Senior Year Timeline: A Parent’s Guide to Staying Organized | ND Senior Photographer

As a parent of a recent graduate and a North Dakota senior photographer, I understand how overwhelming senior year can feel. Between capturing those milestone moments and meeting important deadlines (all 2 million of them!), it’s easy to feel like there’s no room to breathe. To help you stay on track and make the most of this special year, I’ve put together a timeline of major senior year events. Whether you’re planning a local senior session or a destination shoot, these tips will keep you organized from start to finish.

Spring/Summer Before Senior Year Timeline: Plan Ahead

The earlier you start planning, the less stressful senior year will feel. If your senior is dreaming of a travel senior session, it’s crucial to book your session and accommodations at least six months in advance. Popular destinations and experienced photographers (like me!) tend to fill up fast. Not to mention, there are several travel accommodations and logistics to consider. Spring or summer break can be ideal for these sessions, giving you ample time to coordinate flights, lodging, and any necessary permits.

For my Williston, ND locals, this is the time to get on my senior session waitlist! Booking early guarantees your pick of dates (I’m a mom too, which means they’re limited). It also leaves plenty of time to discuss location ideas that reflect your senior’s personality. I love collaborating with my senior clients to deliver the senior gallery of their dreams, but it’s best when time is on our side!

July-October: Book Your Local Senior Session

Local senior sessions should ideally be scheduled by October to avoid the end-of-year rush. When you get ahead of the game by booking your session, we have more wiggle room for inclement weather and your choices are wide open for locations & dates.  Remember, the session itself is only a fraction of the process.  My current turn-around time with senior sessions is roughly 5 weeks, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when you select your date.  No one wants the nightmare of missing the yearbook deadline! 

November-December: Yearbook Deadlines and Holiday Prep

By the first week of December, most schools require senior photos to be submitted to the yearbook staff. If any additional edits or cropping is needed for the photo you select, extra notice is always best!

December is also a great time to use those senior photos for holiday cards or gifts for grandparents. Personalized calendars (this is a favorite of mine because you can squeeze in so many images), photo prints, or keepsake albums make thoughtful presents during the holiday season. (P.S.- I have a whole blog dedicated to some of the ways my senior clients can use their product credits!)

January-April: Prom Planning

The start of the new year brings prom season into focus! While it may seem early, January is the time to start thinking about dress or tuxedo shopping, scheduling hair and makeup appointments, and planning any group photos. My senior clients get first dibs on the prom minis that I offer annually and they fill up quickly! Prom is a huge milestone for seniors and a busy time for professionals (like the hair stylists & makeup artists I mentioned). I can say with certainty that waiting until the last minute doesn’t usually end well! 

March-May: Graduation Announcements and Prep

March is the perfect time to start designing and ordering graduation announcements. What better way to put those senior photos to use than by creating custom decorations and announcements using your senior’s gallery?! Need some inspiration?  Take a look at this blog about throwing the perfect senior grad party.

By May, graduation festivities are in full swing. From preparing party invitations to framing your senior’s portraits for display, these months are all about celebrating their achievements. Having everything completed in advance will allow you to be fully present. Soak up this time with your senior, mom! 

Bonus Tip from a Senior Mom

Senior year is a whirlwind to say the least.  Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in the details that you forget to set aside one-on-one time with your senior.  If you can squeeze it in, my all-time favorite graduation gift is a getaway.  Even if it’s just a weekend trip, you’ll never regret quality time with your child, making memories that will last a lifetime before they leave the nest.

If you’re ready to start planning, reach out today—I’d love to help your senior shine!

North Dakota Senior Photographer

Hey, I’m Kellie, a lifestyle family & senior photographer serving Williston, ND and beyond! I provide my clients with authentic, heartfelt, photos that tell their stories through my lens.  Senior year is such a special time.  Are you envisioning photos that commemorate your accomplishments while incorporating tons of personality?  Let’s make it happen!  Take a look at my carefully created packages for seniors and let’s chat about how we can make your dream photos a reality.  Want some inspiration in the meantime?  Be sure to follow me on Pinterest or come say hi on IG, FB, and TikTok!