One of the first questions families ask me is where we should photograph their session. The good news is that the greater Seattle area is full of beautiful options, whether you love the beach, the forest, the city, or wide open mountain views.

When I photograph families, I am looking for good light, space to move, and places that allow kids to be themselves. These locations work well year round and photograph beautifully even on cloudy Seattle days.

Below are some of my favorite family photo locations, organized by neighborhood and feel, with map links to make planning easy.

A quick list of favorite locations

You can click each one to see the exact location on the map.

Magnolia

Discovery Park family photos are gorgeous! 

Discovery Park is one of the most versatile places to photograph families in Seattle and where I do family sessions all year around! It offers forested trails, open grassy areas, and beach views all in one location. This makes it especially great for families with kids who like to explore and move.

I often recommend Discovery Park if you want variety without needing to travel far during your session.

How I typically photograph here:
We usually begin in the trees where the light is soft and calming, then move toward the beach for images with more movement and open space.

View Map location on google.

Discovery Park sunset session for Seattle family photography featuring a family silhouetted under a massive autumn canopy.
An intimate hug captured during a Seattle family photography session at Discovery Park with warm, sun-drenched lighting.
A mother sits in the tall, dry grass of Discovery Park with her two young sons, capturing a candid moment during a Seattle family photography session at golden hour.
Parents share a kiss while sitting on a blanket in the tall grass at Discovery Park, with their two sons smiling in the foreground. Professional Seattle family photography at sunset.

Capitol Hill and Montlake

Seattle Arboretum is a classic for family photos and good news is I can work here any time of day because the light is always good! 

The Washington Park Arboretum is beautiful in every season. In spring it feels fresh and green. In fall it offers warm color. Even in winter, the paths and trees photograph beautifully.

This location is especially nice if you want a peaceful, natural feel without leaving the city.

How I typically photograph here…
We keep things simple. Walking, pausing, and letting moments unfold naturally works best here.

View Map location on google.

Candid family portrait at the Seattle Arboretum featuring parents and their two children during a professional Seattle family photography shoot.
Heartfelt mother-daughter moment at the Seattle Arboretum. Seattle family photography featuring warm backlight and lush green foliage.
A father kisses his smiling daughter’s head as they hug in a sun-drenched garden at the Seattle Arboretum during a Seattle family photography session.

West Seattle

Lincoln Park Beach is one of my all time favorite locations for family photos!

Lincoln Park Beach is one of my favorite waterfront locations in the greater Seattle area. It combines evergreen trees, beach access, and water views, and it tends to feel calmer than some other waterfront parks. Way less crowds than our other Seattle Beach locations.

It is a great option if you love the idea of beach photos! 

How I typically photograph here…
We often start near the trees and finish near the water, especially close to sunset when the light is soft and warm.

View Map location on google.

Seattle family sit on a drift wood log at the waters edge in West Seattle.
A family of five posing on the beach in West Seattle for a Seattle family photography session at sunset.
Family stands near the waters edge in west seattle for lifestyle family photos with Elena S Blair.
A mother in a floral dress playfully spins her daughter on the driftwood-lined shore during a West Seattle family photography session at sunset.

Ballard and Wallingford

Gas Works Park is a great unique, urban yet green location for fun  family photos and if you live in the city it’s not  far drive! 

If you love a city feel and want a recognizable Seattle skyline in your photos, Gas Works Park is a great choice. This location works especially well for families with older kids and families who enjoy movement and energy in their photos.

How I typically photograph here…
This spot photographs best when we keep things moving. Walking, laughing, and interacting naturally brings the location to life.

Seattle family photography, Gas Works Park, Seattle skyline view, Lake Union, Space Needle backdrop, lifestyle family session.
Seattle family photography, Gas Works Park trails, candid family laughter, natural light photography, emotive family portraits.
Seattle family photography, Gas Works Park industrial machinery, family portrait with dog, urban park session, Seattle landmark photography.
Seattle family photography, mother and daughter portrait, Gas Works Park, heartfelt lifestyle photography, Seattle outdoor session.

Downtown Seattle

Pike Place Market is one of the most unique places to photograph families in Seattle. It is lively, colorful, and full of texture. This location is best for families who love the city and want their photos to have an urban, grungy vibe! Hello Seattle! 

This is not a quiet location, and that is what makes it special.

How I typically photograph here…
We walk, pause, and let moments happen. Holding hands, sharing a laugh, stopping near a wall of flowers. It feels real and very Seattle. You do have to be okay with “strangers” being in the background in some of your photos but I promise it adds to the overall feel! 

View Map location on google.

Seattle family photography, Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay views, Seattle Great Wheel, affectionate family portrait.
Seattle family photography, Pike Place Market cobblestones, walking family portrait, Seattle urban session, lifestyle family photographer.
Seattle family photography, Pike Place Market sign, candid family hug, urban lifestyle photography, downtown Seattle.
Seattle family photography, Pike Place Market, playful family moments, candid kids photography, downtown Seattle skyline.

North Bend

If you are open to traveling just outside the city, the Mt Si Viewpoint in North Bend offers beautiful mountain views without a long hike. Just about 50 mim from Seattle but worth the drive! This is a great option for families who love the outdoors and want that classic Pacific Northwest feel.

How I typically photograph here…
Simple connection, wide views, and letting the landscape do the work.

View Map location on google.
https://www.google.com/maps?q=Mount+Si+Viewpoint+North+Bend+WA

Parents kiss as their children play in a grassy meadow in front of Mount Si, featured in a North Bend Seattle family photography shoot.
Seattle family photography in a large grassy field with a view of Mount Si. Mother sits with children for an outdoor portrait session in North Bend.
An intimate moment between a mother and daughter, hugging in a green field during a North Bend Seattle family photography session. The daughter smiles at the camera while the mother smiles upwards with her eyes closed.
Outdoor photo shoot in North Bend for Seattle family photography. Parents kissing in the center as kids play, wide open field with mountain range view.

How to choose the right location for your family

If you are unsure which location is right for you, here are a few things to consider.

Start with the feeling you want. Beach, forest, city, or mountains.

Think about the season.
Some locations shine in fall, others in spring, and some work beautifully year round.

Consider your kids.
Easy access and short walks can make a big difference, especially with younger children!

We would love to photograph your family this year, lets capture your memories this year!  

Book your Family Session

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