01/22/2026
Hello! With my Senior Session appointment calendar going live in less than 2 weeks, it's a good time for extra information for parents & students. Because even if you’re not booking with me, my hope is something in this message makes things easier on you!
First, the basics. Most senior portraits are taken over the summer between junior and senior year, or during the fall of senior year. Fall works for most schools. East Lansing, however, has an early deadline - Oct 1 for this year's graduating seniors (see below for a short list of some of this year's deadline dates). Not only do you need to account for appointment timing, you need to account for turnaround time. With me, it’s typically two weeks. But it varies by photographer.
Also note, if you wish to submit senior ads, such as in the band or orchestra programs, those are usually due early in the school year. Additionally, if your kiddo is active in Fall sports, marching band, etc., history tells me it will likely be easiest if you book a June or July date.
If you're familiar with my offerings for Senior portraits, please know I have added a new option this year: “The Lite Senior Session”. But I have four different session options that can accomplish senior portraits. Sometimes families book a couple different options for one senior for variety's sake. It really comes down to what type of experience you are looking for. For all the ins & outs about what you get from a Senior Session vs. a Lite Senior Session, vs. a Mini Session, vs. a Headshot Session, please head to the “work with me” tab on my website: www.lindsaywilkinsonphotography.com
Finally, why the heck are we talking about this so early? Because many families have very busy summer schedules. Teens have summer work schedules. Summer and especially Fall, are the months that photographers are slammed! Let today be a reminder that we have a pretty short shooting season in Michigan. No matter which photographer you hope to work with, book on the early side. Every August I get numerous panicked parent inquiries. Which I get! When it’s your first time through it can catch you off guard that the yearbook image is due shortly after they start senior year.
Hence my (very long winded!) heads-up post. I hope it helps someone. Can you tell I’m already really looking forward to this next season? I really am. Don't hesitate to email me with any questions: [email protected]
Yearbook dates for some of these local & current '26 grads:
East Lansing - Oct 1
Okemos - Nov 1
Grand Ledge - Dec 12
Haslett - Jan 23
