Weather considerations for outdoor family photo sessions in Seattle
We both love and hate Seattle's weather. One day it's gorgeous, the next day it's raining sideways, and sometimes it does both in the same hour. But because I specialize in outdoor family portraits, I've learned how to work with the Pacific Northwest's moody weather patterns. Here's what you need to know about scheduling your family photos session in Seattle's unpredictable climate.
Understanding Seattle's seasons (and their bullshit)
The PNW is unpredictable as hell, but here are the general patterns and how they affect outdoor family portrait sessions:
Summer (June-September): This is my busy season because it's the most reliable time for dry weather. Temperatures usually hit 65-80°F with minimal rain and those beautiful golden hours everyone loses their minds over. Early mornings are perfect if your family can handle waking up (good luck with that if you have kids), and you'll get soft light plus more privacy since fewer people are at parks at 7am. Late afternoons work too, but parks get crowded and kids can be tired and cranky.
Fall (October-November): Fall is fucking gorgeous in Seattle. The changing leaves create stunning backdrops, the light is beautiful, and everyone looks good in layers. But it's unpredictable. Temperatures drop to 50-65°F and rain becomes more likely. If you want those fall vibes for your family photos, you need to be okay with either flexible scheduling or potentially getting a little wet. Also, kids love jumping in leaf piles, which makes for great photos but also means someone's going home muddy.
Winter (December-February): The best light of the entire year. No joke. Winter gives us soft, even, gorgeous light that makes everyone look amazing. The downside? It's cold (40-50°F) and it rains a lot. Like, some years, lot a lot. But if your family can handle bundling up in cute layers and maybe getting a little damp, winter sessions are magical. Plus, fewer people are outside, so we get more privacy. We can also use covered locations like greenhouses or covered gardens if you're not into the full outdoor experience.
Spring (March-May): Spring in Seattle means blooming flowers, green everything, and temperatures warming up to 50-65°F. It also means rain, usually a lighter rain. But if you're okay with that (and honestly, if you live here, we all kinda are), spring is beautiful. The fresh greenery photographs amazingly, and kids tend to have more energy as the days get longer. Just plan for wind and bring layers.
Essential planning tips
When you're scheduling your outdoor family portrait session in Seattle, here's what actually matters:
Location scouting: I choose locations with natural wind barriers and options for both sunny and shaded areas. Parks with tree cover, beaches with driftwood windbreaks, covered pavilions - places where we have options no matter what the weather does. This is especially important for plus size families or families with accessibility needs. We're not hiking to the top of a mountain in the rain with three kids under five!
Timing matters (but also kids matter more): Yeah, early morning light is gorgeous. But if your kids are monsters before 9am, we're not doing that to you. I'd rather meet at a less "optimal" time and have everyone happy than force a golden hour session that ends in tears. Afternoon sessions work great, especially in fall and winter when the light is softer all day anyway.
Comfort is key: Bring layers. Seriously. Even if it looks warm, bring jackets or blankets. Kids get cold, adults get cold, and nobody photographs well when they're miserable. I always recommend stylish layers that coordinate with your outfits.
Embracing Seattle's unique light (aka why clouds are your friend)
Seattle's famous overcast days are actually perfect for family photos. Cloud cover creates natural diffusion, which means no harsh shadows, no squinting into the sun, and no weird raccoon eyes on anyone.
The "Seattle glow" - that soft, pearly light when the sun filters through clouds - is fucking magical for family portraits. Everyone looks good. All skin tones photograph beautifully. Nobody's sweating because it's not too hot. This is peak outdoor family photography weather, and we get it regularly.
Contingency planning (because shit happens)
Always have a backup plan:
Reschedule options: We'll discuss weather backup plans before your session. If there's dangerous weather (heavy rain, ice, wildfire smoke making the air quality unsafe), we'll reschedule. I'm not making your family suffer through unsafe conditions for photos.
Embrace the elements: Light rain? That can actually be beautiful. I’ll bring clear umbrellas and together, we lean into the cozy wet-weather vibe, maybe letting your kids splash in puddles. Some of the best family photos happen when we just roll with it instead of fighting it.
Have indoor-outdoor options: Covered locations give us flexibility. Greenhouses, covered pavilions, porches - places where we can still use natural light but have some protection from the weather. I walk through these options with all of my clients beforehand!
What this means for queer and polyam families
If you're a queer couple with kids, a polyamorous family, or any other non-traditional family configuration, weather planning is the same. The difference is that I'm already thinking about your specific needs. Do you have multiple parents who all want photos together? We'll need extra time. Do you have accessibility needs? We'll choose locations accordingly. Does someone get cold easily? We'll plan for that.
Your family structure doesn't change how weather works, but it does change how we plan the session. And that's what the pre-session consultation is for - figuring out what you actually need, not just assuming all families are the same.
The plus size factor (because yes, it matters)
If you're plus size, you might be thinking about how weather affects what you wear and how comfortable you'll be. Here's the real talk:
Layers are your friend. Not to hide your body, but because weather in Seattle changes every five minutes and having options is smart. Plus, layers photograph beautifully and add visual interest.
We're choosing accessible locations. I'm not making you hike to some remote spot. We're going to beautiful locations that are actually reachable without a mountaineering expedition. Every plus size body is different so we talk about accessibility of all location options so you can choose the best one for your family.
Comfort matters more than weather. If it's too cold, too hot, or too uncomfortable, the photos won't be good. We'll find a time and place where everyone in your family feels good, and that includes considering weather conditions that work for all body types.
Final thoughts on Seattle weather and family photos
Seattle's weather is unpredictable, but with proper planning, it creates incredible opportunities for unique family portraits. The key is flexibility, being realistic about your family's needs, and working with a photographer (hi, that's me) who knows how to work with the PNW's distinctive light and seasonal quirks.
Your comfort, and your kids' comfort, is more important than perfect weather. When everyone's relaxed and having a good time, that's when the magic happens. Some of the best family photos I've taken have been on overcast days with a little wind or even light rain. It adds atmosphere, it keeps everyone engaged, and it creates images that feel real instead of staged.
So don't stress too much about the weather. We'll figure it out together, we'll have backup plans, and we'll create beautiful outdoor family portraits that celebrate your family exactly as it is: whether that's a queer couple with kids, a polyamorous family, a chosen family, or any other configuration. Seattle weather included.
Ready to book your family session? Let's do this, rain or shine.
