7 Locations for Engagement Photos in Seattle and Nearby

Choosing a location is one of the first steps in planning your engagement session. Start with the atmosphere you’re drawn to: an open beach, a city backdrop, greenery, or somewhere connected to your story.

Here are seven places to consider in and around Seattle. Before settling on a location, we’ll discuss the light, walking distance, weather, and any photography requirements.

1. Discovery Park

Discovery Park offers a mix of meadows, wooded trails, and views over Puget Sound. It’s an option for couples who want a natural setting and space for photographs that include the landscape.

Rather than trying to cover the whole park, we can choose one area and leave time to enjoy it. If you’re interested in the beach, let’s discuss access and walking time when planning your session.

2. Pike Place Market

For a city feel, consider the streets around Pike Place Market. Signs, storefronts, and the surrounding architecture can bring color and movement into your photographs.

This setting suits couples who enjoy an urban atmosphere and don’t mind other people nearby. We’ll plan our route around the activity of the market and check any permissions needed for the specific spaces we want to use.

3. Kerry Park

If the Seattle skyline is part of your story, Kerry Park is worth considering. The city becomes a recognizable backdrop while the photographs remain focused on you.

For this kind of setting, think about how comfortable you feel being photographed around other visitors. We can discuss timing and how this stop fits into your session.

4. Washington Park Arboretum

The Arboretum is an option for couples drawn to trees, greenery, and seasonal color. A simple walk can give us opportunities for both portraits and photographs of you moving together.

We’ll choose a manageable area based on the season and the mood you want, rather than spending the session moving between distant spots.

5. Snoqualmie Falls

Located outside Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls offers a dramatic landscape for couples who want the setting to play a bigger role in their photographs.

We’ll plan around the designated viewing areas, access, and conditions. Expect a shared public space rather than a secluded waterfall location.

6. Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens is an option for a beach session with open skies and a relaxed atmosphere. Walking along the shore gives you something natural to do together, with room to pause for closer portraits.

Bring a layer for the waterfront and shoes you’re comfortable wearing on sand.

7. Ballard Locks and the Botanical Garden

The Ballard Locks area combines waterside scenery with the greenery of the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. It’s worth considering if you like a mix of plants, paths, and a distinctly Seattle setting.

We’ll check access and photography requirements before choosing the exact spots for your session.

What if you’re planning a surprise proposal?

A proposal needs a little more coordination than an engagement session. Before choosing the location, we’ll discuss where you’ll stand, how I’ll recognize you, and how we’ll communicate without giving away the surprise.

The right spot should work for the moment itself as well as the photographs afterward.

Let’s choose your location

You don’t need to arrive with everything decided. Tell me what you’re drawn to and whether there’s a place that means something to you. We can use that as our starting point.

Get in touch to plan your proposal or engagement session in Seattle, Bellevue, or the surrounding area.

How to Prepare for Your Photo Session

You’ve booked a photo session, and now you’re wondering what to wear, what to bring, and what you’ll do in front of the camera.

A little preparation helps. You don’t need to learn poses or arrive feeling completely confident—I’ll guide you through the session.

Start with the mood

Think about how you’d like the photographs to feel. Quiet and intimate? Playful? Bold and expressive?

If you have a few reference images, you’re welcome to share them. We can discuss what you like about the light, clothing, or atmosphere and build a direction that feels personal to you.

Wear something you feel comfortable in

Choose clothes that fit comfortably and let you sit, walk, and move. Try your outfit on beforehand, including the shoes, so you can notice anything that needs constant adjusting.

Neutrals can work beautifully, but color is welcome too. The best choice depends on the location and the mood we’re creating. Bold patterns or large logos draw attention, so choose them intentionally.

For couples and families, aim for colors that work together without everyone needing to match.

If you’re unsure, send me photos of your options and we can choose together.

Keep outfit changes manageable

One thoughtful outfit can be enough. If you’d like a second look, let’s discuss it beforehand so we can allow time and consider where you’ll change.

For outdoor sessions, bring a layer and comfortable walking shoes, even if you plan to wear something different in the photographs.

Choose hair and makeup that suit the session

Soft makeup, a bold lip, or a more styled look can all work. Choose what feels right for you and the direction we’ve discussed.

If you’re booking professional hair or makeup, leave enough time afterward to travel without rushing.

Give yourself time to arrive

Plan for parking and a little extra travel time. Eat beforehand and bring water so you’re comfortable during the session.

For family photographs, pack a familiar snack and anything your child may need. Let me know about nap times or other routines that could help us choose a better time.

You don’t need to practice posing

I’ll help with where to stand, what to do with your hands, and how to move. We can start simply and build from there.

If something feels uncomfortable, tell me. There’s room to adjust, take a moment, or try a different approach.

Bring yourself into the photographs

A meaningful piece of jewelry, a favorite jacket, or a place you love can make the session feel more personal. Props are optional.

The goal is to create photographs you connect with and enjoy looking back on.

Have a question before your session? Get in touch—I’m happy to help you prepare.

Inside My Camera Bag: What I Use and Why

Different sessions call for different tools. A family walking together, a close portrait, and the details of a wedding day each ask for a different approach.

Here’s a look at the equipment I use and how it supports the photographs I make.

My camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is my main camera for portraits, families, couples, and weddings.

During a session, I’m watching for expressions, movement, and changes in the light. Knowing my camera well helps me stay focused on what’s happening in front of me.

The lenses I use

24–70mm: flexibility during a session

This is a versatile option when I want to move between a wider scene and a closer portrait. It lets me respond to different moments without changing lenses each time.

16–35mm: room for the surroundings

I reach for a wider lens when architecture or landscape is part of the photograph. It helps me include more of the setting and explore a different perspective.

50mm: portraits and connection

The 50mm is an option for portraits and photographs that give more attention to a person or a small interaction. I use it when that perspective suits the image I have in mind.

100mm Macro: the smaller details

A macro lens lets me look closely at details such as wedding rings and textures. These photographs can add another layer to the story of a session or wedding day.

Working with light

I use available light and add lighting when the photograph calls for it.

My Canon Speedlite helps me add light when needed. The Godox LC500R Mini gives me another way to explore color and atmosphere, particularly for creative portraits.

The choice depends on the setting and the mood we’re creating.

What this means for your session

You don’t need to know anything about cameras or lenses before being photographed. I’ll choose the equipment and guide you through the session.

We’ll focus on your ideas, the atmosphere you’re drawn to, and helping you feel comfortable enough to take part in the process.

Have an idea for a portrait, family, couple, or wedding session? Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind.