The Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle


This was my 5th time photographing this dear family and the more common locations (ex: Bellevue Botanical Garden and Juanita Bay Park) we had done before. They wanted a garden vibe so I location scouted several spots. The Center for Urban Horticulture, a place I had been going to unwind and enjoy nature, since my college days at UW was the winner. This spot had everything I wanted...a forest, a garden and a trail to provide variety to their gallery. I loved photographing at this location so much, I hope more families choose it in the future.

Family walking hand in hand at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle.

The lighting is amazing here!


Photography is all about the light. On a sunny day, this location really shines!

  • The forest has great light fall off (it's dark in the backdrop) while also giving you backlighting (rim of light around the hair). This combination really helps you stand out!
  • The trail has neutral colored rocks, which is great for accurate skin tones. The sunlight reflects off the rocks, back onto your faces beautifully.
  • The garden has a variety of flowers and greenery on a neutral colored pavement. You get a variety of textures, colors and layers in your photos.
Mother and her daughters pose for portrait in the forest.
Mother smiles and looks at her daughter in a forest in Seattle.
Posed family portrait in a forest in Seattle.

There is space to spread out.


The Center for Urban Horticulture is a garden, connected to the Union Bay Natural Area trail. Combined, there's so much space to spread out for your family photo session. There was another photographer on the trails, so we started our session in the forest. I am a broken record when saying this, but the less onlookers at your session, the more relaxed you'll feel. The more space you can spread out to walk, giggle and explore, the more comfortable you'll be.

Teenage daughters laugh and walk at the Union Bay Natural Area.
Sisters smile and walk together at the Union Bay Natural Area trail.
Sisters posed portrait at sunset in Seattle.
Detail shot of sisters hands.

You can choose a fun color palette.


For a spring or summer session, choose any colors, so long as they're not GREEN because you don't want to blend into your environment. I love how this family chose a fun mix of patterns, textures and lengths, complementing each person's personality! They chose two colors (blue and white) and used a variety of shades of those colors. By having a color palette, it elevated their family photos.

Husband and wife walk together at sunset in Seattle.
Posed portrait of husband and wife at Union Bay Natural Area.
Husband twirling wife in a field in Seattle.
Posed family portrait, backlit, at sunset at Union Bay Natural Area.

A couple things to note:


  • Parking is free at the Center for Urban Horticulture. In the spring and summer, you may encounter graduations, weddings or other events. The parking lot may be full and you may need street parking.
  • We may walk any length of the trail, so get ready to walk 10-15 minutes from location to location. The trail is flat and graveled.
  • The best lighting is the hour before sunset. In the summer months, this is anywhere from a 7pm start time to an 8pm start time. If this is too late for your family, this location is still doable! We may stick to the forest more than the trail and garden, as it blocks more of the harsh sunlight.
  • U Village shopping complex is a couple minutes away so grab an ice cream after your session. :)
Family walks hand in hand in Seattle with a sunburst.
Twin sister smile and hug at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
Father and daughter dance together at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
Mother and daughters pose for portrait in a garden in Seattle.