Photographer in Central Saanich
Dunes, heritage meadows and country homes in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula.
Central Saanich sits in the middle of the Peninsula, with farmland, forest and long stretches of shoreline. It takes in Brentwood Bay, Saanichton and the countryside around them, and it is only a short drive from my home in North Saanich.
As a photographer in Central Saanich, I offer family, maternity, newborn and couples sessions outdoors or in your home. I keep things relaxed and focus on connection, the way you lean in, hold hands and laugh together.
Central Saanich is within my 25 km travel area from North Saanich, so you will not need to budget for travel. You can read more about specific neighbourhoods on my Brentwood Bay and Saanichton pages.
Central Saanich photo locations
One thing I love about Central Saanich is how different its landscapes feel from one another. Sand and big sky on the east side, quiet forest and heritage land on the slopes of Mount Newton.
If you love wide open space, Island View Beach is the one. If you would rather have shade, quiet and a little history, Butterfield Park and the forest trail beside it are a gentle alternative. I am happy to talk through both in your free location consultation.
- Island View Beach Regional Park: a long sandy beach off Homathko Road with driftwood, fragile dunes and views of James Island, Sidney Island and Mount Baker. There is an accessible beachfront trail of about 1 km, and a seasonal mobility mat over the soft sand. Please stay on the marked trails, since the dunes are a sensitive ecosystem.
- Butterfield Park: a 13-acre park at Thomson Place off Mount Newton Cross Road, with heritage farm buildings and a loop trail of just under 1 km. It has a long history of preserving native wildflowers and plants, which gives it a soft, old-fashioned feel.
- Browns’ Wood Trail: a forest trail starting at Thomson Place on the southern slopes of Mount Newton, through one of the community’s most pristine forested landscapes. A nice way to add tall trees to a Butterfield session.
- Tod Inlet in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park: reached off Wallace Drive near Brentwood Bay, with gentle trails and a calm, sheltered shoreline. More on my Brentwood Bay page.
Choosing your season in Central Saanich
Spring brings fresh green to the forest and new growth in the meadows, which suits soft pastel outfits and maternity gowns. Summer evenings at Island View Beach give us warm light and lots of space, since the beach is long enough that people spread out.
Fall and winter are wonderful for in-home family photos. Central Saanich homes with big kitchens, fireplaces or farm views make a cosy setting, and the weather never gets a vote.
Whatever season you choose, I help with outfits through a free style consultation, a prep guide and a Pinterest board sent after booking.
Bringing the whole family
The flat, accessible trail at Island View Beach makes it a thoughtful choice when grandparents are coming along. Immediate family is included in every family session, and extra people are a small per-person add-on.
Every gallery includes black and white versions, and you get full-resolution digitals with printing rights. The top two packages also include a custom luxury album, which makes a beautiful heirloom for a multi-generation session.
Questions families ask
Is Island View Beach windy?
It faces open water, so it can be breezy. Ocean breezes can be lovely in summer, but bring a layer, and I keep an eye on the forecast before your session.
Can we do photos on our own farm or acreage?
Yes, I would love that. Your own land is often the most meaningful backdrop of all, and it counts as an in-home session.
How long does a session take?
Maternity sessions are typically about an hour. For families, we talk through timing based on the ages of your kids and the location.
Do you include newborn photos in Central Saanich?
Yes. I offer in-home and outdoor newborn sessions, ideally when baby is 5 to 10 days old.
Can we sit on the dunes for photos?
No. The dunes are a fragile ecosystem with rare plants, so we stay on the marked trails and use the beach and driftwood instead. There is plenty of room to work with.
Is Island View Beach good in the off-season?
It can be. Spring and fall bring migrating shorebirds and a quieter beach, and soft cloud cover is flattering. Bring warm layers, since the wind off the water can be cool.
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.