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What to Expect at Your Family Session

If you have been searching for a family photographer in Lake Stevens, Bothell, or Lynnwood who creates natural, relaxed images that actually look like your family — you are in the right place. We are a husband and wife photography team, and family sessions have a special place in our hearts. After more than 500 sessions across Snohomish County, we have learned that the best family photos happen when everyone is comfortable, laughing, and just being together.

Our approach is simple: we meet you at a beautiful outdoor location, spend a few minutes getting to know your crew, and then guide you through a mix of gentle poses and playful prompts that bring out your family's personality. We are not looking for rigid, everyone-stare-at-the-camera portraits. We want the tickle fights, the piggyback rides, the quiet forehead kisses, and the belly laughs that happen in between the "official" shots. Those are the images you will treasure most.

Every family session includes a planning consultation where we help you choose the perfect location, coordinate outfits, and plan the best time of day for gorgeous light. After the session, your gallery of 50 to 150 professionally edited images is delivered within three to four weeks through a beautiful online gallery. Sessions start at $450. See our full family photography packages for details.

Best Locations for Family Photos

One of the questions we hear most often is "Where should we take our family photos?" Fortunately, the area around Lake Stevens, Bothell, and Lynnwood is full of stunning outdoor locations that photograph beautifully in every season. Here are some of the spots we return to again and again.

Bothell Landing Park is one of our all-time favorites. The park sits along the Sammamish River and offers a mix of open grassy fields, mature trees, rustic wooden bridges, and gentle waterfront paths. The variety of backdrops means every photo in your gallery feels different, and the soft light that filters through the canopy during golden hour is simply gorgeous.

Blyth Park, also in Bothell, is a hidden gem that most families have never visited. A winding trail leads down to the Sammamish River through dense forest, opening up to clearings with ferns, moss-covered logs, and dappled light. It feels like stepping into a Pacific Northwest fairy tale and it is perfect for families who want a more woodsy, intimate setting.

The Burke-Gilman Trail near Bothell and Kenmore offers paved paths, wildflower fields, and waterfront stretches that work well for families with strollers or young children who need room to explore. For lakeside scenery, the parks and public access points around Lake Stevens provide calm water, mountain reflections, and wide open skies that create effortlessly stunning backgrounds.

We also love working in neighborhood parks, private backyards, and even your own living room for in-home lifestyle sessions. The best location is wherever your family feels most at ease. Need more ideas? Browse our guide to family photo locations in Bothell and Snohomish County.

Session Types We Offer

Family Mini (1 hour) — $450: One private hour at the outdoor location of your choice with 50 edited images. Ideal for families with children of all ages, couples, and multi-generational groups. This gives us plenty of time for group photos, sibling shots, individual portraits, and candid play.

Classic (2 hours) — $550: Our most popular collection. Perfect for larger families, sessions with grandparents, or families who want an outfit change or a second location. You will receive 100 edited images and far more variety in your final gallery.

Signature (3 hours) — $650: Multiple locations, unhurried time for every grouping, and 150 edited images — built for milestone gatherings and the set you want to print large.

Mini Sessions (20 minutes) — $225: We offer seasonal mini sessions throughout the year — spring blossoms, summer golden hour, fall foliage, and holiday sessions. These are shorter, with 10 edited images, and they are a great way to keep your family photos current without a big time commitment.

In-Home Lifestyle Sessions: Available within any collection above on request. For families with newborns or very young children, in-home sessions capture your everyday life in the most beautiful way. We photograph you in your own space — morning routines, nursery snuggles, kitchen dance parties — with a documentary approach that turns ordinary moments into art.

Not sure what to wear? Read our complete guide to family photo outfits for tips on colors, patterns, and layering.

Family of four laughing during outdoor session at Bothell Landing Park Parents holding toddler during golden hour family photos in Lake Stevens Siblings playing together at Blyth Park family photography session Bothell WA

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do family photos cost in Lake Stevens and Bothell?

Family photography sessions start at $450 for a one-hour session with 50 edited images. Extended sessions and seasonal mini sessions are also available at different price points. Visit our family pricing page for a full breakdown of packages and what is included.

Where are the best locations for family photos near Bothell and Lake Stevens?

Some of our favorite locations include Bothell Landing Park, Blyth Park, sections of the Burke-Gilman Trail, and lakefront spots around Lake Stevens. Each offers different scenery — from wooded trails to open fields and waterfront views. We help you choose the perfect spot during your planning call.

What should we wear for our family photo session?

We recommend coordinating rather than matching. Choose a simple color palette of two to three complementary tones and mix textures and layers for visual interest. Avoid large logos, neon colors, and busy patterns. We send every family a detailed style guide after booking. You can also read our blog post on what to wear for family photos for more inspiration.

How do I prepare my kids for a family photo session?

The best thing you can do is let them be themselves. We keep sessions playful and low-pressure, with games, movement, and plenty of breaks. We recommend scheduling around nap times, bringing a favorite snack, and avoiding brand-new outfits that might feel uncomfortable. Our goal is genuine smiles, not forced poses.

How long does a family photo session last?

Standard family sessions last about one hour, which gives us plenty of time for group photos, individual shots, sibling portraits, and candid play. For larger families or sessions with multiple outfit changes, we offer extended 90-minute sessions. Mini sessions of 20 minutes are available during seasonal events.

What happens if it rains on our session day?

If the forecast calls for heavy rain or unsafe conditions, we reach out the day before and reschedule at no cost. Light drizzle we usually shoot through — the soft, even light is genuinely flattering, and kids love the puddles.

How do we reserve our date?

A signed agreement and a 50% retainer secure your date; the balance is due before your session. We accept Zelle (fee-free) and the details come with your agreement. Until the agreement is signed, the date stays open.

Last Updated: September 2026

Ready to Book Your Family Session?

Your family is growing and changing every day. Let us freeze this moment in time with images you will look back on for generations.

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Have questions first? Text us at (708) 677-7136 — we usually reply within an hour.

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