Family Photographer in Sidney, BC
Easy, laid-back family sessions in Sidney by the Sea, from the waterfront walkway to your own living room.
Sidney is a town made for slow family walks. The waterfront, the shops on Beacon Avenue and the quiet green corners in between make it easy to plan a session that feels like an ordinary evening out together, just with someone along to capture it.
I’m Alyssa, and I live just up the road in North Saanich. My family sessions are about connection rather than perfect poses. I’ll give you simple prompts, like walking hand in hand or racing to the next bench, and photograph the laughter and little glances that happen in between.
If you’d like to see how I work with families in general, have a look at my family photography sessions. This page is about planning one right here, and my Sidney photography page covers every other session type I offer in town.
Three Sidney spots I love suggesting for families
Sidney is compact, so we can often fit two different looks into one session without getting back in the car. Here are the places I usually bring up during our free location consultation.
The Waterfront Walkway runs about 2.5 km along the shore, with views across to the Gulf Islands and, on clear days, Mount Baker. The surface is smooth and works for strollers and mobility devices, though a couple of access points (Mt Baker Ave and Henry Ave) have stairs. Sculptures and benches along the way give kids natural places to stop, climb up beside, or sit with Grandma.
Eastview Park gives direct access to the Bevan Fishing Pier and has open lawn, garden displays and benches. A pier is a wonderful place for a family to walk out together toward the water, and the lawn gives little ones room to run before we settle in for a cuddle shot.
For a softer, greener feel, the KELSET (Reay Creek) trail follows Sidney’s salmon-bearing stream under a forest canopy between Canora Drive and Peter Grant Park. It’s about a 20 minute walk end to end, which is just right for little legs, and the shade is kind on bright summer days.
- Waterfront Walkway: open sea views, smooth path, benches and public art
- Eastview Park and the Bevan Fishing Pier: lawn, gardens and a walk out over the water
- KELSET (Reay Creek) trail: shady forest beside a creek, about 20 minutes on foot
How a Sidney family session flows
Once you book, I’ll send you a prep guide, a Pinterest style board with outfit ideas and a short questionnaire so I can get to know your family. We’ll choose the location together, and I’ll suggest a time of day that suits both the light and your kids’ routine.
On the day, we start with something easy, like a family walk, while everyone warms up. Then we play. Piggyback rides, tickles, a quiet moment on a bench, a run along the path. I’ll keep things moving so nobody gets bored, and I’ll always make sure Mom ends up in the photos too, since she’s so often the one holding the phone.
Not feeling the outdoors? An in-home session in your Sidney home works beautifully, especially in the cooler months. You can read more in my post on the benefits of in-home family photography.
Questions families ask
Is there a travel fee for family photos in Sidney?
Sidney is right next to my home base in North Saanich, so it sits well within the 25 km range. Travel fees only apply to locations farther than that.
Can grandparents join our Sidney family session?
Yes, I’d love that. Packages include immediate family, and extra people like grandparents or cousins are a small per-person add-on, so just let me know who’s coming.
What should we wear for photos by the water?
Soft, coordinating colours tend to look lovely against the sea and sky, and layers help when the breeze picks up. After booking you’ll get my Pinterest style board, and I’m happy to look at options with you.
What do we receive after the session?
You’ll get a private online gallery, black and white versions of your photos and full-resolution digitals with printing rights, depending on the package you choose. You can compare options on my investment page.
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.