Seattle's diverse landscape provides countless opportunities for stunning outdoor family photography. Whether you prefer a beach, a hidden garden, or even a ferry ride, Seattle and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Choosing the perfect location also means considering the ages of the children and the mobility of all participants. Here's a more comprehensive guide to some of the best spots for an outdoor family photography session in the Seattle area, including their pros and cons for your consideration.
Lincoln Park
Pros:
- Beach and Forest Combination: Lincoln Park offers both a beautiful beach and wooded trails, providing a variety of settings for photos.
- Play Areas: The park has several play areas, which can be great for families with young children who want to incorporate fun, candid moments.
- Picnic Spots: Ideal for a relaxed session that could include a family picnic, adding a lifestyle element to the photos.
Cons:
- Size and Navigation: The park is large, and some areas are not easily accessible for those with limited mobility.
- Busy on Weekends: The park can get crowded, especially on nice days, which might make finding a quiet spot a bit challenging.
Discovery Park
Pros:
- Versatile Landscapes: Discovery Park's beaches, meadows, and forest areas provide a variety of backgrounds, allowing for diverse photo settings in one location.
- Open Spaces: Ideal for families with energetic young children who love to explore and play.
- Scenic Views: This park offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, perfect for dramatic and scenic shots.
Cons:
- Size and Accessibility: The park’s large size can be challenging for families with very young children or members with limited mobility.
- Weather Exposure: Open areas near the water can get windy and chilly, especially outside of summer.
Kubota Garden
Pros:
- Year-Round Beauty: This Japanese garden is stunning in any season, from cherry blossoms in the spring to the rich colors of fall.
- Peaceful Environment: The calm setting is great for families with infants or toddlers who need a quieter atmosphere.
Cons:
- Paths and Steps: The garden has some narrow paths and steps, which may not be ideal for strollers or clients with mobility challenges.
- Limited Open Spaces: Better suited for small groups or those preferring more intimate portraits.
Gas Works Park
Pros:
- Unique Urban Backdrop: The industrial structures combined with views of the Seattle skyline provide a distinctive and fun setting.
- Open Fields: Perfect for families with active children who want space to run and play.
Cons:
- Crowded Weekends: Popular on sunny days and weekends, which can make it harder to avoid crowds.
- Steep Hills: The park’s hills might be challenging for strollers or clients with limited mobility.
Golden Gardens Park
Pros:
- Beach Access: Great for families who enjoy the beach; kids can play in the sand or with driftwood, adding a playful, natural element to the photos.
- Beautiful Sunsets: The sunset over the Puget Sound offers a beautiful backdrop for late afternoon or early evening sessions.
Cons:
- Busy on Sunny Days: The beach is a popular spot, especially in warmer months, which can make finding a quiet location difficult as well as finding parking!
- Sand and Water: Families with toddlers need to be careful near the water, and be prepared for sandy shoes!
Washington Park Arboretum
Pros:
- Diverse Flora: The arboretum features a wide variety of plants and flowers, providing colorful backdrops year-round.
- Well-Maintained Paths: Easy navigation for strollers or clients with mobility challenges.
Cons:
- Large Area: It’s a vast location, so it’s best for families who are okay with a bit of walking.
- Weather-Dependent: Can get muddy after rain, so it’s best to visit when the weather has been dry.
Pike Place Market & The Seattle Waterfront
Pros:
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Offers a lively, bustling environment with a mix of urban scenes, colorful market stalls, and waterfront views.
- Iconic Seattle: Ideal for families who want a distinctly “Seattle” feel in their photos.
Cons:
- Crowded and Busy: Can be overwhelming for younger children or family members sensitive to noise and crowds.
- Limited Mobility Access: Not all areas are stroller-friendly, especially within the market itself.
Seward Park
Pros:
- Lake Views: Located on Lake Washington, Seward Park provides serene water views that are great for reflective, tranquil shots.
- Shaded Trails: Offers shaded areas perfect for summer sessions, making it comfortable for families with young children.
Cons:
- Limited Restroom Facilities: Be mindful of this if you have small children or elderly family members.
- Can Get Busy: Popular spots in the park can get crowded on weekends and sunny days.
Seahurst Beach
Pros:
- Secluded Beach: Offers a more private beach experience compared to other popular spots in Seattle, ideal for families who prefer a quieter location.
- Woodsy Trails: Beautiful trails through the woods lead down to the beach, providing a variety of backdrops from forest to ocean.
Cons:
- Rocky Shoreline: The beach is rockier than others, which may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
- Playground In Plain View: Younger kids may be drawn to the playground (or the snack shack when open) and may get easily distracted.
South Seattle College Arboretum
Pros:
- Hidden Gem: This lesser-known arboretum offers a peaceful and intimate setting, with beautiful plants and flowers year-round.
- Easy Access: A small, manageable area that is great for families who want a simple, relaxed session.
Cons:
- Limited Space: The smaller size means fewer options for a variety of backdrops.
- Minimal Facilities: Not many amenities on site, so plan accordingly (no public restroom!).
Jack Block Park
Pros:
- City Views: Offers some of the best views of the Seattle skyline and harbor, perfect for families looking for a mix of nature and urban scenery.
- Quiet Location: Less crowded than many other parks, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
Cons:
- Industrial Surroundings: The park’s industrial surroundings might not appeal to all families, especially those looking for more natural backdrops.
- Limited Open Spaces: Better for smaller groups or those who prefer a more intimate setting.
SeaTac Botanical Garden
Pros:
- Beautiful Gardens: Offers a variety of well-maintained gardens, perfect for capturing vibrant, colorful shots.
- Accessibility: Easy to navigate, making it ideal for families with young children or elderly members.
Cons:
- Seasonal Blooms: Best visited during spring and summer when most flowers are in bloom.
Vashon Island Ferry
Pros:
- Unique Experience: Taking the ferry provides a unique setting, with opportunities for photos on the ferry itself, capturing the journey and beautiful water views.
- Exploration Opportunities: Once on Vashon Island, there are many scenic spots to explore, from quaint farms to secluded beaches.
- Great in all weather and at all times of day.
Cons:
- Travel Time: The ferry ride and exploring the island can be time-consuming, which might be challenging for families with very young children.
In-Home Sessions: The Comfort of Your Own Space
For families who prefer a more personal and comfortable setting, consider doing a session in the comfort of your own home. This option is especially great for families with newborns or toddlers, as it allows them to remain in a familiar environment where they can feel at ease. In-home sessions provide an opportunity to capture candid moments of family life, showcasing the genuine connections and daily interactions that make each family unique.
Pros of In-Home Sessions:
- Comfort and Convenience: No need to travel, which is a big plus for families with young children or those who may have mobility issues.
- Personal Touch: Photos taken in the home environment are inherently more personal and often capture the essence of the family’s life and style.
- Weather-Proof: No worries about rain or cold weather disrupting the session.
Cons of In-Home Sessions:
- Lighting: Natural light can be limited depending on the home’s layout and window placement. Photographers may need to bring additional lighting equipment or be limited to a 10am-2pm time frame.
- Space Limitations: Smaller homes or apartments might not have enough space to accommodate certain types of shots.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right location for your family photo session in our Seattle area involves considering not just the scenery but also the needs and preferences of your family. We have many other incredible locations close to us in the greater Seattle area and I truly believe that the best photo session location is one full of special meaning to your family.
Whether it's a beach, a garden, a ferry ride, or the comfort of your own home, there’s a perfect location for everyone. By thinking through these options and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a fun and memorable experience that results in beautiful, lasting images.