booking Works

The process is simple. Reach out through my website, email, or DM. I'll reply within 24 hours with availability, pricing, and ideas based on what you're looking for. Once you pick a date, a retainer locks it in and it's yours.

From there, I'll send you a style guide, we'll discuss locations, and I'll check in before your session to finalize everything. I handle all the planning so you don't have to stress about the details — just show up and have fun.

I book on a first-come, first-served basis and I limit the number of sessions I take each month so every client gets my full attention. Once a date is taken, it's taken. If you have a specific date in mind, the sooner you reach out, the better your chances.