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Spring Grad Mini Sessions Class of 2026

Apr 19 2026 | By: Chele Jones Photography

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Spring Graduation Mini Sessions: Here's the deal!

Graduation mini sessions featuring a variety of seniors in cap and gown by Chele Jones Photo in Orange County California.

Every year, I get tons of questions about when to schedule senior portraits. It makes sense—cap and gowns usually don’t arrive until the end of the school year, and college decisions often aren’t finalized until after the holidays.

That’s exactly why I offer complimentary Spring Grad Mini Sessions to all of my seniors who book a full senior session with me each year.

Book a 2026 Grad Mini Here!
Book a Regular Styled Senior Session Here!
A college decision photo of a girl going to UCLA who is lying in yellow wildflowers in her college sweatshirt.
A theater kid from OCSA who is throwing his graduation gown out like a cape.
A family wearing all purple at spring mini sessions showing off their daughter's college decision for NYU.

These minis are the perfect way to wrap up senior year with fresh portraits of your hardworking graduate. They’re quick, fun, and easy-peasy because by then, we already know each other and your senior feels comfortable in front of my camera. It’s also the perfect time to grab photos with friends, family, pets, cap and gown, or college gear.

So when is the best time for your main senior portrait session? Usually summer—and for good reason.

Summer gives us:

  • More daylight
  • More scheduling flexibility
  • Fewer school responsibilities
  • Better weekday availability
  • Less stress before senior year gets hectic
  • beats the yearbook deadline that most schools issue

And here in Orange County, California, west coast summers often means coastal breezes instead of extreme heat—whether you choose the beach or any other location.

OCSA senior guy at Corona Del Mar for portraits at the beach.
Las Vegas senior girl in Laguna Beach for a birthday photoshoot.

Now, I know many schools send students to a high-volume studio for yearbook portraits over the summer. Sometimes that’s required if you want to be included in the yearbook.

But here’s the good news: those stiff, awkward studio photos do not have to be the portraits that define this milestone season of life. They don’t have to be the images that represent your teen standing at the edge of adulthood.

 

A senior theater student from Orange County School of the Arts who is posing in a retro outfit with sunflowers in her braided hair.
A senior girl on the wet sand in a pink formal gown, with reflection and sunset of purple and pink clouds.
Mission Viejo flag football quarterback having senior photos taken at her school stadium in her letter jacket.

That’s where I come in.

My sessions are designed to feel personal, artistic, and true to who your senior actually is. Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of teens and created images that feel authentic, confident, and full of personality. We offer sessions that range from one hour and laid back, to a few hours of glam with all the bells and whistles and a full entourage; style-rack included! We even have road trip sessions for the teen that has already done it all!

A senior girl from Woodbridge high school, running and laughing in a formal evening gown.
Senior guy from film and tv at OCSA, posing editorial style with Chele's guidance. He is holding his tie and pulling his glasses down his nose to stare at the camera. The setting is a metal tunnel.
A senior girl from OCSA acting and directing who wanted a retro, summertime, roller skating theme for her senior pictures.

And then comes the cherry on top: the Spring Grad Mini Session.

Think of it as the celebratory encore to senior year. Since your teen has already worked with me, they trust me, know my process, and can relax right away. That means we can create magic fast.

You get 15 minutes to use however you’d like:

  • Bring the family
  • Bring the best friend
  • Bring the pet (if they can handle the spotlight!)
  • Bring the cap and gown
  • Bring the college sweatshirt or decision gear
  • Bring all the excitement of graduation season

We move quickly, laugh a lot, and capture images that actually feel like them.

Because your senior deserves more than cheesy studio portraits. You ALL deserve artwork that celebrates who they are right now—and everything they’ve worked so hard for.

Senior girl showing balloons that say 18 because her 18th birthday was on the same day as grad mini sessions.
Cap and gown pictures can include mom.
senior girl with college decision shirt. She chose Michigan State College.
Book Your Grad Session Here!
Contact Chele Here

If you are a senior who booked with me this year, contact me for your code to get your mini session fee waived!

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512-585-1722