If you live in the Seattle area and have not yet visited Carkeek Park, it is time. As a Seattle family photographer, this location is a favorite for family photography sessions. As a mother of 6, its is a fun location to take my own kids for a little Pacific Northwest beach day.
Just like any of my location recommendations for family or maternity photo sessions, I offer what there is to love about Carkeek Park. Keep reading until the end, though, because I also include a few things to consider about this location.
But let’s begin with the good stuff about Carkeek Park in Seattle.
Carkeek Park is a gorgeous location on Puget Sound.
With views, on clear days, of the olympic mountains, this beach location offers a gorgeous backdrop for your family photography session.
Even on cloudy days, the beach is a favorite place for families. Dip your toes in the water at the end of your session, skip rocks, or even snuggle up on the beach and watch the sunset. All of these activities not only make for a fun family adventure, but also make for beautiful family photos.
This park also has plenty of trees for added variety in your photo session.
Whether we need to filter the light or simply want variety, the upper section of the park offers plenty of trees. Plus, with a few steps down, Carkeek Park has maintained trails great for exploring and photos alike.
Even more, while on the beach, trees in the background give the beach a true Pacific Northwest vibe. If you’re lucky and having family photos in the fall, the trees will be gorgeous shades of reds and oranges mixed in with the evergreen trees.
Another bonus of Carkeek park is the train that passes through the park.
For all of the train lovers, the park is split from upper park to lower park with a walking bridge over the tracks. You can stand on the bridge as the train goes by or watch from the beach. My kids loved watching the train at Carkeek Park. So do many family’s kids who I’m photographing.
Like any location, this park has a couple of things to consider for family photos.
That bridge that I just mentioned is perfect for train watching, does have steep stairs to get onto the beach. If stairs are not for someone in your family, isn’t able to do another location would be a better option.
Like many Seattle area beaches, Carkeek Park can be busy on weekend evenings. Summer, in particular, is an extra popular time to visit. However, selecting a weekday evening or visiting in spring or fall the park is likely to be less crowded. We are also able to get creative with angles and/or embrace the crowds for a more authentic beach photo.
Whether or not Carkeek Park is right for your family’s photos, the first step in getting family photos taken is selecting a photographer. Learn more about me and check out my Seattle family photography portfolio.
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