Photographer for Deep Cove, North Saanich
Forest trails, inlet beaches and cosy in-home sessions on the quiet side of the Peninsula.
Deep Cove is the rural, forested corner of North Saanich that looks out over Saanich Inlet toward the Malahat. It is quiet, green and only minutes from where I live, which makes it one of my favourite areas to suggest for photos.
If you are looking for a photographer in Deep Cove, North Saanich, I offer family, maternity, newborn and couples sessions outdoors or in your home. My approach is gentle and guided. I give you simple prompts, and you get to just be together.
Deep Cove is part of my home community, so there is no travel fee. That leaves plenty of room to pick the trail, beach or backyard that fits your family.
Deep Cove and nearby photo spots
The west side of North Saanich has a special mix of mossy forest, rocky viewpoints and pebble shoreline. Here are the places I suggest most for Deep Cove families.
All three are close together, so if your little ones are young, we pick one and take our time. Older kids and couples who enjoy a walk might like starting in the forest and finishing near the water.
- Horth Hill Regional Park: a wooded hill off Tatlow Road with a moderate Summit Trail and views over Satellite Channel, the Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. I wrote a full guide to photos at Horth Hill, including when the light is best.
- Coles Bay Regional Park: on Inverness Road, with an easy trail of about ten minutes through old-growth forest to a pebble beach on Saanich Inlet. Forest and water in one short walk. More in my Coles Bay guide.
- Wain Park: a neighbourhood park between Birch Road and Wain Road with mature specimen trees, hedgerows along the edges and a big grass field. A simple, open spot for little ones who want space to run.
Planning for trails and tides
Deep Cove sessions often involve a little walking, so comfortable footwear matters. Horth Hill can be rooty, rocky and muddy after rain. I suggest wearing good shoes on the trail and bringing your nicer shoes in a bag for the photos.
For forest images, I like the afternoon, when sun filters through the trees. For hilltop views, the last couple of hours before sunset give soft, warm light. On the beach at Coles Bay, a lower tide gives us more room to wander, so I check the tide table when we set a date.
Kids do best with snacks, water and a change of clothes in the car. Balancing on logs and collecting rocks are exactly the moments I love to photograph, so let them explore.
Spring wildflowers and mushrooms make Horth Hill feel especially magical, and summer evenings at Coles Bay are warm and relaxed. In the darker months, an in-home session lets us use cosy window light instead.
Sessions that suit country living
Many Deep Cove homes sit on larger lots with gardens, fields or big trees. Those make a lovely setting for family photos without anyone needing to leave home. It is also ideal for newborn sessions at 5 to 10 days old.
For maternity photos, the forest and the inlet both pair well with a long, flowing dress. I have a few outfits in my client closet, and maternity sessions are about an hour.
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 Horth Hill too steep for a maternity session?
It depends on how you are feeling. We can stay on the lower forest paths, or choose Coles Bay or a garden at home instead. Comfort comes first.
Can we bring our dog?
Often, yes, since pets are family. Rules vary by park, so check the current rules before you go and plan to have someone handle the leash between shots.
What if it rains on our session day?
Forest light on a cloudy day can be beautiful, but heavy rain is no fun for anyone. We can reschedule or move the session into your home.
How do I choose between Horth Hill and Coles Bay?
Horth Hill is the pick for a hilltop view and an adventurous walk. Coles Bay is shorter and easier, with forest and a pebble beach in one, so it often suits toddlers and maternity sessions better.
Can we see the water from Horth Hill?
Yes. The summit looks out over Satellite Channel, the Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. It is a short but moderate climb, so plan a little extra time.
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.