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Let’s be honest for a minute. Savannah is beautiful – Spanish moss, old brick, cobblestone streets, sunsets over the marsh – it’s basically a postcard. But if you’ve ever stepped outside here in, say, July at 2 p.m., you know the truth: it’s a sauna disguised as a city.

So when should you plan your senior portraits in Savannah? Let me walk you through the timing tips I give every senior and their mom to make sure we don’t end up puddles by the end of your shoot (you’re trying to look joyful and fresh, not like you sprinted a 5K in full makeup).

Spoiler alert: You don’t want to book your session the week before graduation or during a heatwave, and I’ll tell you exactly why. Let’s dive in.

Setting the Scene: What Makes Timing SO Important?

Think good senior pictures are all about the outfit or the pose? Timing is just as important – it sets the stage for the entire vibe, lighting, and comfort level of your portraits.

Take Paige’s session, for example. We shot mid-morning in October (around 10 a.m.), and the sun was doing exactlywhat I wanted it to. Downtown was glowing, but it wasn’t steamy-hot. The oaks in Savannah, with all their mossy charm, create these amazing filtered-light pockets…but only if the light’s right. On cloudy days, everything gets this weird green-grey cast, and no one wants to look like they’ve been tinted sage.

Then there was Sarah. We met on the beach for a sunset session in December. It was freezing – like, wind-in-your-soul type cold. I was panic-shooting through frozen fingers, but Sarah? She smiled, posed, laughed, and even got in the water. The photos are magical, and you’d neverknow we both couldn’t feel our toes. Moral of the story? With the right timing (and a can-do attitude), you can make unforgettable photos happen.

Let’s talk specifics so you can plan a session that fits your vision and works with Savannah’s quirky timing.

Best Times of Year for Senior Pictures in Savannah

September to Early November

This is prime time. Weather’s calming down, humidity starts to chill out (thank goodness), and the light looks GORGEOUS in the mornings and late afternoons.

• Best for: Downtown Savannah, Forsyth Park, Bluff Drive
• Example start times: 9–10 a.m. or 3–4 hours before sunset
• Bonus: Still warm enough for cute sleeveless outfits without sweating through everything

Late November to January

Yes, it’s cooler, and yes, the trees may look a little bare in spots – but the beach? Chef’s kiss. Tybee sunsets this time of year are glowy, soft, and less crowded.

• Best for: Tybee Island, marshside beaches, dock locations
• Start time: Typically one hour before sunset
• Heads up: You will need layers, and your smile may freeze halfway through…but the photos are worth it

March to Early May

Flowers are blooming, graduation vibes are in the air, and you’re this close to that diploma. This is the last solid window before things in Savannah get swampy.

• Best for: Garden settings, downtown squares, live oak-lined paths
• Good for: Yearbook image deadlines, grad announcements, and beating the test-week chaos
• Tip: Don’t book for May and think we’re squeezing out photos before your cap-and-gown ceremony…please

Best Times of Day for Senior Photos

Morning Light (9:00 – 10:30 a.m.)

Downtown Savannah LOVES morning light. If we’re shooting near Forsyth or surrounded by trees, sunny mornings give the photos depth and texture that just don’t hit on overcast days.

• Pros: Soft natural light, cooler temps, fewer crowds
• Good for: Seniors who want downtown vibes and more privacy

Late Afternoon (3–4 hours before sunset)

This works best when we’re out in open Savannah parks or a spot with a variety in shade and greenery. You can rock two outfits and catch the golden glow without waiting until actual sunset.

• Pros: Still gives warm glow without the pressure of golden hour
• Great compromise when timing is tight due to practice, jobs, or other activities

Golden Hour (1 hour before sunset)

For those dreamy, sun-drenched beach shots? This is the only time I recommend. You want that magic? Let’s plan for this window.

• Best at: Tybee Island, marsh, marinas
• Don’t fudge this timing: If someone suggests 3 p.m. on the dock, I will (nicely) push that back

Don’t Let These Common Timing Mistakes Sneak Up on You

Let me save you from future headaches with a quick heads-up on timing pitfalls:

• Waiting until May to start planning senior photos? Love the last-minute energy, but graduation’s around the corner. Senior announcements, slideshows, and framed gifts need time.
• Thinking cloudy days are “perfect for photos”? Depends. Savannah’s overcast mood under mossy trees gives everything a flat, dull tone. Sunny days are better downtown, I promise.

The Real Reason Timing Matters

This isn’t about being picky. It’s about making your session feel relaxed, fun, and like you. When the light is right and the temperature doesn’t make you melt or freeze, you’re more likely to feel confident and upbeat in front of the camera. And when that happens? Magic.

Whether you’re a downtown-loving, coffee-sipping senior with your eye on creative colleges or a sporty, beach-weather vibing student who thrives in open skies – timing helps tell your story the way you want it told.

Ready to lock in your perfect session time?

My calendar fills up around key periods like fall and spring break, so if you’ve got dream photos or graduation deadlines in mind, let’s plan backward from your needs and find a date that fits you.

I’ll help you with timing, outfit ideas, locations, and make sure it feels more like a bonus day off than a formal photo shoot.

Ready to pick your date? You can check out available sessions and get in touch at jadengiorgianni.com. Let’s make your senior session easy, fun, and you from start to finish.