If you’re starting to plan your senior pictures in Des Moines, one of the first things to think about is when to schedule them.
The truth is, there’s no one perfect season—it depends on your style, your availability, and how you want your portraits to look and feel.
Summer tends to be a popular choice thanks to more flexible calendars—but every season brings a different mix of benefits and challenges. As a Des Moines senior photographer, my job is to help you choose a time of year that matches your vision—and makes your session feel fun, relaxed, and uniquely you.
Here’s a breakdown of what each season offers, plus tips based on my experience photographing high school seniors across Iowa.
Spring (May)
As spring unfolds, color returns to the landscape. Typically by May, flowering trees add the final touch, and when the timing lines up, it’s stunning. I can’t promise availability, but if you love spring blooms, we can do our best to get the timing right for your senior session.
Why It’s Worth Considering:
- Beautiful blooms
- Cooler temps
- You can beat the rush and start sharing your photos early—hello, #SeniorSunday!
Keep in Mind
- Some seniors feel like May is “too early,” because you’re just wrapping up your junior year, but it’s a smart way to avoid summer heat.
- It also works well as a mini add-on at the end of your senior year
June
Early June often hits the sweet spot—school is out, flowers are starting to bloom, and the weather is typically more comfortable. As the month goes on, it starts to get HOT, and humidity can be an issue. June also a popular time to book, so scheduling early is recommended.
Pros:
- Schedules are open and the light is beautiful
- Tends to be comfortable weather, especially early in the month
- Fresh greenery and floral backdrops
My Take:
June is a great time to book a senior session with minimal stress and beautiful results—especially earlier in the month.
July
July brings long summer days, brighter natural colors, and no school to schedule around. It also brings serious summer heat, that sticks around—even during golden hour. Bugs may be present in natural areas, but the biggest consideration is comfort.
Pros:
- Long daylight hours and later sunsets
- Open schedules for most families
Things to Keep in Mind:
- HOT, HOT, HOT
- If your outfits include long sleeves, suits, uniforms, or pants, it can be uncomfortable
- Typically, pants and sleeves tend to photograph better, but in the warmth, outfits with fewer layers are more practical
August
August can be just as hot as July, or it might start to cool off as the month goes on. This varies year to year. The light is still beautiful, and sometimes you can even catch a hint of fall color by late August.
Why It Can Work:
- Late summer light is still gorgeous
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Sunflower fields are usually in bloom mid-to-late month, adding a fun location option
- A good month for transitional outfit styling
Things to Know:
- Heat at the beginning of the month and scheduling as the school year approaches are the biggest concerns
- Suits, uniforms, and layered outfits can still be uncomfortable in the heat
My Take:
August is a great option if you’re looking for sunflowers, golden-hour lighting and flexible location choices.
Fall (September)
September in Iowa offers a beautiful transition from summer to fall. The intense greens of summer begin to mellow, creating a warm, golden backdrop perfect for senior portraits. This month is ideal for those who appreciate the lingering warmth of summer but desire a hint of autumn in their photos.
Why Choose September:
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Comfortable temperatures with less humidity.
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Early fall foliage begins to appear, adding subtle color variations.
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Ideal for seniors involved in fall sports, as uniforms are readily available
Considerations:
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Fall colors are just starting; for vibrant foliage, consider October.
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School schedules may be busier, so plan sessions accordingly.
October
The warm tones, layered outfits, golden light—and yes, even a few pumpkins—make this season a fun and sometimes cozy choice. Whether you’re hoping for bold color or planning something timeless in a downtown or urban setting, fall offers plenty of variety. The cooler temperatures also allow for layering outfits, adding depth and texture to your portraits.
Why Choose October:
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If we can get the timing right, peak fall foliage creates breathtaking scenery.
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Cooler weather is perfect for layered outfits like sweaters and scarves.
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Golden-hour lighting adds a magical touch to photos.
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Pumpkin patches and rustic settings are in full swing, offering unique photo opportunities.
Considerations:
- Depending on your school, this may be too close to (or after) your yearbook photo deadline—we’ll want to know that date before scheduling
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Weather can be unpredictable. While cooler temps can be nice–It can also be chilly (sometimes FREEZING COLD)
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Shorter daylight hours mean sessions need to be scheduled earlier in the day
My Take:
Fall is popular for a reason. If color is important to you, we can try and get the timing right —but even without “peak leaves,” we can still have an amazing session using non-seasonal or urban locations.
Winter (December–February)
Winter sessions are a great way to do something a little different. Snow can create a beautiful atmosphere, and the season pairs perfectly with a cozy outfit or indoor shoot.
Why It Works:
- Snowy scenes can feel quiet and unique
- A great idea for a second or mini session add-on
- Indoor sessions (in my studio or on location) are weather-proof and always in season
What to Know:
- Snow isn’t guaranteed
- Cold temps limit outfit variety
- Typically takes place after most yearbook photo deadlines
My Take:
If you’re hoping for snow, we can try to catch it. Just like fall color or spring blooms, it’s not guaranteed—but we’ll make the most of whatever winter gives us.
What You Want Affects the Weather Factor
The style and vibe you’re going for will shape how much the weather matters.
Some seniors want golden sunsets and outdoor locations like Water Works Park, Gray’s Lake, or the gardens near the World Food Prize building, while others love the bold backdrops of downtown Des Moines, parking garages, or clean indoor studio sessions.
If your session is indoors or doesn’t include nature (like urban shoots or parking garages), we still need to consider heat or cold for comfort—but we don’t have to worry about things like bugs, blooms, or fall color.
If you’re aiming for something seasonal—like spring flowers, fall leaves, or snow—we’ll plan around nature’s timing and try to hit the right moment. No promises, but we’ll do our best.