Do you want a fun location for your Seattle area family photo session this year? Lake Sammamish State Park is one of my favorite locations on the Eastside.
Lake Sammamish is a large park that offers plenty of variety.
This park is a 531-acre park with beach access, trails and fields. Don’t let the park’s size worry you. Within a short walk you can have a great variety for the backdrop of your photos.
During our session, I have an easy flow. I lead you from trees, to trails, to field, to the beach. Your session will feel more like a fun adventure than family photos.
Large trees filter the sun when earlier photo session times are needed.
Family photo sessions take place 1 hour before sunset. During late spring to summer months, that could mean a late start time (think 7:30-8pm). If you have young kids that may sound impossible or like a recipe for disaster. Although I have plenty of tips to help you get your kids to sunset, an earlier session time may be needed.
Lake Sammamish has plenty areas with tall trees and shade to filter that sunlight allowing you to have beautiful photos despite the sun still being higher in the sky.
The park also has a beautiful bathroom and snack facility that works wonderfully for blocking that sun, too. (Trust me. I know that sounds super weird to take photos by the bathrooms, but just look at this photo above You would never know that it was taken at Lake Sammamish State Parks’ bathrooms!)
Lake Sammamish is gorgeous all year round.
From spring blossoms to stunning fall color, Lake Sammamish has much to offer. In fact, this park is a favorite spot to get brilliant fall color many love in their family photos.
End your family photo session by dipping your toes in the lake!
Take your shoes off, dip your toes into the lake . The kids will be surprised and the photos will be ones you’ll cherish. You may even find your kids go a little further than just dipping their toes. (So bring towels and a change of clothes for afterwards).
There are a few important things to consider about family photos at Lake Sammamish State Park.
Because this park offers so much fo family fun, it can get crowded on weekends and during the summer. If you want a full session free of people in your background, this may not be the spot. There is also a large, very cool playground at one side of the park. If your child can’t resist a good playground, you’ll want to let me know. We can always avoid that area of the park. Of course, you can offer the playground as an option after our session is done.
Due to its large size there are areas we can go to escape the crowds, while still taking advantage of all that the park has to offer.
If you love the sound of Lake Sammamish State Park for this year’s family photos, grab a spot on my calendar. Book your Seattle Family Photo Session.. Not ready to book a session? Subscribe to my newsletter for families. Subscribers get first dibs on session dates and special events, tips to help you feel prepared for your session and more.