Family Photographer in Cordova Bay
Beach days, sandy toes and forest trails in Saanich’s seaside neighbourhood.
Cordova Bay is a beach neighbourhood at heart. Families here spend summer evenings on the sand and winter afternoons walking the shore, so it makes sense that so many want their family photos by the water.
I’m Alyssa, a family photographer based on the Saanich Peninsula, just up the road. My sessions are relaxed and playful. I’ll prompt you into little moments, like spinning your daughter around or walking into the waves together, and capture the real reactions that follow.
Beach sessions are a little different from park sessions, though. There are tides to think about, sand in everything and wind off the water. Here’s how I help Cordova Bay families plan for it.
Planning a Cordova Bay beach session with kids
The single most useful thing we can do is check the tide. A lower tide usually means more beach to play on and more room to spread out, while a high tide can leave only a narrow strip. When we pick your date, I’ll look at the tide table alongside the sunset time.
Next, think about warmth. Even on a sunny day, the breeze can be cool. A cosy knit or jacket that goes with your outfits means nobody needs to hide in the car halfway through.
Finally, give the kids permission to get messy. Rolled-up pants, bare feet in the shallows and sand on knees look wonderful in photos, and they’re the moments your kids will remember.
I’ll keep things moving with games and little challenges, like who can find the smoothest rock or who can jump the biggest wave. If you have a shy child, beach play is one of the easiest ways to help them forget about the camera. For more ideas, see my post on getting kids laughing in family photos.
- Check the tide and sunset time together
- Bring a warm layer that matches your outfits
- Pack a towel, snacks and a spare set of clothes
- Leave shoes in the car if the kids want to wade
Local spots in and around Cordova Bay
Cordova Bay Park, a small neighbourhood park on Cordova Bay Road, has a playground, a lookout, trails and access down to Cordova Bay beach. It’s one of Saanich’s most popular beaches, so a quieter time of day helps.
Agate Park on Agate Lane is another small beach access with a lookout and picnic tables. Saanich notes that parking there is limited, so it works best when your family can arrive in one car.
Just south, PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) holds the largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula, with trails winding down to a secluded sandy beach. That combination is hard to beat: we can start among tall trees and finish on the sand. Saanich recommends the beach parking lot if you’re driving, and some lower beach trails can close temporarily to protect a heron nesting area, so check before you go.
Not sure which one suits your crew? Tell me a little about your family through my contact page and I’ll suggest the best fit.
Questions families ask
Is summer the only good season for beach photos?
Not at all. Summer is the warmest, but the beach is often quieter in spring and fall, and the softer light can be beautiful. Bring layers and we’ll make it cosy.
What if it’s windy on the beach?
A bit of wind adds movement to hair and dresses, which can look lovely. If it’s very strong, we can move into the forest at Mount Douglas for shelter.
Can we bring the dog to the beach?
Saanich has seasonal dog rules on Cordova Bay beaches and doesn’t allow dogs on the PKOLS beach, so check the current rules for your chosen spot before you go.
Do you travel to Cordova Bay?
Yes. It’s an easy drive from my North Saanich base. My Cordova Bay photographer page lists everything I offer in the area.
What happens after our session?
Once your photos are edited, you’ll view them in a private online gallery and choose the package that suits you. Prints, albums and canvases are available through me, and you can learn more on my family photography 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.