Where Should I Get My Photos Taken?

I get this question all the time — and honestly, one of the best parts about living in the PNW is that we have so many beautiful options.

The truth is, I can make a session work almost anywhere. I’ve taken photos in parking lots, driveways, backyards, beaches, fields, and some of my favorite spots around Bainbridge, Bellevue, Kitsap County, Whidbey Island, and Seattle.

The more important question is what time of day…because let’s be honest, the golden hour glow is not just beautiful, it’s the most flattering.  So think about the time of year you are wanting your photos, and then look up when the sunset is that time of year.  And then back it up an hour…because that’s when we’ll want to start your session.

Once you have that in your mind…

The first question I usually ask is:
What kind of feel are you wanting for your photos?

And right behind that:
Is convenience or location more important?

If gathering everyone together and driving across town sounds stressful, let’s stay close to home. Sometimes the best sessions happen in places that already feel familiar and comfortable.

If you want more of an urban feel with a variety of backdrops, we can head into the city or choose a neighborhood location with lots of texture and movement.

Some of my favorite Seattle locations include:

• UW Center for Urban Horticulture
• The Arboretum
• Parsons Garden & Boulevard on Queen Anne
• Sculpture Park and Paccar Pavilion
• Gas Works Park

Personally, I’m always drawn to beach settings — water, grasses, driftwood, bridges, and soft evening light. If that’s the feel you’re wanting, Bainbridge is hard to beat.

Some favorite Bainbridge locations:

• Fay Bainbridge
• Blakely Harbor
• Lytle Beach
• Point No Point

And in Seattle:

• Discovery Park
• Golden Gardens

At the end of the day, the best location is the one that feels most like you — your senior, your family, your season, or your brand.

Start there, and then we can narrow things down based on the season, lighting, and what kind of experience you want your session to feel like.