If you’re from Seattle, then you know that Bellevue is a central part of the Eastside. It's also one of the most convenient and versatile cities for outdoor family photography, with a wide variety of parks, trails, and natural backdrops. When I choose a location for an outdoor family session, I’m always considering the direction of the sunlight at the time of our shoot, expected crowd levels, and how naturally the space allows a family to move, settle in and connect with one another. For all of those reasons, one especially reliable location, and a personal favorite of mine, is Bellevue Downtown Park.
For those hot summer days, I've found a perfect shady corner that delivers fantastic photographs for my families. Another 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 one of my favorite corners of this park.
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
Beyond Bellevue Downtown Park
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 across Bellevue, Seattle, and the Eastside? Are grandparents or siblings coming into town soon? Bellevue Downtown Park is such a beautiful setting for outdoor family sessions, whether you’re planning portraits for your immediate family or gathering loved ones together for extended family photos. As a Bellevue family photographer, I care deeply about creating an experience that feels calm, connected, and genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end. If you’re looking for warm, timeless family photographs in Bellevue, Washington, I’d be honored to help you preserve this season of your family’s story. Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Part of what makes Bellevue Downtown Park so special is its seasonal appeal. In spring, the cherry blossoms create an especially soft and dreamy setting for family portraits. In other seasons, the park still offers plenty of variety, from the duck ponds that children naturally gravitate toward to the Piloti installation and the stairs leading to the water feature. Together, these architectural elements and the park’s beautiful landscaping add texture and visual interest to any gallery.
Related content: If you’re based nearby in Redmond, you may also enjoy this guide to my favorite outdoor family photoshoot locations in Redmond.
