Family Photographer in Saanich
Lakeside beaches, a wetland boardwalk, a big urban forest or your own cosy living room: Saanich gives families plenty of choice.
Saanich is a big place. It stretches from the shores of Cordova Bay to the lakes in the north and the busy neighbourhoods near the city, so families here have a wonderful range of settings close to home.
I’m Alyssa, a lifestyle photographer from North Saanich, just up the highway. I photograph families the way they really are: snuggly, silly, a little chaotic and full of love. My job is to take the stiffness out of the experience so you can simply enjoy each other.
The first decision for most Saanich families isn’t which park. It’s whether to go out at all, or stay home.
At home or out and about?
In-home sessions are one of my favourite ways to photograph families. There’s no packing the car, no rushing to be on time and no worrying about the weather. Your kids are comfortable in their own space, which helps their real personalities shine. We can bake cookies, build a blanket fort or read stories on the couch, and I’ll capture it all with a sprinkle of loosely posed photos.
In-home sessions are also pet-friendly. If your dog or cat is part of the family, home is the easiest place to include them. You can read more in my post on in-home family photography.
Outdoor sessions, on the other hand, give you space, natural light and a sense of place. If your family loves being outside together, Saanich has some lovely options.
Saanich locations for outdoor family photos
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is a huge park with about 15 km of trails. Beaver Beach, at the south end of Beaver Lake, is shallow and sandy with a picnic area near the playground and paved paths, while Hamsterly Beach on Elk Lake has soft sand and a level gravel path to the beach. Little ones love having a lake to splash in. Note that from June 1 to September 15, dogs aren’t allowed in the designated beach and picnic areas.
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary has a floating boardwalk across the wetland and an easy loop around the lake that’s stroller accessible. It’s peaceful and full of birdsong, with grasses and reeds that glow in low light. Under a Saanich bylaw, dogs (other than service dogs) aren’t permitted in the sanctuary, so this is one for a people-only session.
PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) holds the largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula, with more than 21 km of trails rated from easy to difficult. Tall trees and soft forest light make it a beautiful choice for families who want that classic West Coast feel.
- Elk/Beaver Lake: sandy lake beaches, playgrounds, paved and gravel paths
- Swan Lake: boardwalk over the wetland, stroller-friendly loop, no dogs
- PKOLS (Mount Douglas): deep forest with trails for every ability
What I’ll send you before your session
Once you book, you’ll get a prep guide, a Pinterest style board with outfit ideas and a questionnaire so I can learn about your family. We’ll pick your location together during a free consultation, and I’ll share the timing I think will give us the nicest light.
Questions families ask
Is there a travel fee for Saanich?
Travel fees may apply for locations more than 25 km from North Saanich. Most of Saanich is closer than that, but ask me about your spot and I’ll let you know.
Can we include our dog?
Yes, I love photographing pets. Home is the easiest option, and if you’d rather be outdoors, check the current rules for your chosen park before you go, since they vary.
We’re not very photogenic. Will this work for us?
Most families tell me that at first. I’ll guide you the whole time, and because we focus on connection instead of posing, you’ll be surprised how natural you look. My tips on choosing a family photographer may help too.
Where can I see your other Saanich sessions?
My Saanich photographer page covers everything I offer here, and you can see family session details 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.