Top 10 Reasons for Fall Senior Portraits || Logan, Utah Senior Portrait Photographer

Without fail every year, April hits and I start getting calls and messages to set up senior pictures. And not just take them, but edit them super quick so announcements and invitations can be sent out for ceremonies and parties.  We try and find a spot somewhere in schedules to make it work and rush to get it done. It's fun, the pictures turn out great, and one more thing is checked off the "do before graduation list." But at the end of the day, I'm totally an advocate for fall senior photos and here's my..

Top 10 Reasons for Fall Senior Portraits

1. Location, location, location! Some of the best canyon spots (like Tony Grove) are still under a few feet of snow in the spring. So even though green is popping through in early May in the valley, we can't get to some of the most beautiful spots northern Utah has to offer.
2. Golden Hour.  Fall golden hour just can't be beat. The warmth of the light is the perfect touch to photos and really takes them over the top.
3. Scheduling. Seniors schedules blow up before graduation. There's so many ceremonies, finals, AP testing, banquets, parties.... there's a lot going on.  Fall tends to be a little more relaxed and easier to find a good night of the week to shoot.
4. Clothing choices. Who doesn't love layers, scarves, vests, boots.... all of it.  And it all goes with the changing leaves and cool breeze. Being able to change up your outfits and get a lot of different seasonal looks really works this time of year.
5. Getting ahead of the game. Come spring time when it's time to send out announcements and invitations, the pictures are ready to go.  So when there's downtime in February and March before the wildness hits in the spring, you can pick your favorite images and print them so they're ready to send out.
6. Sharing. Teens love to be able to share their senior photos, but once they graduate, nothing says "super senior" like continuing to share high school football or marching band photos.  After graduation, they're looking toward to college or wherever life is taking them. But when they do their photos at the beginning of the year, they can share them throughout their senior year.  Parents can gift them to grandparents for holidays and share with their friends and family as well!
7. Experience. I always take pictures of the senior with the parents at the end of the session (if the parents joined us). I like to think that all my photo session are not just about taking pictures but about creating a literal memory. I hope people look back and say "remember when we did your senior photo session and...." Instead of just being something to check off the list before graduation in the spring, it turns into an experience to look forward to and take time on in the fall. You can devote more energy to being present at the shoot.  And the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed instead of hustled because you know you're ahead of the game.
8. Celebrating the Milestone. When I look back and remember the beginning of my senior year, it definitely felt special.  It felt freeing to know that I only had one more year to go, and this was going to be the last year of my "childhood." I think we are able to capture that feeling and excitement more in the fall instead of capturing "senioritis" in the spring!
9. Incorporating School Uniforms. Many seniors choose to incorporate their sports or activity uniforms into their senior pictures.  It's been my experience that it's easier to get a hold of a football or basketball jersey or marching band uniform during the fall. Waiting until spring may result in passing up those particular shots.
10. Fall colors. I saved the best for last! Who doesn't love fall colors?! The fall hues compliment any outfit and totally put out that "Friday night lights" feel that's perfect for a high school senior!