Photographer in Saanich, BC
Wetlands, Garry oak hilltops and riverside forest, all within reach of your Saanich neighbourhood.
Saanich is a big, varied municipality, with city neighbourhoods, farm valleys, lakes and some of the region’s best-loved parks. Wherever you live in Saanich, there is a natural backdrop not far from your front door.
As a photographer in Saanich, BC, I offer family, maternity, newborn, couples and portrait sessions outdoors or in your home. I keep everything relaxed. Nothing forced, just gentle direction and time to enjoy each other.
I am based in North Saanich, so some Saanich locations are past my 25 km travel area. A travel fee may apply depending on the spot, so ask me and I will let you know before you book.
Saanich places I love suggesting
These three parks feel completely different from each other, which is why I love having all of them in one municipality. If you live in the north end, I also have pages for Cordova Bay, Gordon Head and Royal Oak.
Spring is a special time on Christmas Hill and Mount Tolmie, when the Garry oak meadows come alive with wildflowers. Please stay on the trails in these sensitive meadows, and check the current park rules before you go.
- Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary: a wetland with a level floating boardwalk across the middle and an easy, stroller-accessible loop around the lake. Christmas Hill climbs to about 109 m, with a Garry oak meadow and spring wildflowers along the way. The sanctuary does not allow dogs.
- Mount Tolmie Park: known as one of the best places to view the city, with views from the summit to the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker. Trails pass through Garry oak meadows, arbutus and rocky bluffs, and there is road access right to the top, which is handy for grandparents.
- Cuthbert Holmes Park: behind G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, with forest, footbridges over the Colquitz River and both paved accessible trails and natural ones. A green, shady choice for warm summer days.
Neighbourhood sessions at home
Not every family wants to drive to a park. An in-home family session lets your kids relax in their own space, show me their rooms and be fully themselves. Baking cookies, building a fort or reading in bed all make lovely photos.
In-home is also my favourite approach for newborn photos. The sweet spot is 5 to 10 days old, and up to about three weeks still works well. I bring everything I need, and you can feed, change and settle baby whenever you need to.
For outdoor sessions, I match the spot to the season. Spring wildflowers suit Mount Tolmie and Christmas Hill, shady forest at Cuthbert Holmes is a cool choice on hot summer days, and the Swan Lake boardwalk is easy in any season.
What you can expect
After booking, you get a prep guide, a Pinterest style board and a short questionnaire. We pick your location together in a free style and location consultation.
Your edited photos arrive in a private online gallery with black and white versions included. You keep full-resolution digitals with printing rights, and you can order prints, canvases and albums through me. The top two packages include a custom luxury album.
Questions families ask
Which Saanich park is best for a maternity session?
Mount Tolmie is a favourite for wide views and soft evening light, and you can drive close to the top. Swan Lake’s boardwalk is flat and gentle if you would rather not climb.
Can we bring our dog to Swan Lake?
No, dogs are not allowed in the sanctuary. If your dog is part of the session, Mount Tolmie or your own backyard may be a better fit. Check the current rules before you go.
Do you charge a travel fee for Saanich?
A travel fee may apply for locations more than 25 km from North Saanich. Ask me and I will confirm for your location.
What happens if it rains?
We can reschedule, or switch to an in-home session so the weather does not matter.
Can grandparents join our Saanich session?
Yes. Immediate family is included, and grandparents or other extra people are a small per-person add-on. Mount Tolmie’s road access can make it easier for anyone who prefers not to climb.
Is Mount Tolmie busy at sunset?
The summit can be popular in the evening because of the views. I find quieter corners on the trails below the top, so it still feels private.
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.