Family Photos in the Cascades: All About Family Sessions at Rattlesnake Lake
In this post, I spotlight a stunning PNW location at Rattlesnake Lake with tips and sample photos from every season to help you decide if this location is right for your family photos.
Last Update: July 20, 2024 • Family
If you’ve been wanting family photos with the PNW mountains in the background but were unsure if you could make it work with smaller kiddos, you are in the right place.
The breathtaking view of Rattlesnake Lake (in North Bend) is not the only thing that makes it one of my favorite spots for family photography in Seattle. I also love its convenience, which makes it easier to pull off a photo shoot with younger children. And to top it off, Rattlesnake Lake’s fun factor keeps the kids interested and engaged—the best recipe for natural family photos.
I have been photographing families in this beautiful spot for many years and will tell you all about it in this post. Let’s dive in.
On this page:
- Rattlesnake Lake sessions at a glance
- Spring sample photos
- Summer sample photos
- Fall sample photos
- Winter sample photos
- Other tips
- Pricing and scheduling
Rattlesnake Lake Sessions at a Glance
In short, Rattlesnake Lake is absolutely stunning. It offers a magical view of the Cascade mountains, a serene lake, and a beautiful PNW scene that usually inspires the whole family and sets the mood for an exciting session.
And the best news? It’s only 40 minutes away from Seattle and Bellevue, making it very convenient for family photos. Other similar locations require a much longer drive, which may not always be desirable with kiddos (speaking from experience of raising three boys).
The site has a large parking lot and several bathrooms. And the place where the actual session takes place is only a short walk from the parking lot.
In addition to its convenience, Rattlesnake Lake is super fun for kids (and parents). Your kids could run around, climb tree stumps, skip rocks, and do other fun stuff they invent. The fun factor is essential for family photos because it helps the kids relax and be themselves. The photos look natural and not forced when the kids are engaged and having a good time.
And not to forget our furry friends, Rattlesnake Lake is dog-friendly and allows for fun family shots.
Now that you know a bit about this location, let’s look at sample sessions next.
Spring Sample Photos
In Client’s Words
We did a mini session with Lana and the entire experience was wonderful! I love the photos she captured of our family. Lana was so engaging and friendly, even my shy toddler was smiling and giggling in no time. She gave us helpful coaching and pointers throughout, and also captured more spontaneous/organic moments. Lana’s also amazing to work with – besides photography. I think communication is one of her superpowers! She was quick to respond and was able to provide us with all the info we needed (and some we didn’t realize we needed until later!) in a clear and conversational way. –Kari
Tip: If you want a different location for your family photos, check out my portfolio for additional ideas and options
Fall Sample Photos
In Client’s Words:
Simply put, Lana is amazing! We booked a family mini-session, and she sent us a lot of helpful information on how to choose outfits, how to plan for color palettes, and what to expect on the day of the photoshoot. Our kids were less than cooperative, and Lana still managed to get so many great shots of our family. She was very communicative in date/time/location and most importantly, we just enjoyed our time with her! –Sally
Additional Tips and Considerations
Here are additional tips to help you prepare for your session and have an enjoyable experience:
- Start time of the session: I typically start my sessions at other locations about an hour before sunset (on sunny days). While this captures beautiful golden light, it may not work for everyone’s bedtime. However, the terrain of Rattlesnake Lake allows me to start the session a bit earlier, which may be more convenient for your kiddo’s schedule.
- Guided sessions: I will guide and prompt you through the entire session so you never have to worry about what to do. The result will be a combination of naturally posed photos with candid shots of your family playing and having fun.
- Child-led session: I do not expect your child to look into the camera and smile. As I mentioned earlier, Rattlesnake Lake is a fun place where it is easy for kids to be engaged and do what they do best—play. Encourage your kiddo to have a good time, and I will do the rest.
- The drive to the session: On your way to the photo shoot, keep the atmosphere fun, easygoing, and lighthearted in the car. Connect with your partner and your kiddos. Focus on the moment and reflect on your journey. When families are connected, interactions during a photoshoot become a natural extension of your bond.
Have Additional Questions?
Visit my FAQs page to get quick answers to common questions.
Pricing and Scheduling
I designed the entire experience (before, during, and after the session) to be enjoyable, relaxing, and fun. I’ll guide you through every step to create photos you love and cherish.
I offer two session options at Rattlesnake Lake:
Option 1: Family Mini-Session
The Mini (half session) is a good option if you have a smaller family or prefer a shorter session.
- Shooting time: Up to 20 minutes
- Types of shots: Naturally posed family photos, individual of each child, siblings together, siblings with each parent, and pets
- Images: 10 hand-edited high-res photos that you pick from a gallery of 40 to 60 (additional hand-edited photos available à la carte)
- Prep help: I will provide a detailed prep guide to help you get ready
- Hassle-free scheduling: Flexible rescheduling if it rains
- Turnaround: 7 days
- Session price: $450 +tax
- Optional add-ons: additional hand-edited photos: +$20/photo; full gallery (all the images) with basic color edit: $200
Option 2: Family Deluxe Session
The Deluxe (full session) includes more time than the Mini, so it’s more relaxed and offers a larger variety of photos.
- Shooting time: Up to 60 minutes
- Types of shots: Naturally posed family photos, individual of each child, siblings together, siblings with each parent, and pets
- Images: 20 hand-edited high-res photos that you pick from a gallery of 80 to 100 (additional hand-edited photos available à la carte)
- Prep help: I will provide a detailed prep guide to help you get ready
- Hassle-free scheduling: Flexible rescheduling if it rains
- Turnaround: 7 days
- Session price: $850 +tax
- Optional add-ons: additional hand-edited photos: +$20/photo; full gallery (all the images) with basic color edit: $200
Get Started with Your Family Session Today
My booking process is quick and hassle-free:
- Click on the button below.
- Select the Family Mini or Deluxe Session at Rattlesnake Lake from the list of services.
- Pick a date and time from the calendar.
- Fill out a short form and pay a $100 deposit to secure your spot.
- Within 1–2 business days, receive a detailed prep guide with tips and resources to help you prepare for your session.
Hi, I’m Lana
I have been a Seattle maternity, newborn, and family photographer since 2008. Having photographed thousands of families, I have developed a hassle-free and fun process so families could have an easier time documenting their journey through the years. I invite you to learn more about me, and my unique values and quirks.
