Summer Family Photos at Marymoor Park with Two Toddlers and Two Dogs

Marymoor Park is one of my favorite outdoor locations for family photos on the Eastside. It’s beautiful throughout the year, and summer brings tall grass, lush greenery, and a warm, natural look that works especially well for family sessions.

This session took place on a sunny June afternoon at 3 PM. From a photographer’s perspective, that isn’t usually the easiest time of day, the summer sun can be very strong and much harsher than the soft light closer to sunset. But when photographing young children, beautiful light isn’t the only thing that matters.

With a one-year-old and a three-year-old, and 2 dogs, 3 PM happened to be the best awake and happy window for both kids. I always prefer to work around little ones’ schedules whenever possible. A perfectly timed sunset doesn’t help much if a toddler is exhausted and ready for bed!

Even with the strong afternoon sun, we found the right spots and angles around the park and were still able to create beautiful, natural family portraits. The kids could explore, move around, and enjoy the session, which made the photos feel relaxed and genuine.