Photographer in Oak Bay
Sandy beach, Garry oak meadows and ocean lookouts in one of Victoria’s prettiest seaside communities.
Oak Bay is a seaside municipality on the east side of Greater Victoria, with a sandy beach, a waterfront drive and some of the most treasured Garry oak meadows in the region. It is a beautiful place for families who love being near the water.
If you are looking for a photographer in Oak Bay, I offer family, extended family, maternity, newborn and couples sessions outdoors or in your home. My style is relaxed and full of connection, with plenty of gentle guidance along the way.
I am based in North Saanich, and Oak Bay may be past my 25 km travel area. A travel fee may apply, so ask me and I will give you the details before you book.
Oak Bay places I love suggesting
These three spots sit close together along the north end of the Oak Bay waterfront, so we can choose the one that suits your family best.
Willows Beach is the easy, family-friendly choice, Uplands Park gives us soft meadows and twisting oaks, and Cattle Point adds dramatic rock and open sea. A short walk can link two of them if your group is up for it.
- Willows Beach and Willows Park: a sandy beach with an esplanade, a large grassy area, a children’s play area and washrooms. A beach mat at the Bowker Avenue entrance helps people with limited mobility reach the sand, which is helpful for grandparents.
- Uplands Park: over 30 hectares of natural area with a Garry oak meadow and one of the largest concentrations of rare plant species in Canada. Because the meadows are so sensitive, please stay on the trails, and expect some areas to be closed seasonally.
- Cattle Point: the rocky waterfront edge of Uplands Park, with Garry oak meadows, benches and views across Haro Strait to Mount Baker. It is a lovely spot for couples and maternity sessions in evening light.
Extended family and generations
Oak Bay is a wonderful setting for an extended family session, when grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all come together. The grass at Willows Park gives us room for a big group, and the level esplanade keeps things easy for everyone.
Immediate family is included in every family session, and extra people like grandparents or cousins are a small per-person add-on. I help you plan who stands where, which small groups to photograph and how to keep little cousins happy. My guide to planning a session with grandparents has more tips.
For coordinating a big group, I suggest a shared colour palette rather than matching outfits. I send a Pinterest style board after booking to make that easy.
What an Oak Bay session looks like
Spring is a magical time in the Garry oak meadows, when wildflowers bloom. Summer evenings at Willows Beach are relaxed and golden, and fall gives us warm colours that pair well with cosy knits. Winter is a lovely season for in-home sessions.
Outdoors, I usually start with a few group photos, then break into smaller groups and let the kids play on the sand or explore the rocks.
Maternity, newborns and home
For maternity photos, a flowing dress among the Garry oaks or on the rocks at Cattle Point is a dream. Sessions are about an hour, and I have a few dresses in my client closet.
For newborns, I come to you, ideally when baby is 5 to 10 days old. Every gallery is private and online, with black and white versions and full-resolution digitals with printing rights.
Questions families ask
When is the best time for photos at Willows Beach?
Evening is usually softest, and a weekday is calmer than a summer weekend. I also check the tide, since more sand gives kids room to play.
Can we bring our dog to Willows Beach?
Oak Bay has seasonal dog rules for Willows Beach, so check the current rules before you go. Uplands Park may be an easier spot to include a dog.
How many people can join an extended family session?
We can plan for a big group. Immediate family is included, and each extra person is a small add-on. Let me know your numbers when you inquire.
Is there a travel fee for Oak Bay?
A travel fee may apply for locations farther than 25 km from North Saanich. Ask me and I will confirm.
What colours work best in the Garry oak meadows?
Warm neutrals, cream, rust, mustard and soft greens blend beautifully with the meadows and oak bark. I will share ideas on your Pinterest style board after booking.
Is there parking near Cattle Point?
There is a parking area near Cattle Point. For Willows Beach, I will send you a meeting point, and I suggest checking current parking signs when you arrive.
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.