Seattle is packed with beautiful places to take photos—but let’s be honest, not all of them are ideal for a relaxed, low-stress session. I’ve been shooting around this city for (a lot of) years and have a running list of favorite spots that deliver consistently beautiful light, plenty of breathing room, and stunning backdrops.

This guide includes my top go-to Seattle photo locations (organized by type!) and a few of my favorite nearby cafes or restaurants to help turn the whole thing into something fun and memorable.

Turning your session into a little outing—grabbing tacos afterward or treating everyone to a pastry—can give the whole experience a positive association (especially for kids). When they remember the photos and the fun treat after, it makes them way more excited to do it again.

Let’s dive in!

Forests, Trails, and Parks

My most popular location category! These spots are full of tall trees, soft light, and a quiet calm that makes sessions feel peaceful.

They also give us so much to work with—light, depth, and space to move. Some of them are even great year-round, with something new to offer in every season.

Luther Burbank Park

A mix of fields, forest, and water views (plus some very photogenic docks). I love it for both morning and evening sessions—it’s especially beautiful by the water in the evening light. Luther Burbank Park also seriously shines in the fall with its big golden trees.

If you're bringing kids, the playground here is awesome—perfect for letting them run around after a session. Plus, it’s super convenient for Eastside clients.

If you're in the mood for something sweet or need a little pick-me-up after your session, La Fête Patisserie on Mercer Island is a great nearby spot. And on Sundays, the Mercer Island Farmers Market makes for a fun little bonus outing if you want to keep the good vibes going.

The Washington Park Arboretum

Always a classic, always gorgeous. It gets a bit busier on weekends, but there’s so much room to roam that we can always find quiet corners. Perfect for Seattle family photo sessions, maternity shoots, or anyone who loves a little nature without leaving the city. without leaving the city.

After your session, Café Flora in Madison Valley is a longtime local favorite and perfect for a cozy brunch or dinner with lots of planty vibes.

Discovery Park

This one’s a forever favorite. Discovery Park is Seattle’s biggest park and somehow still feels like a secret. My go-to areas have big open fields, sweeping bluff views, and trails that wind through quiet forest—it’s classic Pacific Northwest without the crowds.

It’s dreamy in every season and gives us tons of variety without needing to drive all over town. And if you're hungry after your session? Do yourself a favor and swing by Taqueria Mi Barrio, the food truck in Magnolia serving up some of the best tacos in Seattle (trust me on this one).

Volunteer Park

Quieter than you’d expect for Capitol Hill, this park is packed with leafy paths and open spaces that absolutely glow in fall. But honestly? It works year-round. There’s always something photogenic happening here—gorgeous trees in spring, summer light filtering through the leaves, and that cozy, moody vibe in winter.

It’s ideal for mini sessions, and if you’re up for a post-session treat, you’re not far from some excellent coffee and ice cream spots (hello, Frankie & Jo’s).

Boeing Creek Park

Live up near the Shoreline area? There’s a great hidden gem photo shoot location for you! It’s called Boeing Creek Park and is filled with gigantic, old trees and magical little spots just begging to be photographed.

Beachy Vibes

Light-filled, breezy, and very Pacific Northwest—these are my go-to spots for easygoing, coastal-feeling photos.

Alki Beach (Weeknights Only)

Alki is stunning—when it’s not swarming with volleyball games and scooters. I only shoot here on quieter weeknights when we can actually move around without stepping over twelve bachelorette parties. If we time it right though? The light is beautiful, and you can grab takeout from Marination and watch the sunset while you're at it.

Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park, located in the Broadview neighborhood of Seattle, has that magical mix of tall evergreens and driftwood-strewn beach, with way fewer crowds than nearby spots like Golden Gardens.

There’s even a train that occasionally passes by, which kids think is the best thing ever (and honestly? It kind of is). Quiet, pretty, and so very Pacific Northwest.

Lincoln Park

This West Seattle staple has woods, beach, and enough space to feel like you have it to yourself. We can wander through shaded forest trails, take in Puget Sound views, and—depending on the time of year—even catch a ferry sailing through.

It’s especially great for families who want a little variety without needing to travel far. The light here is lovely in the evenings, and it tends to be one of the most relaxed and flexible locations on my list.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

It’s a bit of a trek, but if you want peaceful water views, bluff trails, and that glowy golden hour light, this park delivers. There are stairs and some walking involved, so it's best for families with older kids or babies in carriers, but the views make it totally worth it.

If you're up for a little extra drive afterward, Spiro's Pizza nearby is a neighborhood favorite and super kid-friendly.

Gardens & Well-Maintained Greenspaces

If you want color, flowers, and a place that feels like a quiet retreat—without hiking boots—these spots are it.

Bellevue Botanical Garden

Lush, colorful, and beautifully maintained—this place feels like a total retreat. The footbridges and flower-lined trails are stunning in spring, summer, AND fall. It's a fantastic spot if you want something natural but just a bit more polished. Bonus: easy parking and super clean restrooms.

And if you’re on the hunt for a cozy post-session meal, Monsoon East isn’t far and has the best Vietnamese brunch and cocktails. Or you can head right to the cute little café on-site—Copper Kettle Coffee Bar—for a pastry or warm drink without leaving the garden grounds.

Center for Urban Horticulture

This one’s truly under the radar. I usually stick to the garden area just next to the parking lot—it's lush, peaceful, and full of little corners with gorgeous light and vegetation.

This garden is always so quiet we’ll almost definitely have it to ourselves, and it’s ideal for Seattle family photo sessions that feel relaxed and easy. Bonus: the light here is chef’s kiss in the evening.

If you’re heading out from here, University Village is just around the corner and has plenty of options if you want to grab a meal or treat—easy, convenient, and a nice little post-session stop. Morning session? Hey Bagel. You’re welcome.

Parsons Garden + Marshall Park

A tiny, tucked-away garden on Queen Anne that feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. It’s beautifully maintained and gives a classic, elegant vibe with lots of charm and very few people. Magnolia trees, amazing flowers, and hidden stone staircases create a certain intimacy in photos I haven’t been able to find in other locations.

Even better? Marshall Park is directly across the street and has a sweeping viewpoint of the water and Olympic Mountains—perfect for a quick wide shot if we want to mix it up.

And if you’re looking for a treat after, Queen Anne Coffee Co. is just down the hill and has cozy vibes and solid pastries, or pop into Top Pot if you're in the mood for donuts.

Urban + Creative

These locations are for anyone who wants color, texture, and something a little different from the usual forest or field.

Walking Around Georgetown

Murals, quirky doors, rusted stairwells, ivy-covered walls—Georgetown is a whole vibe. It’s one of my favorite spots for natural light headshots or branding sessions that feel authentic and a little unexpected., and it's great for families who want something totally different from the traditional forest + field combo.

We usually walk a few blocks and see what we find—it’s always colorful and a little gritty in the best way. You’ll leave with something that feels unique, which is especially great if you’ve already done the forest-and-field vibe before.

Picking the Right Spot

If you’re still torn on location, don’t worry—I’ll help you narrow it down. From the season to your family’s energy to the kind of session you’re envisioning, I’ll guide you toward a spot that makes sense and feels like you.

Whether you’re leaning woodsy, beachy, or somewhere a little unexpected, we’ll land on something great. And hey, if there’s a treat waiting at the end of it? Even better.

Ready to book or still have questions?
Reach out here and I’ll help you find the perfect location for your session.

Updated for 2025: Best Outdoor Photo Locations in Seattle