Choosing a Location
Congrats on booking a session with me, SO exciting!
But where should we go for your photos??? Let me help you...
If you have a place close to home that you love to go to all the time, even if you don't feel it is the MOST beautiful place for photos, I would consider this first. If it is special to you and your family, everyone may feel more relaxed and "at home" and your photos may feel more special in the years to come as they will be a memory of all the days you loved to spend there together.
If you are just after a pretty location to spend an afternoon together, or somewhere new to explore, I would next think about what your family loves to do most. If you all love the beach, let's do that. If your kids hate walking on rocks, perhaps a park may be more their scene. If everyone is relaxed and having fun, then your photos will reflect that.
Also consider what you will be doing with your photos. If you have a coastal home and want a large wall print for your entry, a beach photo may look better in your home than a forest or park.
Lincoln Park
- Gorgeous location with lots of variety for different photos.
- Great for maternity, small families or extended families.
- Forested area to explore which is stunning as the sun sets through the trees, pine cones for the kids to collect.
- A beautiful, mostly flat walk next to the Puget Sound.
- Playground if wanting to document during a Real Life Session or to be aware of if wanting to avoid during an Outdoor Sunset Session
- Some fun climbing trees for your kiddos
- Various walks down to the beach depending on your adventure levels
- Beautiful trees down by the water in late fall
Seahurst Beach
- Gorgeous location with lots of variety for different photos.
- Great for maternity, small families or extended families.
- A beautiful, mostly flat walk next to the Puget Sound.
- Lots of tall grasses and drift wood.
- Playground if wanting to document during a Real Life Session or to be aware of if wanting to avoid during an Outdoor Sunset Session
- Beautiful trees down by the water in late fall
- Enough beach to find nice spots even when crowded
- Rocky beach with a gorgeous river (both to keep in mind if including an older generation or new walkers).
Seattle Chinese Garden/SSCC Arboretum
- Gorgeous location with lots of variety for different photos.
- Great for maternity or small families
- Woodlands and garden paths to wander and explore
- Extra gorgeous in both Spring and Autumn.
- Covered areas that are nice if rainy.
Jack Block Park
- Gorgeous location with views of Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle
- Great for maternity or small families
- A fun more urban and edgy vibe.
- Rocky beach, fun at low tide
- Pier with gorgeous city views
SeaTac Botanical Gardens
- Such a beautiful hidden gem.
- Lots of variety in locations.
- Wide open field for running and games.
- Nearby playground great for Real Life sessions.
- P Patch beautiful in summer and fall.
- Japanese Garden provides great reflections in the water.
Vashon Island Ferry
This used to be one of my favorite locations, yet currently is on hold due to the pandemic (currently require all passengers out of cars to wear masks).
Otherwise there is a wide variety of shots using the deck with views of the Sound, on the warm benches outside, and indoors at the windows.
The Cove
- Sadly this beautiful gem is available to local members only
- Gorgeous variety in locations
- Shaded creek area, planked boardwalks, a playground, and the rocky beach
Constellation Park
- Gorgeous location with views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains
- Great for maternity and seniors
- A fun more urban and edgy beach vibe
- Not much shade, so not the best for young families
- Rocky beach, fun at low tide
Washington Park Arboretum
- This is probably one of the most popular Seattle locations to photograph at and for good reason.
- Perfect for maternity, seniors, small families, extended families
- There are so many different vibes you can find within one park and it changes so beautifully with every season.
- Desert area for more summer, southern vibes
- Forested areas, extra beautiful during golden hour
- Bridges to add depth and shape to your images
- Duck ponds and Lake Washington views
Discovery Park
- Another of Seattle's most popular parks to photograph in.
- Perfect for maternity, seniors, small families, extended families
- There are so many different vibes you can find within one park and it changes so beautifully with every season.
- Tall grasses, Puget Sound views, cliffs, beautiful pathways, and more
Rattlesnake Lake
- This is outside of my typical range, yet I am more than happy to travel here with you for an additional travel fee.
- Perfect for maternity and small families (it can get very busy, so not ideal for extended families)
- Gorgeous driftwood stumps and logs scattered around, beautiful lake views, some tall grasses and wooded areas nearby.
Schmitz Preserve
- Forested area and often gets pretty dark in the preserve
- Best in mid day during summer
- Great for more of a documentary style Real Life session
- Great for adventurous family sessions
Kubota Gardens
- Gorgeous location with lots of variety for different photos.
- Great for maternity, small families, extended families
- Woodlands and garden paths to wander and explore
- Bridges and beautiful pathways.
- Extra gorgeous in both Spring and Autumn.
- Wide open field for running and games.
These are just a few locations I Iove to shoot at, but over my 13 years living in Seattle area I’ve explored and photographed at almost every beach, creek or park you can imagine with my kids, so if you have somewhere in mind or would like me to recommend something for your childrens ages and interests, or something close to your home, I’m more than happy to help out here!
There is absolutely no rush to decide on a location, we can chat the week before your session and make a final decision.
Can’t wait for a fun afternoon making magical photos for you and your family!