First impressions happen fast — whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company website, or even Psychology Today, your photo is often the first thing people see. And like it or not, a polished headshot can make a huge difference in attracting clients, landing interviews, or standing out in your field.

While many people assume headshots have to be shot in a studio, Seattle is actually one of the best cities for outdoor portraits. From bold urban backdrops to lush greenery, you can get photos that feel professional and approachable — no stiff, cookie-cutter vibes.

That’s why I put together this guide. Here are 8 of the best outdoor headshot locations in Seattle (plus a bonus option I love to recommend).

Why Outdoor Headshots Work in Seattle

There’s a time and place for studio portraits, but Seattle makes a strong case for stepping outside.

Natural light > everything else (IMHO). It flattens skin tones, softens lines, and makes your photos look polished without looking staged.
Backdrops with personality. We’ve got trees, water, brick, glass, and every mix in between. No need for the “gray backdrop in a basement” vibe.
Relaxed and approachable. Something about being outside just makes people loosen up. You look like you — just on your best day.
Year-round possibilities. Unlike a lot of cities, Seattle’s mild weather means you can do outdoor headshots in every season. Even in drizzle or on shorter winter days, we can find flattering light that works beautifully.

This is also why outdoor and at-home sessions work especially well for therapists, counselors, and coaches. A warm, approachable headshot is crucial on platforms like Psychology Today, where clients are looking for trust and connection first.

Georgetown Headshots: Industrial & Artsy (South Seattle)

Georgetown has an effortlessly cool charm — exposed brick walls, café windows, colorful murals, and historic architecture. It’s the perfect backdrop for people in creative fields who want something bold and stylish.

Perfect for: Artists, small business owners, authors, and anyone looking for a headshot with personality.

Downtown Seattle Headshots (Seattle Public Library): Sleek & Professional

The Seattle Public Library downtown is a head-turner with its dramatic angles and glass lines. It creates a polished, contemporary vibe that feels sophisticated but still approachable.

Perfect for: Tech professionals, startup founders, and anyone who wants a clean, city-forward look.

Apple Store Headshots: Minimal & Modern (University Village, Seattle)

Yes, really. The Apple Store’s sleek, minimal architecture makes for unexpectedly perfect headshots. The clean lines and bright surfaces keep the focus on you, while still adding a distinctly modern edge.

Perfect for: Professionals who want modern portraits that stand out without distraction.

Therapy & Wellness Office Headshots: Professional and Approachable

Not every headshot has to be taken in a park or against a dramatic urban backdrop. Sometimes the best option is right outside your office or inside your practice. I often photograph therapists, facialists, and other wellness professionals in or near their workspaces, and it creates the perfect balance of professional and approachable.

For people in these fields, your photo is often the very first impression a potential client sees—whether it’s on Psychology Today, a wellness directory, or your own website. A polished, welcoming headshot taken in a real practice space signals credibility and professionalism, while still feeling inviting and human.

Whether it’s a therapist photographed outside her office or a facialist working with a client in a calm treatment room, these settings add context and authenticity that a studio backdrop can’t provide. They tell your clients: I’m real, I’m grounded, and you can trust me.

Perfect for: Therapists, facialists, coaches, and other wellness professionals who want their headshot to feel both professional and approachable.

Center for Urban Horticulture Headshots: Lush and Serene (University District, Seattle)

If greenery is more your vibe, the Center for Urban Horticulture is a dream. Tucked away from the city bustle, it has stunning foliage, blooming flowers, and quiet corners for beautifully intimate headshots.

I’ve photographed clients here ranging from project managers and authors to UX researchers and therapists. It’s a space that brings out a calm confidence.

Perfect for: Therapists, wellness professionals, authors, and anyone seeking a natural, approachable look.

Volunteer Park Headshots: Classic and Timeless

Volunteer Park is a Seattle staple. With its grand trees and soft natural light, it’s one of those spots that makes everyone look polished and approachable without trying too hard.

Perfect for: Writers, educators, and professionals seeking a refined, approachable look.

Luther Burbank Park Headshots: Waterfront + Variety

Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island offers one of the most diverse backdrops in the area — all in one spot. You’ll find water views, tall grasses, winding trails, and shady trees, which means we can capture a wide variety of looks without ever feeling rushed.

It’s a great location if you want your headshots to feel natural but still polished, with options that range from professional to relaxed.

Bellevue Botanical Garden Headshots: Natural Beauty and Elegant Greenery

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a hidden gem for headshots. Neutral yet lush backdrops, shaded pathways, and peaceful surroundings make it easy to relax.

Perfect for: Professionals looking for a clean, natural look, creatives, and anyone wanting a subtly beautiful background.

In-Home & Yard Headshots: A Bonus Option for Variety

One of my absolute favorite options is a combination of your home and yard. The familiar environment indoors allows for relaxed, personal portraits, while stepping into the yard adds a natural, fresh feel.

These sessions aren’t just for therapists or creatives—they work beautifully for professionals like real estate agents, too. One client (a real estate agent) even borrowed her friend’s yard, and the result was warm, approachable, and so much more inviting than the standard “arms crossed in front of a house” look.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, creatives, real estate agents, small business owners, and anyone wanting a personal, well-rounded look.

How the Seasons Change the Look of Seattle Headshots

One of the perks of shooting in Seattle? Your headshots will look different depending on when you book.

Spring: Fresh blooms and cherry blossoms, lots of light greens.
Summer: Deep, lush greens and long daylight hours (hello, golden evenings).
Fall: Rich warm tones, golden leaves, and the coziest textures.
Winter: Evergreen backdrops and soft, moody light — classic and professional.

No matter the season, I’ll help you find a spot that plays to its strengths.

Why Professional Headshots Are a Game Changer

People are always looking for ways to attract more leads, land their next job, or just stand out in their industry. Here’s the truth: getting professional photos is one of the quickest and most effective ways to get a major leg up.

Though some of us might not love that this is the case, first impressions are huge (especially online). A lot of people decide whether to pursue a person or a company based on their photo alone.

Think about a therapist or a real estate agent. If their profile photo is a quick selfie, it can make potential clients feel uneasy—almost like they aren’t taking their work seriously enough. On the other hand, a professional headshot conveys confidence, approachability, and credibility in an instant.

Psychology Today is a perfect example: therapists need to strike the right balance of professional and approachable, because clients are often making decisions based on that first image.

Headshots that feel authentic, confident, and polished are one of the easiest ways to set yourself apart.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

From the moment you book, my goal is to make this feel easy and comfortable. I’ll never leave you standing there wondering what to do with your hands. I’ll guide you every step of the way, while still keeping things really natural and relaxed.

Clients often tell me their session was way more fun than they expected. That’s by design: I bring a mix of warmth, humor, and clear direction so you feel at ease in front of the camera. I also try hard to find us our own little pocket of space, so you never feel like you have an audience while we shoot.

Before your session, I take the time to get to know what you’re hoping for and what matters most to you, so when we meet, you can show up confident, knowing you’re in good hands.

Every headshot session is personalized—no cookie-cutter backdrops, no copy-paste posing. Just professional photos that feel natural, confident, and like you.

Ready for headshots that are approachable, modern, and distinctly Seattle?

👉 Book your Seattle Headshot Session here

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