Photographer in Royal Oak, Saanich
Gentle lakeside and wetland trails for new parents, growing bumps and busy families.
Royal Oak sits in the north part of Saanich, right where the city starts to open up toward the Peninsula. It is close to two of my favourite flat, gentle places for photos, which makes it a great area for new parents and expecting moms.
If you are looking for a photographer in Royal Oak, Saanich, I offer newborn, maternity, family and couples sessions outdoors or in your home. I keep the pace slow and easy, so nobody feels rushed.
Royal Oak is a short drive from my home in North Saanich. Depending on your location, a travel fee may apply for spots more than 25 km away, so ask me and I will confirm.
Royal Oak photo locations
Both of these spots have wide, level paths, which is exactly what you want a few days after giving birth or in your third trimester.
The light here is open and soft, especially in the hour or two before sunset. Reeds, water and wide skies make a calm, simple backdrop that keeps the focus on you and your little one.
- Rithet’s Bog: a 38-hectare conservation area in Royal Oak, and the last remaining peat bog on the Saanich Peninsula. A gravel perimeter loop circles the bog, with wetland views, interpretive signs and a lookout. Dogs are only allowed on leash on the perimeter trail and not in the conservation area.
- Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park: a large regional park in Saanich with two joined lakes and four beaches. Beaver Beach at the south end has shallow sand, and the Filter Beds area has gentle gravel paths. There are also picnic areas, a playground and washrooms, which helps on family days.
- Bear Hill Regional Park: on Bear Hill Road in Saanich, a short but steep trail through Douglas-fir, Garry oak and arbutus leads to a summit view over the Peninsula and Mount Baker. Better for couples and older kids than for a new mom, and there are no facilities.
Outdoor newborn sessions
Outdoor newborn photos are one of my favourite things to offer when the weather is mild. Imagine baby wrapped in a soft blanket in Dad’s arms, with reeds and water behind you. We keep it short, keep baby warm and take breaks whenever you need them.
The best window for newborn photos is when baby is 5 to 10 days old, and up to about three weeks still works well. If you would rather not leave the house, an in-home session is always an option. My in-home newborn prep guide explains how to get ready.
Bring a warm layer for baby, a feeding cover if you like, and a water bottle for Mom. I will help with the rest.
Maternity by the lake
Flat paths and soft lake light make Elk Lake and Rithet’s Bog easy choices for maternity photos. Sessions are about an hour, I have a few dresses in my client closet, and I can refer you to hair and makeup artists.
Many families book maternity and newborn together. If you are planning both, you can reach out through my contact page during your second trimester and we will plan the timing.
For the bump, a fitted top with a flowing skirt or a soft, long dress in a solid colour looks beautiful against water and greenery. If you have a special piece of jewellery or a baby item you would like included, bring it along.
I had a maternity and brand new baby photo shoot and before that I hadn’t had my pictures taken much, so I was pretty nervous because I didn’t know how to pose or how to really get my picture taken. But Alyssa was so amazing and made me feel so comfortable and pretty and told me what to do which was great! She even let me do some things I thought were cute and was very kind and flexible and the pictures came out so magical. She captured so many beautiful moments and I couldn’t be happier!
Lizzie P.
Questions families ask
Is Rithet’s Bog stroller-friendly?
The perimeter loop is a gravel trail, which many strollers handle well. Very small wheels may find it bumpy, so a carrier is a good backup.
Is there an algae advisory at Elk Lake?
The CRD sometimes posts water quality advisories for the lakes. We are there for photos, not swimming, but check the current advisories before you go if your kids want to paddle.
How soon after birth can we do outdoor newborn photos?
Whenever you feel ready, ideally within the first 5 to 10 days. If getting out feels like too much, we can do the session at home.
Is there a travel fee for Royal Oak?
A travel fee may apply for locations more than 25 km from North Saanich. Ask me and I will confirm for your spot.
Can older siblings come to a newborn session?
Yes, please bring them. Siblings meeting the new baby make some of the sweetest photos, and I keep them involved with little jobs and games.
Which Royal Oak spot is best in summer?
Elk/Beaver Lake has picnic areas, washrooms and beaches, so it is easy for a family outing. Some beach areas have seasonal dog rules, so check the current rules before you go.
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.