7 Awesome Ideas for Your Next Seattle Family session

Not sure what to do or where to go for your next Seattle Family Session? I have 7 idea starters to help you out and make it really count… because at the end of the day it is your photos that will tell YOUR story. As a Family Photographer who is on the hunt for connections and emotions, I see a photo shoot as an opportunity to preserve the memories of something that really makes you excited…. And what highlights the dynamic connections and magic between you and your family.

1. Adventure together

Family hike anyone? Explore something new as a family. This can make for great moments, big or small. Grab a blanket, some berries, sand toys and find a new beach. Or look for butterflies and bugs on a nature walk in some woods by your home. Maybe rent a canoe or kayak and let the fun begin! But exploring something new isn’t limited to the great outdoors, you could always use a photo shoot as an excuse to check out a new ice cream shop. Yum!

2. The Milestone

Your child’s life is special and OH MY how it changes so fast. Celebrate all the things in life happening at the moment by documenting all their little milestones. Favorite toys and books? Special Spiderman costume they love to wear every day? And mealtime just how messy it gets. Or perhaps you commemorate a birthday with a delicious cupcake and capture your little one and covered in icing. Crawling, walking, scooting or cycling are all special (& beautiful) times in your child’s development!

3. Fun Family Pastimes

Are there places you love to go? Maybe you take weekly trips to the public library. Rows of books in a family photo session, umm dreamy. Or do you have backyard shenanigans during the summer afternoons? Your kids playing with the giant spraying octopus as you and your husband sit back in the sun with a glass of ice tea. Easiest family photo session and the kids are having a blast! Perhaps the daily scoot home from school where you stop at the same places everyday Or maybe a museum you love or the local aquarium? The list goes on and on.

4. Stay home for your Seattle family session. 

Scattered toys, piles of tiny shoes, pillow fights, story time, shooting hoops in the back yard… yes please! What does everyday family life look like? How do you spend your Saturday mornings, or what kind of fun do you have in your own backyard? Bottle up what your life is like everyday. And don’t worry about the mess or imperfections, authentic is the new perfect. And I bet one day that you are going to miss those scattered toys that cover your living room floor! Check out this example of what a shoot like this could be like.

5. The Playdate

Sometimes, the friends we have make us shine in the best way. Go in on a photoshoot with another family and find some adventure. This can be the playground, the beach or just about anywhere. Or stay in and have your kids sit around the table and make some fun craft projects (dyed macaroni necklaces can be a hit!) Playdates are such a part of your little one’s childhood, so why not?

6. Creative Styled Family Session

Create a look and feel that highlights something important to you for your next family photo session. Take it a bit beyond the matching outfits and infuse a theme into it. (And perhaps some fun!) Maybe its an all black and white shoot where your family is dressed up surrounded by nature. Maybe a summer picnic with a beautiful blanket, summer berries, the intimacy of sharing snacks and cuddling on a beautiful spring day. Or maybe its being wacky and have your kids dress up as in all of their favorite outfits. You can still be candid and capture authenticity when you have an idea or direction!

7. The RITUAL

There are daily rituals, yearly rituals and rituals somewhere in between. Find something that your family likes to do every summer, every holiday or even every evening. How about documenting the hunt for the great pumkin at your local patch or your annual summer berry picking trip? (You know where the kids eat more than than they collect) But rituals can also be somethng closer to home like your nightime routine. And for some its the best part of the day!