The Best Spring and Summer Family Photoshoot Locations
There is something about spring and summer that makes motherhood feel especially fleeting.
Barefoot toddlers running through the grass. Little hands picking wildflowers. Sandy feet after a day at the beach, rock and shell collections filling every available pocket. The golden light that lingers just a little longer before bedtime.
These moments are worth remembering.
As a lifestyle family photographer in Washington, I’m always searching for locations that allow families to slow down, connect naturally, and simply be together. My sessions are intentionally child-led and relaxed because I know moms aren’t just looking for pretty photos — they want to remember how this season of life felt.
If you’re searching for the perfect place for your spring or summer family photos, these are some of my favorite locations in the Pacific Northwest.
Port Townsend — Coastal Family Photos with Storybook Charm
If you love coastal textures, soft beaches, driftwood, Port Townsend is one of the dreamiest locations for family photos in Washington.
Spring and summer evenings here feel magical. The light reflects beautifully off the water, kids have room to explore, and the relaxed pace makes sessions feel more like an adventure than a photoshoot.
Why families love Port Townsend sessions:
- Beach access with space for kids to roam
- Soft sunset light over the water
- Ideal for playful, candid family photos
This location is especially perfect for families wanting images filled with movement, connection, and genuine moments.
Best for: adventurous families, beach lovers, toddlers who need room to move, sunset sessions.
Sequim — Wildflowers, Mountain Views & Open Space
Sequim in late spring and summer feels peaceful in the best possible way.
From open fields to mountain views timeless, light-filled imagery that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
One of my favorite things about photographing families in Sequim is how calming the environment feels for children. There’s space to breathe, explore, cuddle, and play naturally without pressure.
For moms wanting, connected images with a relaxed atmosphere, Sequim is always a favorite.
Why I love photographing families here:
- Amazing sunsets
- Dramatic backgrounds
- Beautiful open landscapes without heavy crowds
Best for: adventures families, kids who need to run and play,
Discovery Park — The Most Versatile Family Photo Location in Seattle
Discovery Park has everything I love for family photography in one location: beaches, trails, tall grass, forest paths, and sweeping water views.
It’s one of the best Seattle family photo locations because every session can feel completely unique depending on the season, weather, and your family’s energy.
For children especially, Discovery Park creates space for movement and exploration. Instead of forcing stiff poses, we walk, play, snuggle, and interact naturally — which is where the most meaningful images happen.
What makes Discovery Park ideal:
- Variety of scenery in one session
- Beautiful golden light at sunset
- Natural environment for candid moments
- Gorgeous year-round, especially spring and summer
Best for: Seattle families wanting a natural, playful session with variety and connection
North Bend — Mountain Views & Golden Summer Light
North Bend offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Washington while still feeling warm, accessible, and family-friendly.
In spring, the fields turn green, the mountain views open up, and sunset light creates the most beautiful glow for family photos.
I especially love North Bend for families who want their session to feel peaceful and connected without the distractions of busier city locations.
Sessions here tend to feel slower, quieter, and deeply intentional.
Why families choose North Bend:
- Stunning mountain backdrops
- Open fields and riverside locations – perfect for ending your session with a dip!
- Incredible sunset light
- Perfect for playful, connected storytelling images
Best for: mountain-loving families, maternity sessions, adventurous toddlers, golden hour sessions
Point No Point Lighthouse — Quiet Coastal Beauty & Nostalgic Beach Evenings
Point No Point is one of those locations that feels timeless.
The shoreline is quiet and expansive, the lighthouse adds a subtle coastal charm, and the sunsets here are especially beautiful in late spring and summer. It’s the kind of place where children naturally slow down — throwing rocks into the water, collecting shells, cuddling into parents while the evening light fades.
For families wanting a session that feels calm, intimate, and connected, Point No Point is always one of my favorite recommendations.
What I love most about this location is how peaceful it feels. We explore together, follow your children’s lead, and preserve the little in-between moments you never want to forget.
Why families love Point No Point sessions:
- Quiet beach with soft coastal scenery
- Beautiful sunset light over the water
- A relaxed environment for young children
- Timeless Pacific Northwest feel
- Gorgeous textures with driftwood, rocks, and shoreline
Best for: young families, sunset sessions, playful and connected storytelling imagery
Chambers Bay — Golden Light, Coastal Views & Space to Wander
Chambers Bay is one of my favorite locations for spring and summer family sessions near Tacoma because it offers the perfect mix of coastal scenery, open space, and beautiful evening light.
The wide walking paths, grassy hills, beach access, and water views create a setting that feels both expansive and relaxed — especially for families with little ones who need freedom to move and explore.
One of the things I love most about photographing families at Chambers Bay is how naturally connection unfolds here. Kids can run around, parents can slow down and soak in the moment, and sessions never have to feel rushed.
During golden hour, the entire landscape softens into the dreamiest warm light, creating timeless imagery filled with movement, emotion, and connection.
Why families love Chambers Bay sessions:
- Gorgeous waterfront and Puget Sound views
- Unique structures
- Beautiful golden hour light
- Variety of scenery in one location
- Relaxed atmosphere with room to explore
Best for: Tacoma-area families, sunset sessions, playful toddlers, maternity sessions, and connection-focused family photos
Choosing a Location That Feels Good for Your Family
When I help families choose a location for their session, I’m thinking about so much more than what looks pretty in photos.
I’m thinking about your kids’ personalities. Whether your little ones need space to run and explore or a quieter environment to ease into the session. I’m thinking about how far everyone has to walk, where the best light will be at your session time, and what kind of setting will help your family feel the most relaxed and connected.
Some families thrive on a beach where the kids can move freely and play. Others feel more comfortable in open fields, forest trails, or slower-paced spaces with fewer distractions. The best sessions happen when everyone feels comfortable enough to simply be themselves.
