Apr 19 2026 | By: Chele Jones Photography
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.
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:
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.
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.
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!
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:
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.
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