If you're from Seattle, then you understand that Bellevue, Washington is a very central part of Seattle's Eastside. In fact, Bellevue is the closest city to Seattle with the largest population next to Seattle's (155,000 in Bellevue as of 2024). The following map taken from AllTrails gives a sense of both the scale and greenery offered in beautiful Bellevue! As a portrait photographer, I feel very fortunate to be based here.
As you can gather from the above map, Bellevue offers a bounty of natural landscapes, parks and trails for your outdoor family photoshoot backdrops That said, one reliable location and a personal favorite is the Bellevue Downtown Park.
My favorite photoshoot location in bellevue, washington
Even on a hot summer's day, I've found a perfect shady corner that delivers fantastic photographs for my families. The other advantage to the Downtown Bellevue Park is its proximity to the Inspiration playground. If your kids need to get their wiggles out, this huge playground is just steps away from where I'm normally stationed. In the playground itself, I will often run into my favorite local face painting artist: Adamova Lena. This is a rewarding treat to give to children after their photoshoot session.
The picturesque backdrops at the Bellevue Downtown Park also make for sweet couples portraits.
- The Coal Creek Natural Area and the hills in Somerset, Bellevue provide for gorgeous sun-kissed, golden hour shots with stunning viewpoints to Seattle.
- The Bellevue Botanical Gardens: for families who love florals! The winding paths and lush greenery feels like stepping into a storybook.
- Kelsey Creek Park is a nice option for families with younger kids. With wide open spaces, a playground, a farm and a creek itself - kids love exploring here and lots of natural play can be woven into your portraits.
Family portrait taken in the bellevue downtown park under a shady area on a hot summer's day
Rewarding the children with face painting at inspiration playground after we had just finished scoping the bellevue downtown park for a big portrait event that was coming up. artist: Adamova Lena
much to choose from
A golden hour family photoshoot in Somerset, Bellevue, WA
celebrating chinese new year with a portrait photoshoot at Kelsey Creek park in Bellevue, Washington
Planning a family photoshoot in Bellevue, WA
Do you have family spread out across the Seattle and Eastside areas? Are grandparents or siblings coming into town soon?
I'd love to help you plan a family photoshoot and create portraits that feel warm, connected and timeless.
Reach out to plan your family photoshoot session in Bellevue, Washington! I'd be honored to photograph this season of your family's story.
Related content: Are you based close to Bellevue, in nearby Redmond? Over my years of photographing families around Seattle and the Eastside, I've gathered a goldmine of picturesque outdoor locations ideal for portraiture. Here is a related article on my favorite Redmond photoshoot locations.
