The Secret To Summer Photoshoots

(scroll all the way down to see my latest summer session!)

Meet your Seattle Family & Maternity Photographer

Hey y’all! I’m Mercae, Seattle Family and Maternity photographer, and mother who adores working with babies, toddlers and big kids too. I used to teach dance to kids two to eight, so I know how to work a room so to speak.

I serve mothers and expecting parents because I know how important it is to capture classic and elegant images while preserving the whimsy and playfulness that define childhood. You will get timeless portraits that preserve the real (no crazy Photoshop) while getting curated experiences that builds bonds and create memories.

I’m tellin’ you, there’s a secret to getting the perfect family portraits in the summer. Weekday morning sessions. Stick with me, taking that morning off work and you’ll see. Here’s why…

Avoiding Crowds

If you’ve lived in Seattle for any length of time, you’ll notice people here spend their evenings and weekends soaking up as much sun as they can. Even the most undercover of park locations are still popping off in the evenings and even more so on the weekends. It makes it hard to relax and play with your family when other people are watching. Weekday mornings give you so much more privacy (and fewer people to edit out of the background photos.)

All my outdoor locations: Parsons Park, Discovery Park Beach, Volunteer Park, and Washington Park Arboretum are significantly less crowded on weekday mornings.

Optimal Lighting Conditions

Soft, flattering early morning light creates the perfect conditions for capturing beautiful, light, and airy photographs. This gentle light enhances natural skin tones and brings out the delicate details, making your family and maternity photos look ethereal and timeless. In contrast, the midday sun can cast harsh shadows and create unflattering highlights, making it challenging to achieve the desired look. Early mornings also offer the “golden hour” just after sunrise, a brief period when the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow that adds a magical touch to your photos. To make the most of this optimal lighting, plan to arrive at your chosen location about ten minutes early of the session time, ensuring you capture the serene beauty of the early day while everyone is fresh and energized.

Cooler Temperatures

Scheduling your photoshoot for the cooler morning hours offers numerous benefits, particularly for expectant mothers and young children. The milder temperatures help everyone stay comfortable and relaxed, making for a more enjoyable experience. Heat can significantly affect mood and energy levels, leading to discomfort and irritability, which can detract from the natural, joyful expressions you want to capture. For small babies, who cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults, extreme midday heat poses a serious risk. Overheating can lead to dangerous conditions such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. By opting for a morning photoshoot, you ensure a safer and more pleasant environment for your little ones, allowing their natural expressions and personalities to shine through in the photographs.

Preserving Weekend Plans

Weekends are precious for family time and relaxation, providing an essential break from the busy work and school week. By scheduling your photoshoot on a weekday morning, you free up your weekends to enjoy uninterrupted family activities and special plans. Many children are involved in organized sports such as soccer or baseball, and weekends often include games and practices. You might have vacation plans or day trips you’re looking forward to. In Seattle, families can explore vibrant weekend activities like visiting the Seattle Aquarium, hiking in Discovery Park, or enjoying a leisurely picnic at Gas Works Park. With your photoshoot conveniently completed during the week, your weekends remain dedicated to creating cherished memories together. Opting for a weekday session allows you to fully embrace these weekend moments without the stress of fitting in a photoshoot.

Practical Scheduling Tips

Planning a weekday morning photoshoot around work and school schedules can be seamless with a bit of preparation. Start by selecting a date that aligns with any flexible work arrangements or school holidays. Establish an early morning routine to ensure everyone is prepared and refreshed: lay out outfits the night before, pack a bag with essentials, and have a light, energizing breakfast ready. To further ease your morning, I provide a comprehensive list of packing essentials via email, which includes everything from snacks to extra outfits and favorite toys to keep little ones happy. This checklist ensures your morning runs smoothly, allowing you to arrive at the portrait session relaxed and ready to capture beautiful moments.