Get Ready for Spring: A Guide to a Perfect Seattle Photo Session
From a Seattle Area Photographer
Ah spring! It's that time of year when the sun comes out, everything starts to bloom, and here in Seattle we get a reprieve from the winter chill. It's also an excellent time for planning your perfect outdoor photo session. With every changing season comes unique backdrops and natural beauty - something you'll rarely find inside a studio! Whether you're dreaming of one beautiful family portrait or looking to capture special milestones like maternity or graduation photos, we've got your guide to finding the perfect photo session near Seattle this spring.
Choose the right location - Here are some great spots in Seattle
- Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a 19.1-acre public park located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The park was opened to the public in 1975 and is operated by the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. It features a preserved industrial complex that was once used for manufacturing coal gasification plants, as well as stunning views of Lake Union. Gas Works makes it easy to get beautiful photos.
- Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a public park located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. It provides stunning views of the Downtown skyline and Elliott Bay from its perch overlooking the city. The park is also home to the famous “Seattle’s View” bronze sculpture created by Seattle artist Gerard Tsutakawa in 1994. Visitors can enjoy several amenities such as picnic tables, benches, and a viewfinder for taking pictures. Kerry Park is a great location for couples portraits, especially newly engaged couples.
- Alki Beach
Alki Beach is located in Seattle, Washington. Alki Beach is a two-mile-long stretch of beach located on the west side of the city, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Downtown skyline. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the beachfront promenade. Alki Beach is one of the premier places to go if you're looking for spring photo sessions near Seattle.
- Discovery Park
Discovery Park is a 534-acre public park located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It features stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, as well as over 11 miles of walking trails through meadows, forests, and shoreline. Visitors can enjoy several amenities such as picnic tables, benches, playgrounds, and a visitor center. The park also features an environmental learning center where visitors can learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Washington Park Arboretum
Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre public arboretum located in the Madison Valley neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It features a variety of plant species from around the world, as well as stunning views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains. The park also offers educational programs and activities for children and adults alike, so this is a great location if you have one or two kiddos that you need to keep entertained.
- Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis located in the Washington Park Arboretum. It features a variety of traditional Japanese plants and trees, as well as stunning views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the serenity of the garden while exploring winding paths, babbling brooks, and peaceful ponds. The garden also includes traditional elements such as a tea house, stone lanterns, a koi pond, and a Zen garden. The Seattle Japanese Garden is an ideal spot for visitors looking to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. Japanese Garden is a perfect location for relaxed maternity photos, family photos, or even a dramatic portrait.
- Mount Rainier National Park
The park includes the mountain of the same name, which is an active volcano. The park also features forests, meadows, and rivers. Many different animals live in the park, including bears and deer. People come to the park to hike, camp, and enjoy the scenery. Mount Rainier National Park is a hiker's dream! Folks come from all around the world to hike and explore Rainier National Park. This is a must-see for any adventurous couples and families who want a great adventure.
-Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead is a place where people can go hiking. You can explore forests, meadows, and rivers. There are also animals like bears and deer that live there. If you want an adventure, Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead is the place to go!
Pick the perfect outfit - choose something that will look good in photos
When taking photos, it is important to look your best in order to get the best results. However, picking the perfect outfit is not always easy.
First, consider the occasion. If you are taking casual photos, then you will want to wear something comfortable. If you are taking formal photos, then you will want to wear something more dressy.
Second, think about the location. If you are taking photos outside, then you will want to wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather. If you are taking photos inside, then you don't have to worry about the weather as much.
Third, choose colors that compliment your skin tone. If you have a cool skin tone, then you will want to choose colors like blue and green. If you have a warm skin tone, then you will want to choose colors like red and yellow.
Finally, don't forget about accessories! Accessories can really make or break an outfit. Choose accessories that match your outfit and that won't be too distracting in photos.
Bring props and accessories to add more interest to your shots
Props and accessories can make all the difference when it comes to spicing up your shots. Accessories such as colorful scarves and hats, bright umbrellas, or rainbow-colored sunglasses can provide great contrast to an otherwise dull environment. Even non-clothing items such as colorful balloons, beach balls, or toys can help create a more dynamic frame for your shot. If you are shooting outside, consider bringing natural elements such as leaves, branches or reeds to add a touch of nature to the scene. Adding props and accessories to your shots is a simple and fun way to elevate any photo into something truly special.
Get creative with poses and angles for unique photos
Most people don't realize how important variations in pose and angle can be when it comes to photography. Just a slight change in the way someone is standing or sitting can result in a completely different photo. And often, these minor adjustments are much more flattering than the traditional poses that people are used to.
So if you're looking for unique and beautiful photos, be sure to ask your photographer to try out some different angles and positions. You might be surprised at just how gorgeous the results can be!
5. Don't forget to smile! A genuine smile can make all the difference in a photo session
6. Have fun with it! Take some silly pictures too for added memories
Here at Watkins Photography, we hold client experience as a top priority. Our sessions are less about how many photos we can get done in a fixed amount of time, and more about you having a memorable and enjoyable experience that is catered specifically to your individual needs. You will know you got everything you asked for out of the session when you leave. We understand that what we create together is more than just a beautiful set of images; it is an experience, one that reminds us all to slow down and appreciate even little moments in life.
