Summer Senior Photos 101 | Everything You Need To Know
The weather is warm, school is out, schedules are more flexible, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. No homework. No tests. No rushing from one activity to the next. Just sunshine, summer tans, and the excitement of senior year right around the corner. A perfect time for summer senior photos!
Summer is also one of my favorite times to meet clients who are traveling in from out of state. Every year I photograph seniors who are visiting Southern California and want to take advantage of Orange County’s beautiful beaches and scenery while they’re here.
For locals and visitors alike, It’s easy to see why June, July, and August are a great time to take your senior photos.
Many of my seniors choose summer specifically because they want to get their photos done before the craziness of senior year really begins.
By scheduling your session during the summer, you’ll have plenty of time to design graduation announcements, order artwork and albums, and meet yearbook deadlines. If nothing else, you’re able to cross one big thing off your senior year to-do list before senior year is in full swing!
And there’s something nice about showing up to a photoshoot when you’re not balancing classes, sports, homework, and everything else that comes with senior year.
Summer is one of the most popular times of year to visit Orange County (for good reason!), which means the beaches are full of life and energy. Thankfully, after years of photographing summer senior photos, I know exactly where to go and how to time sessions to make the most of Southern California’s busiest season.
After years of photographing summer senior photos, I’ve learned exactly how to make a senior photoshoot run smoothly, regardless of the time of year!
There isn’t one perfect month for summer senior photos, just different flavors of Southern California summer.
June
Southern California sometimes experiences what’s known as “June Gloom,” where warmer temperatures combined with the cold Pacific Ocean create overcast conditions.
But most people don’t realize that clouds are actually really advantageous for photography. Soft cloud cover creates beautiful, flattering light and usually burns off by the afternoon anyway.
June tends to be a little milder than the rest of summer, which can actually make sessions more comfortable while still giving you that classic Southern California feel.
July
If I had to pick the month with the most consistently beautiful summer weather, July would probably win.
It’s sunny, warm, and feels like everything people imagine when they think about summer in Southern California.
It’s also peak tourist season, which means Orange County is buzzing with summer energy. This is one reason I love helping clients choose locations and session times strategically.
August
August is great for seniors who want extra time to plan outfits and prepare for their session.
Depending on when your school starts back up, you may be balancing a few activities again, but you’ll also have the benefit of walking into your session feeling fully ready.
The Best Time of Day for Summer Senior Photos
Regardless of which month you choose, there are two best times of day to take summer senior photos that set up the session for success.
Early morning (from 6-8AM) is when the sun rises and the beaches are empty.
The air is cool, and the light tends to be bright, clear, and slightly more blue depending on the weather.
If you want fewer crowds, this is hands-down the best option.
Late evening (6-8PM), when the sun is setting, is another great option.
This is when we get that dreamy golden-hour glow everyone loves. The light becomes warmer, more golden and orange depending on cloud coverage.
If you’re envisioning that classic Southern California sunset look, evening sessions are tough to beat!
My Favorite Summer Senior Photo Locations
Laguna Beach is one of my favorite locations for summer senior photos.
During summer, I typically prefer locations that feel a little more open versus small coves. The extra space helps us work around crowds while still getting those iconic beach photos everyone loves.
While fields may not be quite as floral as they are during late winter or early spring, summer fields have their own magic.
One of my favorite things about summer fields is the golden grass that appears after the spring greenery soaks up months of sunshine and heat.
When I think of the perfect summer senior photos outfit lineup, three looks come to mind.
Outfit #1: The Statement Dress
Almost every senior chooses to incorporate the beach into their summer session, making this the perfect opportunity for a statement dress.
Outfit #2: California Summer
Next is the kind of outfit you’d wear while riding a beach cruiser to the local ice cream shop.
Something like denim + a flowy white long-sleeve top. A bohemian, Free People vibe.
Add lots of gold jewelry and a hat — a photographer’s dream for the summer!
Outfit #3: A Fun Pop of Color
For the final look, I love either a short dress or a skirt-and-blouse set.
Look for a fun detail or point of interest, whether that’s a unique sleeve, waist detail, or interesting fabric.
Colors like red, blue, orange, yellow, or lavender photograph beautifully — pick one that complements your complexion!
In a perfect world, you should be able to hang all of your session outfits on a clothing rack, step back, and say: “Yeah, these work together!”
The outfits don’t need to match exactly, but your overall photo collection will feel more cohesive if the outfits are at least on the same page.
When Should You Book Summer Senior Photos?
Summer is one of our most popular seasons, so dates tend to fill quickly.
Doors typically open in the spring, so if you’re already thinking about a summer senior session, the best thing you can do right now is join the waitlist.
When dates open, you’ll be notified so you can schedule a complimentary consultation call and reserve your session.
And if you’re planning travel, you’re always welcome to reach out to my team about a specific date in advance.
Whether you’re dreaming of Laguna Beach, golden grass fields, or a mix of both, summer offers some of the most iconic Southern California scenery of the entire year.
If you’re considering summer senior photos, I’d love to help you create a session that feels relaxed, personal, and completely you.
