Your North Saanich Photographer
Family, maternity and newborn photos from a photographer who calls North Saanich home.
North Saanich is my home base, and I still get excited every time I find a new trail or a fresh patch of light here. As a photographer in North Saanich, I get to work in the places my own family loves, from tall forest to quiet bays.
I photograph families, maternity, newborns and couples, and every session is relaxed and guided. Nothing forced and no saying cheese. I prompt you into moments where you are looking at each other, laughing and leaning in, because those are the photos you will want on your wall.
Because I live here, North Saanich sessions are about as easy as it gets. There is no travel fee, I know how the light falls through the trees at different times of year, and I can help you choose a spot that suits the ages and energy levels in your family.
North Saanich places I love suggesting
North Saanich is mostly quiet roads, farms, forest and shoreline, so it is easy to find a spot that feels like your own. These are three very different backdrops, and each suits a different kind of session.
- ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱/John Dean Provincial Park: a forested park on Mount Newton with old-growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar, about 6 km of marked trails and lookouts over Saanich Inlet. The trails are hilly, so this one suits families who like a little adventure. The main entrance is closed to vehicles in the winter months, so we plan around that.
- Dominion Brook Park: a historic ornamental park on East Saanich Road with rhododendron gardens, a sunken garden, ornamental ponds, cobblestone paths and a dry-stone bridge. It is a gentle, garden-like setting that works beautifully for maternity and for grandparents who prefer level ground.
- Patricia Bay and the Scoter Trail: a relatively flat trail along West Saanich Road with driftwood by the water and views across to Salt Spring Island. Lovely for a calm evening session by the sea.
- For hilltop views, I also love Horth Hill Regional Park and the forest-to-beach walk at Coles Bay Regional Park.
In-home sessions on the Peninsula
Many North Saanich families have big yards, gardens or a favourite tree swing. An in-home session lets us use all of that, along with the cosy corners inside, to show what everyday life looks like for you right now.
In-home sessions are my favourite way to do newborn photos. Baby is sleepiest at 5 to 10 days old, and up to about three weeks still works well. You stay comfortable, feed whenever you need to, and I capture the tiny details along with the family snuggles. My guide to preparing for an in-home newborn session walks you through it.
Older kids love home sessions too. Baking, a backyard game or reading together on the couch are perfect for family photos that feel like you.
What a North Saanich session looks like
Outdoors, we usually start with a few calm photos while everyone is fresh, then let the kids lead with exploring, log balancing and piggyback rides. Forest spots like John Dean look best when the sun is high enough to filter through the trees, while Patricia Bay is lovely in the last hour or two before sunset.
Spring brings rhododendron colour at Dominion Brook Park, summer gives long evenings by the water, and fall and winter are cosy times for in-home sessions.
What to expect when you book
After you book, I send you a prep guide, a Pinterest style board and a short questionnaire so I can get to know your family. We then pick your spot together in a free style and location consultation.
Your photos arrive in a private online gallery with black and white versions included, and you keep full-resolution digitals with printing rights. You can see the packages and add-ons on my investment page.
Questions families ask
Is there a travel fee for North Saanich?
No. North Saanich is my home base. Travel fees only come into play for locations more than 25 km away.
Which North Saanich spot is easiest for toddlers?
Dominion Brook Park and the Scoter Trail at Patricia Bay are both gentle choices. John Dean is beautiful but hilly, so it suits kids who are steady on their feet.
What should we wear for forest photos?
Soft, mid-tone colours stand out nicely against deep green trees, and sturdy shoes help on roots and slopes. I send a Pinterest style board after booking, and we go over outfits in a free style consultation.
Can grandparents join our session?
Absolutely. Immediate family is included, and extra people like grandparents or cousins are a small per-person add-on.
Can we drive into John Dean Park in winter?
The main entrance is closed to vehicles from about November to March, so winter sessions there involve more walking. I usually suggest another spot or an in-home session for those months.
Sessions in this area
Other areas I photograph
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.