Photographer in Saanichton
Playful, relaxed family photos in a small country community on the Saanich Peninsula.
Saanichton is a small community in Central Saanich, surrounded by farmland and parkland, with Island View Beach just to the east. It has a friendly, small-town feel that suits laid-back family photos perfectly.
If you are looking for a photographer in Saanichton, I offer family, maternity, newborn and children’s sessions outdoors or in your home. My sessions are especially good for busy little ones. We play, we run, we tickle, and I catch the real moments in between.
Saanichton is close to my home in North Saanich and inside my 25 km travel area, so there is no travel fee here.
Saanichton places for family photos
Saanichton is all about easy, open spaces where kids can be kids. These are the spots I suggest most often.
For a session with little kids, I often suggest starting with the most important photos while everyone is fresh, then letting them burn off energy at the end. It takes the pressure off and the smiles come naturally.
- Centennial Park: an 18-hectare community park on Wallace Drive with walking trails, natural areas, picnic shelters and a large playground. Graham Creek runs along the western edge, with native plantings along a restored creekside trail. Having a playground nearby is a lifesaver for toddlers who need a reward.
- The Lochside Regional Trail: this 29 km trail runs from Swartz Bay toward Victoria, passing farmland, beaches and wetlands on the way. The rural stretches near Saanichton give us long country views and big skies.
- Island View Beach Regional Park: a short drive east, with a long sandy beach, driftwood and views of James Island and Mount Baker. A flat, accessible beachfront trail makes it easy for strollers.
Sessions with toddlers and young kids
Little kids rarely want to stand still and smile, and that is completely fine. I build sessions around games, races, piggyback rides and cuddles, then gently guide you into spots with good light. You can find some of my favourite tricks in ideas for making your kids laugh.
Timing matters more than anything with toddlers. If your little one naps in the afternoon, we can look at a morning session or an evening one after dinner. Bring snacks, water and a favourite toy, and plan for a short play break.
If you have a first birthday coming up, a cake smash session is a fun way to mark it.
Newborn and maternity in Saanichton
For newborn photos, I come to you, ideally when baby is 5 to 10 days old. We keep the house warm, work around feeds and include siblings so the whole family is part of the story.
For maternity, the soft grass at Centennial Park or the shoreline at Island View Beach both pair beautifully with a long dress. I have a few options in my client closet if you would like to borrow one.
If you are expecting and already have a toddler, a maternity session that includes your little one is a beautiful way to remember this chapter before the family grows.
What a Saanichton session looks like
A typical outdoor session here is part walk, part play. We might start on a trail at Centennial Park, take a break at the playground and finish with a run through open space. Summer evenings and spring afternoons are my favourite times, when the light is soft and the grass is green.
In fall and winter, I often suggest an in-home session. Cooking together, reading stories or a living room dance party make photos that feel just like your family.
Questions families ask
Is Centennial Park too busy for photos?
It is a well-used community park, so I suggest quieter times of day and the natural areas along the trails. I work around passers-by so your photos feel private.
What if my toddler melts down?
It happens to everyone. We pause, have a snack, play for a minute and then carry on. Some of my favourite photos come right after a meltdown.
Do you photograph on private farmland?
Only with permission. If your family owns land or has a friend with a farm, I would love to photograph there.
What is included in the gallery?
You get a private online gallery, black and white versions of your photos and full-resolution digitals with printing rights. Package details are on my investment page.
Can we include our dog?
Pets are family, so yes, as long as the location allows them. Check the current rules before you go, and plan for someone to hold the leash between shots.
Does Centennial Park have washrooms?
Yes, there are public washrooms in the fieldhouse, which is a big help with toddlers. Facilities can change, so check the current details before you go.
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.