Best Places in Washington for Photographers
HOME ◆ WASHINGTON
Looking for the Perfect place in washington for your next photoshoot?
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If you're wanting some insight into how I approach locations, this guide will offer all of that and more. In the examples below, (pulled straight from this 78 page guide) you'll find notes of considerations I took into building this resource. What do my clients always ask when trying to locate a shoot spot?
◆How far of a drive is it?
◆How accessible is it?
◆When is the best time of day to shoot?
◆Do we need any permits? What about parking passes?
◆When should we visit to avoid crowds?
Over 45 locations-- every one with examples of my own photos from real shoots.
enjoy this preview of the guide, or purchase the full guide at the link below —
01 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
02 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
03 discovery park
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.
