Seattle Senior Photos at Pier 62
Seattle is full of beautiful places for graduation portraits, but Pier 62 on the Seattle waterfront is one of my favorite locations for seniors who want both city skyline views and the Puget Sound in the background.
Recently, I photographed a senior who was visiting Seattle with his family and wanted to take advantage of the trip to capture his Class of 2026 graduation photos in the city. Even though the weather was typical Seattle spring weather, cloudy with a little rain, we were still able to create a great variety of portraits.
If you're planning graduation portraits in the Seattle area, timing and preparation can make a big difference in how relaxed and enjoyable the experience feels. I always recommend preparing ahead of time so the session feels natural and fun rather than rushed. If you're not sure where to start, I shared a full guide on how to prepare for your graduation photoshoot in Seattle.
Why Pier 62 Is a Great Location for Senior Photos
Pier 62 is a fantastic location for senior portraits because it offers a mix of:
• views of the Seattle skyline
• the waterfront and Puget Sound
• open space for relaxed portraits
• easy walking access to other nearby photo spots
It works especially well for seniors who want urban graduation photos that still feel connected to the water and the Pacific Northwest landscape.
Seattle has so many great places for senior portraits depending on the look you're going for. Waterfront spots like Pier 62 offer skyline views and open space, while parks and overlooks create a completely different atmosphere. I wrote a full guide to the best senior photo locations in Seattle if you're trying to decide which setting fits your style.
A Mix of Casual and Graduation Portraits
For this session we started with casual portraits, using the skyline as a backdrop.
These shots are perfect for seniors who want photos that feel relaxed and natural while still celebrating this milestone year.
Later in the session we added a few graduation details, including a cap and tassel for some classic senior portraits.
Even though the senior didn’t want to wear the full gown, the cap and tassel still helped create a few traditional graduation images to complement the more casual portraits.
Including Family in Graduation Photos
One of my favorite parts of this session was capturing a few images with the senior’s family members who were visiting Seattle with him.
Graduation is not just a milestone for students; it’s also a special moment for the people who supported them along the way.
Including parents or siblings for a few photos can make the session feel even more meaningful.
Seattle Weather Doesn’t Have to Stop a Great Photo Session
Seattle weather can be unpredictable, and during this session we had a little rain.
But overcast skies actually create soft, flattering light that works beautifully for portraits.
Instead of harsh shadows, the clouds help produce even lighting that keeps the focus on the graduate.
Planning Your Own Seattle Graduation Photo Session
If you’re planning senior photos in Seattle, there are many great locations to choose from, depending on the style you want.
Some of my favorite spots include:
• Pier 62 for skyline and waterfront views
• Kerry Park for iconic Seattle skyline photos
• Discovery Park for nature and Puget Sound scenery
• Alki Beach for relaxed coastal portraits
Each location creates a slightly different look, so it’s easy to design a session that reflects your personality.
Many families are surprised to learn that senior photos don't have to be taken at one specific time of year. In fact, spring and early summer are some of the most popular times for graduation portraits in the Seattle area. If you're wondering when to schedule your own session, I also wrote about the best time to take senior photos in Washington.
Book Your Seattle Graduation Photos
Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and professional portraits are a wonderful way to capture it.
If you’re looking for a Seattle senior photographer, I’d love to help create images that celebrate this moment in your life.
You can learn more about my graduation photography sessions here:
