03/13/2026
One of the most common questions I get is: “when is the best month and time of day to take photos?”
The answer depends on a few things, so here’s how I usually think it through with my clients:
First: The Season
What kind of vibe do you like?
🌸 Spring → fresh and blooming (also the most popular)
☀️ Summer → lush greens and longer days
🍂 Fall → colorful leaves and warm tones
❄️ Winter → quieter campuses and clean, minimal backdrops
Each season creates a different feeling in your photos, so it’s worth thinking about what you want your photos to evoke.
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Second: The Location
Is one of your locations a tourist hotspot or a place that gets crowded?
(think Washington Square Park or Central Park)
🌅 Yes → morning sessions tend to be best. Fewer people around means cleaner backgrounds and more space to photograph.
🌇 No → morning or evening can both work well.
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Third: The Light
What kind of lighting do you gravitate towards?
☀️ Brighter, crisp light → morning
🌇 Softer, glowy light → evening
Both are beautiful—it just depends on the feeling you want your photos to have.
The good news is you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. When we plan your session, I help you think through locations, timing, and lighting so everything fits exactly how you envision it.
If you’re starting to think about your grad photos, reach out through the contact form in my bio and we can start mapping out a plan together.
UNC & Duke: March 18–April 13
NYC: starting April 17