The 10 Best Family Photoshoot Ideas Near Seattle

As one of the largest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has a lot to offer photographers. Gorgeous landscapes and architecture define this area and provide any photographer with great opportunities for portrait work. Often named one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Seattle has plenty of prospective clients as well. Here’s a list of 10 best family photoshoot ideas near Seattle to jump-start your photography.

1. Use this airy loft in Pioneer Square

Located in Pioneer Square, this bright studio receives generous natural light from its large, industrial windows. Exposed brick and a white floor make this urban space bright and colorful. The setting is complemented by houseplants and modern furniture. Portions of a white wall also give you a more traditional background for your images. All in all, this is an excellent choice for taking portraits of families.

2. Pose in a minimalist studio at a Capitol Hill

This intimate studio space offers plenty of natural light for your photoshoots. Colored-paper backdrops are also available, as is lighting equipment, for an additional rental fee. The venue itself is best suited for smaller families. The windows are also set up with blackout blinds, should you want to go with a true studio lighting setup where you have total control over how the images turn out.

3. Use this edgy, naturally lit artist warehouse

Brightly lit and sparsely decorated, this simple venue makes efficient use of 500 square feet. Large windows provide natural light, and white walls keep the space bright. The old, hardwood floor and a weathered, wood wall add to the unique charm of the venue. Bring your own strobes if the natural light won’t be enough for your work.

4. Book a lovely studio with faux greenery

A large studio space in Georgetown gives you a great space for doing family portraits. The central feature is a large, artificial greenery wall. There is also a seamless paper backdrop available. The venue provides two lights with soft boxes, and several windows let in some natural light. Altogether, this is a unique space for fantastic portraits.

5. Use this posh penthouse with a spectacular view

Located in a newly built construction building, this impressive penthouse offers beautiful views of the city as a backdrop. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in tons of natural light, and the minimalist styling will look great in photos. There’s also a large, wrap-around deck to take full advantage of the surrounding city as a background. Venues like this give you a diverse final product for clients and plenty of space to show off your creativity.

6. Book a no-frills photo studio in SODO

This classic studio setup gives you all that you need for formal portraits. The large white backdrop has plenty of surrounding space for lighting equipment. Lights are also available with this rental for an additional fee. With the lights off, the space is pitch-black, so you can control the studio lighting precisely, without interference from any natural light source. The space is an excellent location for a studio photography session.

7. Pose in this cozy and sophisticated loft space

This elegant loft is accented by dark hardwood and features a library, which makes an excellent setting for portraits. Two large windows provide natural light, but between the dark wood and the exposed brick, you’ll want to augment the space with some studio lighting or reflectors. No lighting equipment or backdrops are included, though the library space makes for a bold statement.

8. Book an inviting outdoor terrace in Bellevue

This unique outdoor space is a great location for family portraits. The terrace is situated above street level and centered around a fireplace. There’s plenty of greenery, augmented by the urban space around the terrace, making this a venue unlike any other. Plan the timing of your shoot around sunrise or sunset to take advantage of the best outdoor lighting available.

9. Stroll the Central Waterfront

Seattle’s waterfront is gorgeous and makes for a wonderful photograph. Try the Bell Street Pier, or Pier 66, for starters. It has plenty of great views over the water and amenities nearby. The views will be best as the sun begins to set, so plan your shoot accordingly to take advantage of the prettiest light.

10. Visit the Washington Park Arboretum

Washington Park is a large, urban green space with a variety of great photographic opportunities. A creek runs the length of the park, and the Japanese garden is a unique place to take photos with pretty backgrounds. If you’re shooting in springtime, be sure to take your clients to Azalea Way and snap some brightly colored photos with them. This is a great option for a family photoshoot on a sunny day.

With so many beautiful landscapes and buildings in Seattle, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a location for family photo sessions. But because the city does have so many photogenic backgrounds, making your work stand out from other photographers can be tricky. Outdoor shots are a great option, but they’re easy enough for anyone to do. That’s why our 10 best family photoshoot ideas near Seattle largely involve spaces for rent for this exact purpose. These are spaces other photographers may not know about or be considering, which can give you a competitive edge and make your shoot really stand out from the pack. 

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