How to Find the Perfect Location for Your Family Photos in Seattle

As a Seattle family photographer, one of the most common questions I get is, “Where should we take our family photos?”

The truth is, Seattle is full of incredible backdrops. From lush greenery to waterfront views to charming neighborhoods, there is no shortage of beautiful places. But choosing the perfect location is about more than finding a pretty spot. It should feel like you and reflect the season of life you are in.

In this article, I will help you figure out how to find the best location for your next Seattle family photography session.

1. Decide What Kind of Vibe You Want

Are you imagining tall grasses and warm sunset light? Or do you love the energy of city streets and textured brick walls?

Seattle offers it all. If you want nature, Discovery Park or the Washington Park Arboretum are perfect. If you prefer an urban setting, Pioneer Square or South Lake Union have amazing backdrops with character and depth.

When you work with me, I will help guide you to a location that fits your family's personality and the type of session you want to have.

2. Consider the Season

Seattle family photography is beautiful year-round, but certain locations shine in specific seasons.

• Spring: Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington or the paths at Volunteer Park

• Summer: Open meadows at Discovery Park or beachy scenes at Golden Gardens

• Fall: Bold fall colors at Lincoln Park or the Arboretum

• Winter: Forest trails at Carkeek Park or even an in-home session for a cozy, natural feel

As your photographer, I will always recommend locations based on lighting, weather, and accessibility for the season you book.

3. Think About Comfort and Convenience

If you have toddlers or young kids, a long walk or crowded park might not be the best fit.

Some of my favorite locations for family sessions are beautiful, peaceful, and easy to access. Magnuson Park, for example, has a variety of backdrops and plenty of open space for kids to explore.

We will choose a spot that keeps everyone feeling relaxed and happy throughout the session.

4. Make It Meaningful

Sometimes the best location is one that already means something to your family. Maybe it is your favorite trail or your backyard or even your living room.

In-home family photography sessions are often some of the most heartfelt because they capture you in your everyday environment. These images tell your real story and create a time capsule of your life in this season.

5. Trust the Process

As a Seattle family photographer with over a decade of experience, I have helped hundreds of families find the perfect location for their photos.

You do not have to figure it out on your own. When we work together, you will receive guidance from the start, including a location list, outfit advice, and a prep guide that ensures a stress-free experience.

I want you to show up feeling confident, comfortable, and excited about what we will create together.

Let’s Plan Your Seattle Family Photography Session

Whether you are new to the area or a lifelong Seattle local, I would love to help you choose the perfect location and document your family in a way that feels true to who you are.

If you are looking for a Seattle family photographer who makes the process fun, easy, and heartfelt, I would love to work with you.

What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot: 5 Tips from a Seattle Family Photographe

As a Seattle family photographer, I’ve captured hundreds of families in all seasons—and one of the most common questions I get is: “What should we wear?” Your outfits absolutely affect the final look and feel of your images, and with my laid-back, natural style, I always recommend choices that feel authentic yet cohesive.

Here are five tips to help you feel confident and look amazing during your family photo session:

1. Choose Earthy, Muted Tones That Complement Nature

Soft neutrals, warm earth tones, and colors like rust, olive, oatmeal, and dusty blues photograph beautifully in the PNW landscape. These tones help your family stand out without clashing with the natural beauty of the golden grass, evergreens, and wildflowers.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and white shirts. Choose a color palette (2–3 colors) and mix textures and layers. Think cozy knits, cotton dresses, or linen button-ups. Let each person express their style while still creating a cohesive family look.

3. Keep It Comfortable (Especially for the Littles)

Kids move, run, and snuggle. Make sure they’re wearing outfits they can play in. Soft, well-fitted clothes (nothing too tight or scratchy) help everyone feel relaxed, which is key to capturing real connection and emotion.

4. Say Yes to Movement

Flowy dresses, long skirts, and oversized sweaters create beautiful motion in photos. Movement adds life to your images and reflects the natural, candid moments we’ll create together.

5. Add Texture, Layers, and Details

Layering adds depth and interest to your images. Think vests, cardigans, scarves, or even boots. Little details—like a woven hat or heirloom piece—can add a meaningful touch to your session while also helping your photos feel timeless.

How Should I Do My Hair And Makeup For Family Photos?

One of the most common questions I get from clients before their family photo session is: How should I do my makeup and hair? The answer? It depends, but less is often more.

When it comes to family photography, the goal is to capture you as you are, in your most natural and authentic state. You want to feel confident and beautiful but also look like you. Here is how to approach hair and makeup in a way that enhances your features without feeling overdone.

For Hair…Keep It Comfortable and Natural

I love movement in photos and that is why I always suggest wearing your hair down if you are comfortable with it. Soft waves, a natural texture or a simple blowout work beautifully to create dimension and flow in images.

If you typically wear your hair up, a loose effortless style like a low bun or a relaxed ponytail can also be a great option. Avoid anything too structured or sprayed stiff as hair that moves naturally photographs best.

A Few Quick Tips for Hair

✔️ Stick to a style you are comfortable with. Now is not the time to experiment with something totally new
✔️ If using heat styling, add a light texturizing spray for soft natural movement
✔️ For flyaways little smoothing serum or spray can help without making your hair look stiff, avoid heavy hairspray

Makeup… Minimal and Fresh

The key to great makeup for photos is enhancing your natural beauty without looking heavy or unnatural. A fresh clean look always photographs best. Think soft dewy skin, lightly defined eyes and a natural lip color.

If you do not typically wear much makeup, you do not need to go all out. Just a few small enhancements can make a difference. And if makeup is part of your everyday routine, stick with what you know and love.

Makeup Tips for a Natural Look

✔️ Even out your skin tone A light foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturizer can help, but keep it sheer for a natural finish
✔️ Define your features A touch of blush, bronzer and mascara adds just enough polish without looking overdone
✔️ Stick with neutral tones Avoid overly bright or trendy colors that might not feel timeless in your photos
✔️ Avoid heavy powders Dewy skin looks fresh and flattering while too much powder can appear flat in photos

What to Avoid

🚫 Trying something completely new. If you never wear bold lipstick now is not the time to start
🚫 Heavy foundation or thick eyeliner. Less is more
🚫 Hairstyles that feel stiff or unnatural to you
🚫 Too much SPF or shimmery products. They can reflect light in an unflattering way

Final Thoughts Stay True to You

Your family photos should feel like you, not a version of yourself you barely recognize. The best approach to hair and makeup is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you love a little glam, go for it. If natural is your thing, embrace it. Either way, the best look is the one that makes you feel amazing in your own skin.

Need More Tips

I love helping families feel their best in front of the camera. If you have any questions about styling for your session, do not hesitate to reach ou

Top 5 Reasons to Hire Me as Your Seattle Family Photographer

The Pacific Northwest offers some of the most stunning natural backdrops, making it an ideal setting for your family photos. Here are the top five reasons why you should choose me as your family photographer in the Seattle area!

1. Expertise in Seattle Family Photography

With over 14 years of experience, I specialize in capturing authentic moments that showcase your family’s unique connection. My deep knowledge of Seattle’s best locations and lighting techniques ensures your photos will be nothing short of spectacular. I was the first in our town to take family photography outdoors, using the beautiful parks, beaches, mountains scapes and fields as my studio! I know the best locations. Promise you that!

2. Natural, Relaxed Posing

I focus on creating a laid-back atmosphere where your family can be themselves. This natural approach results in genuine smiles and timeless photos that you’ll treasure forever. I will never put you and your family in stiff or unnatural poses!

3. Incorporating Seattle’s Scenic Beauty

From the lush greenery of local parks to the stunning views of the Puget Sound, I know how to blend Seattle’s natural beauty with your family’s story. The result? Gorgeous, location-inspired images that are uniquely yours.

4. Personalized Experience

I take the time to understand your family’s style and preferences, ensuring that your session reflects who you are. From start to finish, I’m dedicated to making your experience seamless and enjoyable.

5. High-Quality, Timeless Photos

I don’t pay attention to trends! I have been photographing families the same way for 14 years! You can trust me.

Choosing the right family photographer in Seattle means finding someone who understands both your vision and the unique beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Let’s create stunning, memorable images together.