How I choose Locations for Photoshoots
◆ Education
How I choose Photoshoot Locations
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When deciding on a location for your photoshoot in, there are endless factors to consider. As a photographer who shoots primarily in the outdoors, I consider my role not only that of creative but also of guide. To be a strong photographer, you also must be a strong leader. And with leadership, comes preparation.
questions I consider Logistically when offering locations for photoshoots:
◆How far of a drive is it?
◆How accessible is it?
◆When is the best time of day to shoot? What is the best season to shoot?
◆Do we need any permits? What about parking passes?
◆When should we visit to avoid crowds?
questions I consider Creatively when offering locations for photoshoots:
◆What can I expect in terms of lighting? Do I feel inspired and prepared to shoot with that?
◆What colors can I expect in terms of foliage? How is the season we’re in impacting that?
◆Do the views at this location align with any descriptions or images the client has shared with me? Will this location enable me to meet and exceed their expectations?
◆Does this location have any personal significance?
◆Do I have a distinct creative vision, and will this location offer opportunity for execution on that?
Questions I ask my clients before confirming a shoot location:
How do you want these images to feel?
Before diving into specific locations, take a moment to reflect on the vibe you’re drawn to. Are you dreaming of soft, romantic tones with golden grass and wildflowers? Or do you lean towards moody, dramatic landscapes with mist rolling through towering pines? Your aesthetic will help guide your choice.A few examples, and how I might match them to a location:
Coastal & Free-Spirited –
Waves crashing against rugged shorelines, wind-swept sand dunes, driftwood-strewn beaches. Best locations: Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, Deception Pass.
Nostalgic and Vintage –
An urban escape. Local parks, in-home, or in location specific public areas.
Romantic & Ethereal –
Fields of flowers, golden meadows, or soft, rolling hills. Best locations: Mount Rainier’s wildflower meadows, Discovery Park’s open fields, Mt Si in June.
Moody & Adventurous –
Foggy forests, dramatic cliffs, or misty waterfalls. Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, vast views. Best locations: Mount Rainier, Artist Point, Olympic National Park.
How to Consider Season and Weather?
In my home state— Washington, landscapes transform beautifully with the seasons, so consider how the time of year will affect your chosen spot.
Spring – Lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, waterfalls at their fullest. Tones: bright, green, vibrant.
Summer – Golden sunsets, alpine lakes, warm coastal breezes. Tones: golden, rich, energetic.
Fall – Fiery foliage, misty mornings, crisp air. Tones: warm, reds, deep.
Winter – Snow-dusted peaks, cozy cabins, frozen waterfalls. Tones: cool, blues, muted.
Since Washington is known for its unpredictable weather (especially in the western part of the state), having a backup plan is key. A little rain can add a dreamy, cinematic feel to your photos, but if you’re looking for sunshine, eastern Washington tends to be drier year-round.
What permits and accessibility considerations should I have?
Not every breathtaking location requires a hike, but some of the most scenic spots do take a little effort to reach. It’s important to consider how much adventure you’re up for and what works best for your attire, footwear, and overall comfort. Communicating difficulty level, and being prepared and knowledgeable are invaluably important!
Drive-Up Locations: Perfect for those who want stunning scenery without the hike. Examples: Artist Point (seasonal), Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Falls.
Short Hikes (Under 2 Miles): Great for balancing accessibility with a bit of adventure. Examples: Franklin Falls, Rattlesnake Lake, Second Beach.
Epic Hikes (3+ Miles): Ideal for couples who love adventure and want a remote, jaw-dropping backdrop. Examples: Colchuck Lake, Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier, Lake Ingalls.
Permits & Regulations
Some locations require commercial photography permits. If you're eloping, you may also need a ceremony permit. Sometimes, special permits are required. Always check the latest requirements on the National Parks website to avoid any surprises!
How can I communicate this to my clients and set expectations from the start?
