A few more awesome family walks for Seattle families this spring...


Thanks so much for reading part II of my series! See part I here. We all need a mood booster after weeks upon weeks of rain. Here are some spring walks that we love. Stay tuned for part III!

Audubon Bird Loop + Bagels


We love Marymoor Park in Redmond! This 640 acre park is huge, with two playgrounds, sports fields, trails and even a velodrome. We especially enjoy the Audubon bird loop, with the wispy grasses, boardwalk and birds popping in and out of the grasses. Bring your binoculars and head to lot G to start the loop. A trail map can be found here, starting at the meadow kiosk. Parking is $1 with some machines accepting credit cards, and others only accepting cash. I always bring a few $1 bills and stuff them in my glovebox for this reason. Part of the loop will take you through the off leash dog area (map area of The Mysterious Thicket) so if dogs aren't your thing, I'd only do the portion marked The Grassy Meadow . Finish your walk with 2 minute drive to Blazing Bagels in Redmond. Google Maps will take you on the round-about way, via 520. I'd just select the walking option, and follow those directions in your car to get you to Blazing Bagels.

Grandmother walking on a trail with granddaughters in Redmond.
Kids jumping off a bench at Marymoor Park.

Cherry blossoms at the Capitol building + Pastries


The cherry blossoms at Olympia's Capitol building are worth a trek to see! The pretty white flowers amongst the backdrop of the grand Capitol building are stunning. Visiting hours for the Capitol are found here. After you wander inside and outside the grounds, head to the Capitol lake trail, a 1.7 mile urban loop with views of the Capitol building from afar. Stop by The Owl's Nest for some yummy coffee and pastries and eat them as you do the loop. Cherry blossoms peak in early-mid April!

Cherry blossoms at the Capitol building in Olympia.
Mother holding daughters amongst the cherry blossoms in Olympia.

Gasworks Park + Cafe


I've love going to Gasworks Park and take all my out-of-town family here. This easy 0.5 mile loop takes you up a grassy hill to see the awesome Seattle skyline and sundial, to walk past remnants of the giant gasification plant and around to a children's playground with slides and climbing structures. Which parent doesn't like a playground with a view?! Use your walking feet or pack a scooter/helmet for the loop. Stop by the delicious Mas Cafe for some lunch! They're closed at dinnertime so check their hours in advance before you go.

Seattle skyline at Gasworks Park.
Scootering as Gasworks park.
Gasification plant at Gasworks park.

A little about me...


I'm Ling Ling, a wife, girl mom and family photographer for Eastside and Seattle families. Seattle has slogs and slogs of rain in the spring which can get depressing at times...so my walks are motivated by treats (bribing kids and moms is ok!) because if we can get some fresh air and move our bodies, that's such a mood booster for us all!


Consider ending your walk with a family photo session. Your family exploring the boardwalk, looking for birds at Marymoor Park. Walking through the Capitol building and twirling amongst the cherry blossoms. Scootering on the hill by the gas plant at Gasworks Park...the options are endless. There's so many beautiful backdrops in the Greater Seattle area.


Photo of Ling Ling the photographer.
Photographer photographing a family at Marymoor Park.

My session info:


Families who book the full session receive a comprehensive client guide. In it are tips to prepare for your session, locations I've pre-scouted and love and access to a personal stylist. Half the headache (or half the fun?) can be choosing what to wear so I want to make it easy for you! If you'd like the help, families can fill out a few questions, including the brands, colors and style you're drawn to and my personal stylist can provide a few options for you! See the transformation from outfit round #1 to the final result below. It makes such a difference!


Families also fill out a detailed questionnaire, where I ask your likes, dislikes and dream shots. This helps us get on the same page and create those photos that you'd want framed on your walls. My pricing is a 3 tiered approach so families only pay for the photos they love. All info on my portfolio, pricing and process can be found here.

Outfits
More outfits
Extended family photo with outfits

Frequently asked questions:


  • Are we a good fit? I work well with clients who are laid back, fun and trust me with the flow of the session.
  • How do we pick a location? I have a list of locations I've pre-scouted and love. Depending on the location, I can photograph anywhere from 3 hours to right before sunset.
  • What if it rains? After all, it is Seattle! On the day of your family photo session, I'll monitor the weather! We may move our session up or down a few hours depending on the period of dry weather forecasted. I'll be in touch by email in the days leading up to the session and on the day of, will be in touch via text message.
  • How do I book a session? You can book directly on my website or if you have any questions, can email me at linglingzhengphotography@gmail.com
  • Why should we take family photos? I've been in your shoes and know the effort involved in prepping for a family photo session. Will my kids behave? What should we wear? Where do we go? I don't look like a model and my phone has tons of selfies already. Isn't that enough? I'm here to tell you after we get our family photos done (yes, even photographers do it!), I've printed them out, hung them up and smile when I see them. My kids love seeing themselves on the walls too! Artistic, joyfully captured photos of me with my loved ones is something I value over most possessions I have. Yes, it takes time and effort but I've created guides and will help you with every step of the way. If this sounds good to you, I'd love to work with you!


Thanks so much for reading. Stay tuned for part III!