Photographer in Gordon Head
Sheltered coves and rocky shoreline on the Haro Strait side of Saanich.
Gordon Head is a seaside neighbourhood in Saanich that faces Haro Strait. It was once known for its strawberry and daffodil farms, and today it has dozens of parks, including some of the prettiest little coves in Greater Victoria.
If you are looking for a photographer in Gordon Head, I offer family, maternity, newborn, couples and portrait sessions. I love working with families of all ages here, from new babies to teens who would honestly rather be anywhere else, until they start laughing.
I am based in North Saanich, and Gordon Head may be past my 25 km travel area depending on the spot. A travel fee may apply, so ask me and I will confirm.
Gordon Head photo spots
Gordon Head’s shoreline is a series of small coves and rocky points. These are the places I suggest most for families who live nearby.
These coves are small, so I like to time sessions for quieter parts of the day. Evening light along the water is soft and warm, and it is easier to find a calm corner once the afternoon crowd has gone home.
- Arbutus Cove Park: off Arbutus Cove Lane, with open green space, trails and a lookout above a sheltered cove that is half rocky and half sandy. It shares its beach with neighbouring Hollydene Park, and it is the most popular beach in the neighbourhood. Saanich asks visitors to take care getting down to the beach because of slope failures on nearby private land.
- Hollydene Park: the neighbouring park that shares the half-rocky, half-sandy beach with Arbutus Cove, which gives us a second way down to the same sheltered water.
- Glencoe Cove Kwatsech Park: on Gordon Point Drive, with trails leading to coves and rocky outcrops facing Haro Strait. The park was once a Lekwungen village site, and Kwatsech is the Songhees name for Gordon Head. Its open rocks and water views are beautiful for couples and maternity sessions.
- PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park): the largest park in Saanich, with more than 21 km of forest trails and a summit with a 360-degree view. The summit road is closed to cars until noon each day, so afternoon and evening sessions work best if we want to drive up.
Families with tweens and teens
Older kids can be a little camera shy, and that is okay. I skip the stiff posing and give them things to do: walking ahead together, a silly challenge, or a quiet moment with Mom. Teens often relax once they realize nobody is going to make them say cheese.
Rocky coves are great for this age. Climbing, exploring and sitting together on the rocks makes the photos feel like a family outing, not a photo shoot. If you are planning around a busy schedule, an evening session after school is easy to fit in.
You can read more about my family sessions, or see how I think about getting Mom in the photos too.
Babies, bumps and home sessions
For maternity photos, sessions are about an hour, and I can lend you a dress from my client closet. For newborns, I come to your home, ideally between 5 and 10 days after birth.
Every gallery is private and online, with black and white versions and full-resolution digitals with printing rights.
Questions families ask
Are the Gordon Head coves safe for small children?
They can be, with close supervision. The rocks can be uneven and slippery, so we choose a spot that suits your kids’ ages and always keep a grown-up nearby.
Can I do photos with my teen alone?
Yes. I offer portrait sessions, which are lovely for a graduating teen or a parent and child together.
What should we wear on rocky shoreline?
Shoes with good grip are a must. For colours, ocean blues, soft greens and warm neutrals look beautiful against grey rock and water.
Is there a travel fee for Gordon Head?
A travel fee may apply for locations farther than 25 km from North Saanich. Ask me and I will let you know.
Can we do photos at our Gordon Head home instead?
Of course. In-home sessions are relaxed and easy for families with busy schedules, and they work in any weather.
What is the best season for Gordon Head photos?
Summer evenings are warm and bright by the coves, and spring and fall give softer light with fewer people. Winter is a great time for an in-home session.
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.