The Best Season for Scheduling Senior Portraits in Chicago's North Shore Suburbs

Hey Chicago North Shore seniors! Are you trying to decide when to schedule your senior portrait session? 

Your senior photos are a special way to capture this exciting time in your life, so it's important to make sure you get them just right. The season you choose can make a big difference in the look and feel of your photos. Consider some of the points I outline in this article and then choose what is “right” for you! Do not get caught up in what everyone else is doing, this experience should be a reflection of your interests, style and personality! 

Here in Chicago, we are lucky to experience four different seasons throughout the year. Each season brings with it a variety of weather that will change the look and feel of your session.  Consider the points below when choosing the best time to schedule your high school senior portraits.


High school senior portrait downtown lake forest

Spring: If you love the blooming flowers and mild weather, spring might be the perfect time for your session. Just make sure you're prepared for any rain or unpredictable weather that might pop up. If splashing through some puddles is your thing, bring along a clear umbrella and trendy pair of knee high rubber boots.

Winter: If you're a fan of snow and holiday-themed photos, winter might be the perfect time for your session. Just make sure you dress warmly and be prepared for limited daylight. Warm layers, textured fabrics, hats and mittens are great accessories for this season.

Summer and fall are both popular times for senior portraits, each season has its own unique pros and cons in the North Shore suburbs.

Summer:
Pros:

  • Long days and warm weather provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor photoshoots at local beaches, parks, and gardens.

  • Bright, sunny days create a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere in your photos.

  • Summer fashion in the North Shore suburbs can be fun and playful, with lots of bright colors and light flowing fabrics, perfect for capturing your unique style.

  • Summer break provides flexibility in scheduling your session around vacations, summer jobs, and other activities.

Cons:

  • Popular locations can get crowded, making it harder to find the perfect spot for your session.

  • The bright sun can create harsh shadows, and planning for lighting may be more challenging.

  • High humidity levels can make it uncomfortable to be outdoors for an extended period of time.

  • Sudden rain showers or thunderstorms can interrupt your session.

Fall:
Pros:

  • The North Shore suburbs boast breathtaking fall foliage, creating a beautiful natural backdrop for your photos in local parks and forest preserves.

  • Cooler temperatures make it comfortable to be outdoors for extended periods of time, especially in mid-September through early November.

  • Fall fashion can be stylish and cozy, with plenty of layering options.

  • The autumnal atmosphere can create a nostalgic and sentimental feeling in your photos.

Cons:

  • Peak foliage season means that schedules can fill up quickly, so be sure to book your session early.

  • Cooler temperatures can limit wardrobe options and require planning for layering.

  • Limited daylight hours may require earlier session times or carefully planned lighting setups.

  • Unpredictable weather can make it challenging to plan for an outdoor session.

Vernon Hills High School Senior portrait

Ultimately, the choice of when to schedule your senior portrait session depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider your vision and the elements of each season. Reach out to me with questions and we can plan a session unique to your personality, style and interests.


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