The Journey of Adventure
Top 10 Seattle Locations for Photography Sessions
Seattle is full of beautiful photo spots — from parks and waterfront views to city skyline backdrops. Here are some of the best places to take photos.
A view of downtown Seattle from Kerry Park during sunrise.
Seattle is a beautiful city with some of the best photo locations in the Pacific Northwest. From scenic parks and peaceful beaches to iconic city views and unique architecture, there are endless places to take photos in Seattle. Whether you're planning a photoshoot for fun, for your business, or just want to explore new spots, these are some of the best places for photography around Seattle.
Here are my top recommendations with pro tips for beautiful places to take photographs around Seattle:
University of Washington – Cherry Blossoms
Iconic spring cherry blossoms and historic architecture create an elegant, academic vibe.
Pro Tip: Arrive early, especially during cherry blossom season, as parking fills up quickly.
Madrona Park
Stunning views of Lake Washington, lush greenery, and Mount Rainier provide a serene natural backdrop. This spot is especially great for viewing moon rises.
Pro Tip: Ideal for branding with a romantic or whimsical feel. We photographed Chelsea Griffin from "Love is Blind" here, perfectly aligning her pink-themed brand with the pink moonrise.
Captured at Madrona Park in Seattle, Chelsea Griffin from Love is Blind poses in front of a pink moonrise. This location is perfect for waterfront photos, moonrises, and serene sunset sessions with mountain views.
Washington Park Arboretum
Year-round natural beauty, picturesque bridges, diverse gardens ideal for lifestyle and wellness brands.
Gas Works Park
Dramatic industrial structures and expansive skyline views ideal for bold, energetic branding.
Discovery Park
A diverse landscape offering beaches, forested trails, meadows, and iconic lighthouse views for adventurous brands.
Freeway Park
Modern architecture, urban aesthetics, and geometric concrete forms perfect for a sophisticated, creative feel.
Pro Tip: It's a small park but offers unique and creative architectural opportunities.
A self-portrait of photographer Santiago Leon at Freeway Park in downtown Seattle. The park features geometric concrete structures and colorful fall foliage — a small but striking location for creative and architectural photos.
Pike Place Market
Vibrant, bustling atmosphere with classic Seattle charm, great for lifestyle and personal branding shoots.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Sleek, modern sculptures paired with waterfront views for contemporary, artistic vibes.
Kerry Park
The iconic Seattle cityscape provides a timeless, sophisticated backdrop.
Pro Tip: For the best city views and full-body portraits, head to the right side of the park.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Historic architecture, lush indoor greenery, and timeless elegance, ideal for personal and professional branding.
Bonus Spots:
Kubota Garden – Peaceful Japanese garden, especially stunning in autumn.
Golden Gardens Park – Beautiful sandy beaches and spectacular sunset views.
Capitol Hill Murals & Georgetown Industrial Art – Edgy street art and colorful urban backdrops perfect for creative entrepreneurs.
Choosing the right location transforms your personal branding photography in Seattle, aligning visuals with your story and creative goals. Ready to create something beautiful? Contact me and let's find your perfect spot.
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Top 10 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Seattle
Discover the best Seattle locations to photograph cherry blossoms. Capture the elegance and beauty of spring through professional tips or your smartphone.
The Quad during Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom
Spring in Seattle transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of pink and white cherry blossoms, creating spectacular photographic opportunities. Whether you're a professional photographer, an enthusiast, or simply want beautiful spring images for your personal or brand story, these locations will inspire stunning photographs.
1. University of Washington Quad
Arguably Seattle's most iconic cherry blossom location, the UW Quad offers majestic, mature trees creating dreamy canopies perfect for portraits and scenic shots.
The Quad from above
2. Seward Park
Seward Park boasts lush blossoms along Lake Washington, offering fantastic opportunities for waterfront shots with blossoms reflecting off the water.
3. Green Lake Park
Capture vibrant blossoms lining the pathways, offering picturesque opportunities for lifestyle and active brand imagery.
4. Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill provides panoramic views of Seattle's skyline framed by beautiful cherry blossoms, perfect for impactful cityscape images.
5. Washington Park Arboretum
Home to diverse cherry blossom varieties, the Arboretum’s winding trails create romantic, natural settings ideal for both portrait and detailed nature photography.
6. Seattle Center
The Seattle Center offers unique compositions featuring cherry blossoms against iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, creating distinctly Seattle imagery.
7. Kobe Terrace Park
This hidden gem in the International District provides intimate scenes of cherry blossoms and Japanese lanterns, ideal for cultural and editorial-style photography.
8. Volunteer Park
Classic and serene, Volunteer Park provides beautiful compositions featuring blossoms against lush greenery and historic architecture like the Conservatory.
9. Golden Gardens Park
Offering seaside charm, Golden Gardens blends coastal views with delicate blossoms for unique and atmospheric photography.
10. Bellevue Downtown Park (Just outside Seattle)
Though slightly beyond city limits, this beautifully designed park boasts organized pathways lined with blossoms, ideal for structured and elegant portrait sessions.
Spring is one of the best seasons for portraits
Photography Tips for Cherry Blossoms
Aim for early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour).
Experiment with depth-of-field to create dreamy, blurred backgrounds.
Utilize wide-angle lenses to capture expansive blossom-filled scenes.
Tips for Smartphone Photography
Adjust your exposure manually by tapping on the screen to avoid overexposed blossoms.
Use Portrait Mode to blur backgrounds for a professional look.
Get creative with angles, capturing blossoms from above, below, or through branches to add depth and visual interest.
Chase the flowers!
Spring in Seattle is fleeting yet breathtaking. Grab your camera, head out to these gorgeous locations, and create captivating images that beautifully tell your springtime story.
Ready to elevate your spring portraits or brand imagery among Seattle’s iconic cherry blossoms? Contact me today, and let's craft your visual story together.
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