Seattle Senior Portraits: Celebrating Your Story Before the Next Chapter

Riverside gazebo senior portraits in Snohomish – white top and denim

There's something electric about senior portrait season in Seattle. Maybe it's the way the Pacific Northwest light filters through the trees in golden hour, or the way this city — with all its textures, neighborhoods, and personality — becomes the perfect backdrop for the most important photos of a young person's life so far. Whatever it is, I've fallen completely in love with photographing high school seniors here, and I want to share a little of what makes these sessions so special.

Why Seattle is a Dream Location for Senior Portraits

Seattle isn't just a backdrop — it's a co-star. From the moody waterfront at Alki Beach to the lush, overgrown trails of Discovery Park, from the gritty-cool energy of Capitol Hill to the golden fields of the Snohomish just outside the city, there's truly something for every personality here. Want industrial and edgy? We've got it. Soft and romantic? Absolutely. Adventurous and outdoorsy? Seattle was practically made for that.

I love working with seniors to find a location that actually means something to them — a neighborhood they grew up in, a park they've spent summers at, or simply a spot that matches the vibe they want to carry into adulthood.

What to Expect from Your Session

Senior portrait sessions with me are designed to feel as relaxed and fun as possible. I know that being in front of a camera can feel awkward — especially for teenagers who didn't ask to spend an afternoon being photographed — so my entire approach is built around making you feel like yourself.

We'll start with a quick wardrobe consultation so you're bringing outfits that photograph beautifully and feel authentic to you. Most seniors bring two to three looks, which gives us variety without the session feeling rushed. I'll guide you through posing in a way that never feels stiff or forced, and I promise we'll laugh a lot along the way.

Sessions typically run about two hours, giving us plenty of time to work through multiple looks and locations without feeling like we're racing the clock.

A Few of My Favorite Seattle Spots

While I'm always open to location requests, here are some spots I come back to again and again:

Discovery Park — expansive, wild, and endlessly varied. The bluffs overlooking the Sound are simply unbeatable.

Gasworks Park — industrial ruins meet sweeping city views. Perfect for seniors who want something with a little edge.

Alki Beach — a Pacific Northwest classic. The Olympic Mountains across the water make for a stunning backdrop, especially at sunset.

The Arboretum — lush greenery year-round, with seasonal blooms that change everything depending on when we shoot.

Capitol Hill & Pike/Pine — for seniors who want an urban, artsy feel with colorful murals and brick-lined alleys.

For the Parents

I know senior portraits aren't just a milestone for the senior — they're a milestone for the whole family. These are the photos that will hang on walls, go in graduation announcements, and get passed down someday. I take that seriously. My goal is to deliver images that feel timeless rather than trendy, genuine rather than posed, and full of the real personality of your kid at this exact, fleeting moment in their life.

I also offer wall art, albums, and print packages to help make sure these images live somewhere beautiful — not just buried in a digital folder.

Ready to Book?

Senior portrait season fills up fast, especially for spring and fall sessions. If you're a Class of 2027 senior (or the parent of one), I'd love to connect and start planning your session. Reach out through the contact page and let's talk about what makes your senior's story worth telling.

Because trust me — it absolutely is.

Love your photographer,

Anna