Next to scheduling and then deciding what to wear, choosing a location is often the biggest concern for families booking their photoshoot. From field to lake to trees, the Pacific Northwest has a vast array of terrain options to chose from.

As a Kirkland family photographer with nearly a decade of experience, I’ll let you in on the things I look for in a location to create a fun experience for the families I work with and produce beautiful photographs. Any professional photographer will have go-to locations they love and know like the back of their hand, so be sure to lean on the photographer you hire and follow their location recommendations.

Brothers playing in tall grass field at sunset during summer family photoshoot at Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland

The Location Should Be Easy To Get To.

Getting everyone dressed and to your session on time and in a good mood is a feat in and of itself. That’s why I generally suggest locations that are close to home, easy, and convenient to get to.

Keeping this aspect of your photo session simple eliminates stress. No kids falling asleep in the car and then in a bad mood upon arrival, less chance for getting caught in traffic and showing up late, and some familiarity with the area, creating a sense of “home”.

There’s really no need to drive 45 mins to a remote location (unless your family is super adventurous) when there are so many beautiful parks in our own backyard.

During your family photo session my primary focus will always be on showcasing your love and connection. Although we want the backdrop to be aesthetically pleasing, it comes secondary to the subject - that’s you!

Check out the images below; I bet you can’t really tell where they were taken, right? That’s because the focus is on love and connection.

Mom and son cuddled together smiling at one another with starburst sunset at summer family photo session in Kirkland WA

Toddler boy in golden plaid button down shirt holding a white flower as dad runs his hand through his hair in field at summer family session at Juanita Bay park

Does this mean we can shoot anywhere? Well, not exactly! When scouting, I have a few criteria I use to determine if a location is good for a family photoshoot.

There should be variety within the setting.

Locations that offer at least three different backdrops (such as trees, a field, and waterfront/boardwalks) help us maximize our time together and offer you variety within your gallery.

The typical family does not have their photos professionally taken more than once or twice a year. Having different settings to move between in a short amount of time allows us the ability to maximize our time together and gives your family an assortment of looks while still creating a cohesive gallery of images.

Changing areas within your location also provides kids the opportunity to interact with their environment, holds their interest longer, and allows them a reset if needed. “Hey kids, do you see that big log way over there? Who do you think can get there first?!”

Family walking and holding hands in a grassy field with golden lit evergreen trees during a summer sunset

The location should offer ways to play with light.

Another important element I think about when deciding on location is how light presents itself in the environment. Not to get too technical (that’s for me to worry about), but it’s great to have a variety of ways to work with light during your session.

Trees filter the light early in your session when the sun is high in the sky and may be strong or harsh. A field offers open light when the sun is setting towards the horizon and is great for running, playing, and capturing movement with your family. Finally, water acts as a nice reflector, bouncing light back onto the subjects as your session comes to a close.

Black and white picture of family in tall grass infront of setting sun through aspen leaves with young boy picking flowers and family watching

Best Kirkland Seattle family photographer

Detail shot of son looking up at mom who has her hand on his cheek

Not sure which location is best for your family photo session? Rest easy; I have several favorite locations that photograph beautifully and change throughout the year. That means you may even consider returning to a particular spot if your family photo session is scheduled during a different season from one in the past.

After booking your family photoshoot I’ll send a brief questionnaire to get to know you and your family, the ages of your children, and what you are looking for in a session. Together we can decide on the best spot!

Contact Me To Book Your Family Photo Session Now