The Best Photoshoot Locations in Seattle
Seattle, Washington, is a city known for its stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. It is no wonder that it has become a popular destination for photographers and photography enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best photoshoot locations in Seattle. From parks and waterfalls to museums and viewpoints, Seattle offers a wide range of diverse and picturesque spots for capturing stunning photographs.
Iconic Seattle Landmarks
Pike Place Market & Post Alley: Pike Place Market is a bustling market located at 85 Pike St, offering plenty of vibrant scenes and opportunities for street photography. From the fresh produce stands and fish markets to the colorful flower stalls and bustling crowds, Pike Place Market is a sensory delight for photographers. Post Alley, located nearby, is another noteworthy spot for capturing unique shots with its charming brick walls and hidden corners.
Seattle Waterfront: The Seattle Waterfront offers a picturesque backdrop for photography with its stunning views of Elliott Bay and the city skyline. Whether you're capturing the ferries gliding across the water or the majestic Olympic Mountains in the distance, the waterfront provides endless opportunities for stunning photographs.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located in the Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum that showcases the studio glass of artist Dale Chihuly. The museum provides a detailed look at Chihuly's career and offers visitors a unique insight into his creative process. The centerpiece of the museum is the Glasshouse, featuring an incredible 100-foot-long suspended sculpture made up of thousands of individual glass pieces. This stunning installation serves as a mesmerizing backdrop for photographs.
Space Needle & Museum of Pop Culture: No visit to Seattle would be complete without capturing the iconic Space Needle. Situated at 400 Broad St, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for capturing the cityscape. Whether you're shooting from the ground or taking advantage of the observation deck, the Space Needle provides a unique perspective of Seattle.
Kerry Park: Located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park offers an unsurpassed view of Elliott Bay and the central city. This small public park is particularly popular among photography enthusiasts who visit to capture the stunning vistas, especially during sunset. From the park, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, making it a great spot for capturing the city's iconic landmarks and architecture.
Seattle Parks and Natural Beauty
Discovery Park: Discovery Park offers stunning views of the water, forested trails, and open meadows, providing a variety of backdrops for your photos. Plus, you can capture beautiful shots with the iconic lighthouse. The best times of day to shoot at Discovery Park are during golden hour, which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times will enhance the beauty of the park. The West Point Lighthouse and the meadows near the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center are both picturesque locations that many people choose for their photos.
Washington Arboretum: Washington Arboretum offers a beautiful variety of gardens, pathways, and scenic views that make for stunning backdrops. The Japanese Garden is a favorite among photographers for its serene atmosphere and beautiful foliage. The Azalea Way is another popular spot, especially during spring when the azaleas are in full bloom.
Volunteer Park: Volunteer Park offers a variety of beautiful backdrops, including the iconic Volunteer Park Conservatory, the Water Tower with stunning views of the city, and the picturesque pathways and gardens. It's a great place to capture both nature and architectural elements in your photos.
Carkeek Park: Located in the northwest part of Seattle, Carkeek Park offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and several scenic spots for photography. The park features forest trails, beach access, and even an old apple orchard, providing a variety of backdrops for your photoshoot.
Kubota Garden: Kubota Garden is a fantastic place for a photoshoot. It's a Japanese garden located in Seattle, Washington. The garden is filled with beautiful landscapes, serene ponds, and vibrant flowers. It's a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photos and creating a peaceful atmosphere. Plus, the garden has different seasons, so you can get a variety of looks throughout the year.
SODO: The SODO district in Seattle provides an urban backdrop with its industrial buildings and street art, making it a unique location for photography. From colorful murals to gritty alleyways, SODO offers plenty of opportunities to capture the vibrant spirit of the city. The best place to take photos in SODO is the SODO track. It’s an outdoor art gallery with vibrant and colorful murals that make for unique and eye-catching backdrops.
Seattle Museums and Architectural Marvels
University of Washington – Suzzallo Library: The Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington is an architectural gem and a great location for capturing stunning library scenes and intricate details. With its gothic-inspired design, grand reading room, and beautiful stained glass windows, the library offers a captivating setting for photography.
Seattle Public Library – Central Library: Another noteworthy library for photography enthusiasts is the Central Library of the Seattle Public Library system. Known for its modern and striking architecture, the Central Library features unique geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and sweeping staircases that provide interesting angles and compositions for photography.
Olympic Sculpture Park: Located on the waterfront, the Olympic Sculpture Park showcases contemporary sculptures against the backdrop of the Puget Sound. This unique outdoor museum provides photographers with a variety of artistic and architectural subjects to capture. From large-scale installations to intricate details, the park offers endless possibilities for creative photography.
Other Notable Destinations near Seattle for the Adventurous
Gold Creek Pond: Gold Creek Pond is a stunning location for a photoshoot. Located in the Snoqualmie Pass area of Washington, it offers breathtaking mountain views, a tranquil pond, and beautiful reflections. The surrounding nature provides a picturesque setting, especially during the fall when the foliage turns vibrant colors.
Short scenic hikes around Snoqualmie: Snoqualmie, located east of Seattle, offers picturesque hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Whether you're capturing the rushing water of Wallace Falls or the breathtaking vistas at Snoqualmie Pass, these hikes provide endless photo opportunities.
Wallace Falls: Wallace Falls State Park, located northeast of Seattle, features a series of beautiful waterfalls that make for incredible photo opportunities. The park offers well-maintained trails that take you through lush forests and lead to stunning viewpoints of the falls.
Eagle Falls: Eagle Falls, also located northeast of Seattle, is another picturesque waterfall worth exploring for photography. With its cascading waters and surrounding greenery, this hidden gem offers a tranquil setting for capturing nature's beauty.
McAuliffe Park: Located in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle, McAuliffe Park offers stunning views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. With its open fields, waterfront access, and beautiful trees, this park provides a picturesque setting for outdoor photoshoots.
Final Thoughts
Seattle is a city that offers a wealth of stunning locations for photography. From its natural beauty to its iconic landmarks and cultural attractions, there is something for every photography enthusiast to capture. Whether you're exploring the parks and waterfalls, visiting museums, or admiring the city's architecture, Seattle provides endless opportunities to create breathtaking photographs. So grab your camera, soak in the beauty of Seattle, and capture moments that will last a lifetime.