Class of 2026: It’s Time to Book Your Senior Session! I’ve had several calls and text messages already from friends and potential clients asking when they should book their senior’s session and what type of session they should book. Well, in this blog post, I’m going to talk about when the right time is to schedule your senior’s pictures.
After reading about all the things I talk about in this post, hopefully your decision about when to schedule your senior session will be a little bit easier. If not, feel free to reach out! One of us over here at Paula Mason Photography will have an answer for you.
Seems crazy to think that it’s already time to start planning senior photos for the Class of 2026 — but here we are! My schedule is officially OPEN for the Fall (and a good part of Spring), and if this class is anything like the one that just graduated, these spots will fill up fast. If you’re thinking about booking, now’s the time to visit my booking site and secure your date.


If you’re not sure when the best time is for your session, you’re in luck. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the season that’s right for your style, schedule, and senior vibe:
🌻 Summer Sessions (June-August)
If you’re super busy during the school year (hello sports, band, AP classes, and more), summer might be your sweet spot. Yes, it’s hot and humid, and yes, the bugs are real in the tall grass fields — but reschedules due to weather are rare, and you’ll be ahead of the game. My summer schedule is flexible – that means that you can basically pick your day, send me a message about it, and if I’m free, we can set your session up for the day that YOU pick! And if you need just a few pictures before school starts and want some in the fall or spring as well, check out my new Platinum Senior Session Package. It might be just what you need!
🍁 Fall Sessions (September-November)
- September – It’s still warm, but way more comfortable than August. The skies are usually calm with fewer weather delays. You can probably get away with wearing long sleeves too. It will vary from day to day, especially here in Texas.
- October – A favorite! Cooler temps and pretty fall lighting. Just know reschedules are more common due to wind/rain, and you’ll want to book early because this is a popular month. And don’t forget that the sun starts to set early, so week nights might be harder to schedule depending on what time your senior gets out of school.
- November – Cooler weather and fall colors are in full swing! Perfect for cozy sweaters and fun, fall outfits! Just be prepared for reschedules due to crazy weather. But chances of being able to jump in a pile of fallen leaves are high!
When scheduling Fall sessions, make sure you book in time to meet any deadlines for yearbook photos or sports programs and banquet picture needs!
❄️ Winter Sessions (December-February)
Winter might surprise you — we can get gorgeous light and even a little greenery sometimes, especially for urban or city-style shoots with nearby parks. Senior guys often love these. Downtown McKinney, Downtown Dallas, Legacy West….all these urban shopping areas are perfect for winter sessions. You don’t have to worry about muddy fields! All you have to worry about is freezing temps. And as we all know, this usually isn’t an issue in Texas! Definitely something to consider.


🌸 Spring Sessions (March-May)
Spring is flower and tall flowing grass season! If you want that soft, bloomy look, this is your moment.
- Early March – Still feels a bit like winter, but some years we get early blooms and the weather is perfect! It’s really hard to predict in Texas. Other years, early March can feel like summer!
- Late March–Mid April – Ideal for flowers and cool temps. And you’ll get your photos back in plenty of time for graduation announcements. However, sometimes the rain can cause many delays and reschedules, so you might have to be patient.
- Late April–May – So lush and green with beautiful flowers, but rain reschedules are more likely. Plan with lots of flexibility. Be prepared for pictures to come in much later than expected. Some of my sessions this season that were scheduled for the end of April were not able to be shot until mid-May due to weather. So keep this in mind if you need to send out graduation announcements by a certain date.
Just remember, every season has its own kind of beauty – what does your senior want for their pictures? Still not sure? Come follow me on Instagram and look through some of the photos I’ve posted. Maybe that will help you decide. You can find me at @paulamasonphoto. Still have questions? Send me an email at [email protected] and let’s start a conversation. I’m excited to get to know you and your senior. This is a fun and exciting year. Let’s be sure to document it with some photos!
Come on over to Paula Mason Photography now to book your session!
Until next time…