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Let’s Be Real: “Senior Year” Starts Sooner Than You Think

Quick question… have you already seen your senior friends’ posts with dreamy beach shots, Spanish moss, and those iconic downtown Savannah vibes, and thought, “Wow…they’ve already done their senior photos!?” Yep. Before winter break you probably should have already taken your senior photos.

I get it. The school year is barely starting, and thinking about next year’s cap-and-gown journey feels a little big eh right now. But here’s the thing… rising juniors, especially Class of 2027, are already in the perfect spot to start planning. Not booking (yet) – but planning. That gentle leg stretch before the race starts.

If you’re a junior or a mom who landed here wondering when to start thinking about senior photos, you’re in exactly the right place. I’ve worked with nearly 150 seniors right here in Savannah, and the ones who felt the most relaxed, confident, and excited on session day? They started early.

Let’s talk about how you can do the same.

Why Now? Because Next Year Gets Busy, Fast.

Here’s the truth: senior year is a whirlwind. Fall football games, that college application hustle, volunteering, sports, jobs, family stuff, maybe sleep… it all starts to stack up.

When you wait until mid-senior year to even think about booking, suddenly your “dream” summer session in Forsyth or your glowy sunset shoot on Tybee feels like a logistical Rubik’s cube.

And listen – your senior portrait experience should not be the thing that makes you feel frazzled. It’s supposed to be the fun part! Like your moment to pause, feel special, and have your own red carpet day right here in Savannah.

Here’s how we make that happen – starting with some smart (and simple) prep now.

What to Start Doing Now as a Future Senior

1. Ask Around and Know the School Rules

Don’t wait until next spring to hear “Oh, didn’t you know the yearbook deadline was last week?”

• Start asking your senior friends what your school’s photo rules are.
• Some schools require formal tux/drape photos. Others allow casual pics, or both.
• Find out who handles the yearbook submissions (hint: it’s not your mom… or me).

Knowing what your school requires for the yearbook helps you plan if you want to book an entirely separate senior casual shoot with your favorite senior photographer (hi, it’s me).

2. Start Following Photographers You Like (Seriously)

Hot tip: watching how we show up day-to-day on Instagram or TikTok is your best peek into what we’re like behind the camera.

Ask yourself:

• Do I like their style? (Bright and natural? Moody drama? Lots of props? No props?)
• Do they show up consistently? (You want someone who responds to emails and edits quickly.)
• Do they seem fun? Approachable? Like someone I’d actually want to spend 2 hours with?

Seniors who follow early often end up with dream session dates… and zero regrets.

3. Take Mental Notes (or Pinterest Boards… or Full-On Canva Presentations)

Fun fact: one of my seniors made a whole Canva guide for her session. Each outfit had a theme, links to inspo pics, and she wanted my input for location ideas for every look.

Another came armed with hangers for each outfit, and each one had:

• a ziploc bag with chosen jewelry
• a grocery sack with the shoes
• even the exact bra she planned to wear

These two made my photographer heart so happy. But even if you’re not planning a full slideshow, now’s the time to:

• Pin or save photos you love
• Note if you’re a Spanish moss girl or beach lover or city chic type
• Think about what makes you you (sports? Books? Dance?) and consider how that could be part of the story

4. Ask Questions Early

Not ready to book yet? Totally fine. Still ok to reach out and say hey. Getting answers now saves you time and stress later.

Ask helpful questions like:

• When do you normally book senior sessions?
• How does the process work?
• What do I need to know about reschedules, outfit planning, etc?

It’s also a good time to find out if your favorite photographer (again – me, I hope!) runs a senior team or does extra pop-up shoots. My Senior Experience Team opens applications early, and once it’s closed… it’s closed.

5. Understand the Value Behind the Experience

Can I say something that might ruffle feathers? Senior photos are not “just pictures.”

They’re:

• Proof of who you are at a really magical, in-between moment
• A day to feel celebrated while juggling a jam-packed life
• A gift, for your parents and future you, to look back on

A lot of people hesitate at the cost. I get it. But investing in a senior photo session is investing in an experience that sticks with you way longer than a new pair of shoes or another homecoming dress. It’s your only high school graduation, after all.

You Deserve a Senior Session That Feels Like You

Planning early isn’t about being extra. It’s about making sure you’re not scrambling at the last minute or settling for whatever date or location is left.

You deserve to:

• Pick a photographer who clicks with you
• Choose outfits with intention (not panic-searching your closet the night before)
• Have your photos taken somewhere that feels meaningful
• Show up confident, comfortable, and authentically you

It starts with a little prep now, and trust me – future you will thank you.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you’re ready to dig in or still just browsing, I’ve got something for you: The Senior Cheatsheet. It’s my FREE guide that walks you through the who, what, when, where, and why of senior portraits.

This isn’t fluff – it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes insight I give to every one of my seniors (and their moms) who want a stress-free, stylish, and meaningful experience.

Download it, print it, screenshot it – use it however you want to start getting excited and prepared for one of the most fun parts of your senior year!

Here’s to celebrating the Class of 2027 the right way – by being informed, inspired, and just a little extra (the good kind).

Can’t wait to see you in front of my lens this year.

– Jaden