I feel grateful to live and work in a place that constantly serves up inspiration! The greater Seattle area offers an abundance of natural beauty and great architectural moments when it comes to photography. Below, you'll find great spots for photo sessions in Seattle, Shoreline, Bothell, Kenmore, Edmonds, and Kirkland. Let's tell your story in the place it's meant to be told!


Tips


consider Your personal preferences

Choosing between a park and an urban location for a photo session in Seattle depends on whether you prefer natural greenery and serene landscapes or vibrant cityscapes with modern architecture and urban energy. There are plenty of both to choose from in the Pacific Northwest!



think about the season

The unpredictable weather in Seattle can influence your location choice, with cloudy skies and rain favoring indoor or urban settings, while clear days may highlight the beauty of outdoor parks and scenic views. That being said, the soft colors a cloudy day produces on a Seattle beach can't be beaten!


choose a location based on your session's start time

Timing your photo session during early mornings or weekdays can help avoid crowds and ensure a more serene, distraction-free experience. Especially keep this in mind if you're dreaming of photos taken in busy Seattle spots, like Pike Place Market or the Washington Park Arboretum in spring or fall.


additional tips

You can find more tips for choosing a location for a Seattle photo shoot in my Location Guide.

PIKE PLACE MARKET

Pike Place Market in Seattle is a vibrant location for photo sessions due to its iconic sign and lively atmosphere. The historic architecture, views of Elliott Bay, and unique street performers add to its charm, making it a top destination for capturing candid, urban moments in one place.

Family poses together at Pike Place Market in Seattle with iconic orange sign visible in background.
Photo Session at the first Starbucks in Seattle
chittenden locks in Ballard

The Chittenden Locks in Ballard offer a mix of natural beauty and fascinating engineering. With its scenic gardens, water views, and iconic buildings, the locks provide varied backdrops for any type of photo session. This location is stunning year-round, too, but autumn is especially lovely with plentiful fall foliage.

Maternity photo session in Ballard in Seattle
Ballard photo session in Seattle
lake union park

Lake Union Park in Seattle is a beautiful spot for photo sessions, offering stunning waterfront views, lush green spaces, and iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). The park's peaceful atmosphere, combined with picturesque boats, bridges, and city views, makes it perfect for capturing serene yet dynamic photos, whether for portraits, engagements, or family photo sessions.

A family leans against a railing with the Space Needle visible in Seattle's skyline on an overcast day.
An extended family stands together on a modern floating dock platform on the waterfront near metal and glass buildings.
seattle spheres

The Seattle Spheres offer a futuristic backdrop with their unique glass architecture and lush indoor plant life, making them a vibrant and dynamic location for a photo session. The blend of nature and modern design provides a captivating setting for creative indoor photos.

Photo Session at the Amazon Spheres in Seattle
Woven bamboo basket seating area with blue bottle and glass perched inside geometric glass dome structure.
center for wooden boats

The Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle offers a picturesque waterfront setting with historic vessels and scenic views, making it a perfect backdrop for a unique and fun photo session. Its blend of rustic charm and natural beauty creates an ideal atmosphere for capturing many memorable images.

A family stands on a rustic boathouse deck with colorful signs and wooden architecture near the water.
Two brothers sit close together on a wooden bench outside a rustic boathouse with event rental signage.