One minute they're learning to ride a bike, and the next they're talking about graduation, college visits, and what comes after high school.

Seriously... how does that happen so fast? Senior year is filled with exciting milestones, but it can also feel like a whirlwind of deadlines, forms, yearbooks, graduation announcements, open houses, and trying to fit everything into an already busy family calendar. If this is your first senior, you're probably wondering... "When are we supposed to schedule senior pictures?"


The good news? You're not expected to know all the answers, that's what I'm here for. As a portrait photographer serving Duvall, Carnation, Woodinville, Redmond, and the greater Snoqualmie Valley, I've helped lots of families navigate senior year, and I'd love to share a few things that make the process a whole lot easier.


Every School Has Different Rules

One of the biggest surprises for many parents is that every school district handles senior portraits a little differently. Some schools happily accept portraits from outside photographers and others require a specific yearbook pose. Some ask for images to be submitted by a certain date, while others work exclusively with the school's contracted photographer for the yearbook and allow outside photographers only for personal portraits. Some school allow pets and animals and other do not. That's why one of the first things I recommend is checking your school's senior information before scheduling your session. Knowing those requirements early helps us plan everything without any last-minute surprises.


Every high school has its own process for senior portraits and yearbook photos. Requirements can change from year to year, so I always recommend checking your school's senior information page or contacting the yearbook adviser for the most up-to-date details.


Typically, you'll want to verify:

  • Yearbook photo submission deadline. My experience with local school districts has gone like this, Riverview School District is usually end of Nov early Dec. Northshore School district is usually end of Oct early Nov. Lake Washington School District is usually end of Dec. early January. Please check with your specific school because deadlines can change from year to year.
  • Image size and file format requirements. It's usually an image file that has a resolution of 300dpi and in .jpg file format. The file usually needs to be named with your seniors first and last name along with the class year.
  • Whether a specific pose or crop is required. Crops usually are close to the students face, since yearbook photos are printed at a small size (about the size of a business card) and they want to make sure the face is featured.
  • Where and how to upload the final image. This information will be emailed out to your senior and is different for every high school since they are all using a different yearbook companies,


Don't Worry—I'll Help!

One of my favorite parts of working with seniors is helping families navigate all of these details. If you're unsure what your school requires, just let me know which high school your senior attends. I'll help you understand what needs to be submitted so you can spend less time stressing about deadlines and more time celebrating this exciting milestone.


When Should We Schedule Senior Portraits?

My favorite time for senior portraits is usually the summer before senior year or early fall. Why? Because you'll have beautiful weather, lots of flexibility, and plenty of time before yearbook deadlines start sneaking up. It also means your senior isn't juggling homework, sports, marching band, drama productions, jobs, and everything else that seems to happen once school starts. If your senior loves fall colors, golden fields, or vibrant autumn leaves, we can absolutely plan around that too. Washington gives us some pretty incredible backdrops.


Full Session or Mini Session?

Not every senior wants a two-hour photo shoot... And that's completely okay. Some seniors absolutely love being in front of the camera. They bring multiple outfits, want several locations, and are excited to make an afternoon out of it. Others are counting the minutes until it's over. That's exactly why I offer both full senior sessions and seasonal Senior Mini Sessions. A mini session is perfect for seniors who simply want beautiful portraits without spending half the day taking pictures. It's quick, relaxed, and still gives you gorgeous images to celebrate this milestone. For seniors who want more variety, multiple outfits, or different locations, a full session offers lots of creative possibilities. There's no right or wrong choice, it's all about matching the experience to your senior's personality.


What Happens During the Session?

One question I hear all the time is: "My teenager hates having their picture taken... is this going to be awkward?" Honestly? Maybe for about five minutes. Then we start talking. We'll wander through the location, laugh about something unexpected, and before long they're forgetting there's even a camera involved. My goal isn't stiff smiles or perfectly posed portraits. I want your senior's personality to shine through. Whether they're quiet and thoughtful, adventurous, artistic, goofy, athletic, or somewhere in between, we'll create portraits that actually feel like them. And don't worry if your senior has never done this before. Almost nobody has! I'll guide them through every pose, every expression, and every little detail so they never have to wonder what to do with their hands. (Trust me... everyone asks about their hands.)


Don't Forget the Fun Extras

Senior portraits often become more than just yearbook photos. Families love using them for:

-Graduation announcements

-Party invitations

-Gifts for grandparents

-Wall artwork

-Albums

-Thank-you cards

-Keepsakes to send with your senior when they head off to college

I love helping families choose artwork that celebrates this season of life while creating something they'll enjoy long after graduation. Because these portraits deserve more than living on a phone.


My Biggest Advice?

Don't wait until the last minute. Every year I hear some version of: "Wait... the yearbook photo is due next week?!" Planning ahead gives you the best selection of session dates, your favorite locations, and enough time to enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it. Senior year only happens once. Let's make it fun! Let's celebrate who your senior is right now. And let's create portraits that you'll smile at every time you walk past them hanging on your wall.