10 Dreamy Storytelling Session Ideas for Seattle Families
One of my favorite things about a longer Storytelling session is that we have room to wander, play, and let the day unfold. No rushing, adding in some poses and games here and there, just your family being wonderfully yourselves, somewhere that actually means something to you. If you're dreaming up your own session, here are ten of my favorite ideas for storytelling sessions around Seattle. I would have so much fun photographing you doing any of these things…
1. Shiny Downtown
One of my favorite sessions took us to Seattle Center, where we used the colorful, mirrored exterior of MoPOP as the coolest backdrop. Your family can play at the Artists at Play playground, grab some popcorn, and wrap up splashing in the fountain. Water is always a bonus — it's so much fun.
2. Monochrome Rainbow Party
I always hope people will wear something colorful, but what if we go all the way? Picture each family member head-to-toe in one bold color. We'll meet downtown or at the beach — maybe Golden Gardens or Carkeek Park — and make playful, saturated images of you running, connecting, and being gloriously silly. I'll bring my Mary Poppins bag of tricks (little rainbows, gems, and prisms I'll use to add extra magic to your images).
3. Let's Take a Ferry Ride!
The best part of my longer sessions is that we have time for a real adventure. Let's meet downtown and walk onto the Bainbridge Island ferry. I'll photograph you and your family in the wind, with all those retro ferry vibes, then we'll head along the coast to throw rocks into Puget Sound before settling in for a picnic and making our way home.
4. Downtown Seattle or Capitol Hill
Our city is so stinking beautiful. Let's head downtown to find wall art, shiny buildings, and hidden alleys. We can splash in little fountains, grab gelato, and pop into the Seattle Central Library to play in that famous red hallway. This one is perfect for my three-hour Storytelling sessions, there's just so much to explore.
5. Mega Bubbles
For my daughter's second birthday, we went deep into the world of giant bubbles — they catch the light and turn into shiny little rainbows that are endlessly fun to chase. And the look on a child's face when a bubble is bigger than they are? That's exactly the moment you'll want to remember. I picture this in your own backyard, or out among the trees at Hamlin Park or Discovery Park.
6. Pike Place and Flowers
A friend brought me the most gorgeous bouquet yesterday, and it inspired this whole post. After she left, I was a little bummed I hadn't paused our brunch for a quick shoot with those flowers. There's so much we can do with a bouquet — and the ones at Pike Place Market are magnificent. Let's meet downtown, wander the market picking out flowers, then walk over to Pier 66 to play with our blooms and the new playground (even though it's always so busy!).
7. Retro Car
Do you have a cool car? Let's build a whole session around it — say, that bright red Mustang. I picture everyone dressed in colors that either match the car or sit on the opposite side of the color wheel. We'll park somewhere lovely and use it as the world's best prop. Even better if it's a convertible!
8. Paint Party
This is actually a session I want to do with my own family. Picture everyone in white while we set up in your yard — or grab a big canvas and a rainbow of paint. Your people get to play and create, I get to make bright, colorful, playful images of your family, and you walk away with a brand-new piece of art you all made together. You’ll paint each other, paint a piece of art, just be fun and creative together!
8. Low Tide at Carkeek
I love the look on a kid's face when they lift a rock and find something living underneath. When I take my own kids to Carkeek Park — or Richmond Beach, Golden Gardens, or West Seattle — they get completely lost in the rocks, shells, and sand. Let's make a day of it, bring a picnic, and I'll photograph that shared curiosity while the tide is low.
10. Home
I know, I know, there are so many wild and wonderful ways to make unique photos, and I truly hope to do all of them with the right families. But when it comes down to it, my favorite place to photograph people is always home. Maybe with a walk around the neighborhood to your favorite park or café. Every Seattle neighborhood has its own little story, the free libraries, the pea patches, the tucked-away parks. I love telling the story of where you feel the most like yourselves.
However we spend it, the goal is always the same: an intentional day full of love for your favorite people, with photos that feel like your real, beautiful, chaotic now. Ready to book a Storytelling session? I'd love to dream one up with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Storytelling session?
About three hours, which is exactly what makes these adventures possible. There's room to ride the ferry, wait out a meltdown, chase one more bubble, and still catch good light. It gives your whole family time to settle in and you'll come away with a gallery of 150+ images, plus an album to hold in your hands at bedtime with the kids.
What actually happens during a session?
You and your family get to play, create, explore, and snuggle, and I get to witness and photograph what makes you all exactly who you are. We plan the session together, so what you're doing matches what makes you and your people feel happiest.
Which of these ideas work best with little kids?
It depends on the kids! My best advice is to ask them what they'd like to do. Or pick a couple of ideas you love and turn it into a game - "Would you rather be a monkey or a lion? Would you rather buy flowers at the farmers market or play with bubbles in the forest?"
What if my kid is shy, spirited, or having a hard day?
The best news about kids is that as fast as their feelings can go south, they can usually pivot right back. I was a teacher and a parent before I was a photographer, so kids are the real focus of my work. The longer Storytelling sessions are especially good for a rough day, because we plan out activities your child will genuinely love. I have a profound respect for childhood, and I think kids can sense it, they tend to warm up to me pretty fast.
Where do sessions take place?
That's the fun part… anywhere you'd like! That said, I'd rather spend our time photographing you than driving to get to you, so closer to Seattle is better.
What should we wear?
My number one rule: you and your people should wear what makes you happy. I'd just avoid neon (it reflects color onto everyone's skin) and big logos or graphics. And when in doubt, more color!
How far ahead should I book?
My schedule tends to book out three to six months in advance, so get in touch now and we'll find a date that works! Ready to dream one up? Let's book your session.
