One of the questions I get asked most as a senior photographer is "when should I get my pictures done?" And, thankfully, there's no right or wrong answer. It's all a matter of what works best for your schedule, budget, location choice, and they type of outfits you'll want to wear.

Regardless of when you want to do your photos, it's best to book at least two months in advance. And I'd say three months out if you're hoping for October or November. There are several factors you'll want to consider for each season.

Summer: OK, there's no getting around the fact that it's blistering hot during the summer in Phoenix. But some seniors like to head to Lake Pleasant or travel north to Sedona or Flagstaff and summer is a great time to do that. School hasn't started and your schedule is likely more wide-open. If you want your photos done and want to have them available to post throughout the year on your social media pages, summer might be a good time for you.

Fall: Not surprisingly, many seniors choose the fall season for their senior photos. The temperatures start to dip and that back-to-school feeling is in full swing. This is the busiest time of year for portrait photographers. Not only do seniors like this time, but October and November is filled with family photo sessions. If your photographer is booked in October and November, then late September and early December can be good times. Just be sure to consider your budget around holiday time.

Winter: Because our winters are so mild here in Phoenix, another popular choice for senior photos is January and February. These are attractive times if you want to wear warmer clothes -- think jeans and boots or a fun velvet dress. You generally don't have to worry about being too warm for your session. This is also a good time because most photographers won't be as busy as if you wait until March and April, when all the last-minute seniors seek out their sessions.

Spring: March and April are the last-chance months. There are those who want pictures in the spring and perhaps want them taken when they look closest to how they'll look when they graduate. But then there are also those ones who time has gotten away from -- always busy with SATs, studying, sports, and other activities. March and April are always the busiest time of year for me for senior photos. If you want March or April, it's best to book 3-4 months ahead of time. Some families don't like to feel so rushed and want plenty of time to plan for announcements, albums, and gifts. For those families, I recommend getting them done by February.

Class of 2019: When do you want YOUR senior session to take place? It's best to book 2-3 months in advance. If you're ready to book or have questions, email [email protected]