A big part of creating a seamless and stress-free experience is setting clear expectations from the very beginning. From the first consultation, it’s important to walk clients through everything they need to know—what to wear, how to prepare for different weather conditions, what time of day will provide the best lighting, and what they can expect during the shoot itself. If hiking is involved, we can offer guidance on footwear, layers, and even provide recommendations for cozy, movement-friendly outfits that align with the location’s terrain. It’s also helpful to discuss the unpredictability of your location’s weather and encourage a flexible, adventurous mindset—sometimes, those misty clouds or unexpected drizzles create the most magical, cinematic moments! By building trust and excitement from the start, we help our couples feel confident and ready to fully embrace the experience, knowing their session will be a true reflection of their love and connection.
For more tips on shoot locations in Washington, check out my 80-page guide on the Pacific Northwest. Included below is a preview to how I break down locations for clients and students.
Looking for An Adventurous location for engagement photos?
blue lake
BEST ADVENTURE - BEST MOUNTAIN - NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK
Distance from Seattle: 2hr 45 min
The Blue Lake trail is a moderate 4.6 mile hike out of the Winthrop area, a hike through forests to a beautiful bright blue alpine lake. Views of the lake and surrounding mountains to shoot at, and striking larches in autumn.
Always check trail conditions before you go, for reports of wildlife, sudden changes in weather, or road accessibility
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking
Dogs are allowed
Still photography does not require a permit
SEASONALITY & LIGHT
Expect road closures from late fall to late spring, always check maps before you go
Mountain locations often mean unpredictable weather and quickly shifting conditions. Expect snow until July, the best times to shoot are summer or fall, this location cannot be accessed in the late winter
When shooting on trails, always consider the time it will take to hike back out and the light conditions (post sunset) and pack a headlamp just in case
Looking for An accessible and diverse location for engagement photos?
deception pass
BEST BEACH - EASY ACCESS - DIVERSE VIEWS - YEAR ROUND ACCESS - WASHINGTON STATE PARK
Distance from Seattle: 1hr 30 min
Rosario Beach is my favorite area of Deception Pass and one of my favorite places to shoot at year-round, with its location on the North End of Puget Sound, its climate remains mild and offers great moody vibes. It offers cliffy bluffs, a beautiful small cove for shooting, and trails through a forest.
Great to pair with other Deception Pass locations (next pages)
Discover Pass is required for parking
Nearby Anacortes offers breweries and great options for food
Dogs are allowed
SEASONALITY & LIGHT
As with all West Coast beaches, sunsets are exceptional and an optimal time to shoot
Conditions are highly seasonal, expect sun and slow sunsets in the summer, light can be blown out in peak season, I recommend shooting on the beach first, then transitioning to the bluffs when the sun is lower
Expect wind, but even in the rain this location is great
Coastal locations often offer a milder climate, which creates a great location to shoot at in winter, spring, summer or fall
Looking for A local and diverse spot for engagement photos?
Discovery Park, Seattle
BEST BEACH - EASY ACCESS - DIVERSE VIEWS
Within Seattle
The discovery park bluffs are my most shot-at area in Seattle. They are easily accessed from the South Parking lot by a 10-minute walk, and offers golden fields overlooking the Puget Sound. It is a great area to get creative and for simple mini-sessions or family sessions.
No parking pass required
If you are meeting clients, make sure you specify which parking lot you will be meeting at
Dogs are allowed
Great to pair with Discovery Park Beach (previous page)
SEASONALITY & LIGHT
My favorite time to shoot here is sunset, to use the golden light to illuminate the fields and create beautiful golden images
Accessible year-round
Gets very busy especially on nice days and in the summer, but usually doesn't impact the ability to shoot
Listen now, if you live in the area you probably thinking, "yeah of course, Marci”. But let me ask you, where is the best space to grow? A space that’s comfortable, accessible, and encourages you to use your eye in a new way. I have shot at Discovery Park probably 25+ times, but every time I’m there, I’m grounded in my creativity and purpose. It encourages me to pull from the subject, not allowing the landscape alone to do the communicating. It allows me to take moments of pause, and think “how can I see this differently?”. I also want you to consider the value in shooting somewhere just 15 minutes from home, that will serve you long term in the sustainability of your business, and supplement those 3 hour drives in the middle of the night to get to those peaks.
Aesthetically, what does it offer? Beautiful rolling golden tones, interesting textures and perspectives (grass + water) wide views of the Olympics, and cool blues post sun-down.
