Why You Should Consider Pioneer Square | seattle is the Perfect Location for your Senior Photos
Location is always the first thing we discuss when you book a session with Katie Niemer Photography. There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a location, and not all locations are suitable for the needs and desires of every graduating senior. When considering locations for high school senior portraits, many people choose a more natural environment such as Discovery Park, Golden Gardens in Seattle, Gold Creek Pond in Snoqualmie Pass, or a beach park on the Sound, but if those don’t suit your personality well, you should consider Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle.
Downtown Seattle has Amazing Architecture:
I don’t know about you, but my artist heart loves a good brick wall, and downtown is full of them. From the Grand Central Arcade, to the art galleries, to the perfectly lit alleyways, downtown Seattle is a gorgeous urban setting for the high school senior looking for surroundings that have a little architectural flare. And there are so many different varieties of brick from red to white and even gray or black.
In addition to the brick facades, you will find cobblestone roads, painted paneling, incredible archways, and even stairways that lead to the famous Seattle Underground. To add a little punch of color, grab a red chair and sit in front of an ivy-covered doorway or an arch of lights. It is such an incredible backdrop for any occasion and adds an element of whimsy to your graduation photos.
The Urban Environment gives your Photos a Unique Feel:
I’m often contacted by high school seniors that are artistic, which I love because I am an artistic spirit as well. They are looking for unique settings for their photos. And while I love the beach and forest environments of the Pacific Northwest, I am often contacted by seniors that are looking for something a little bit different. They want an edge or a moodier feel to their photos than wispy, romantic sea grasses or a field of flowers provides. And I love the gritty, raw feel of the city. If you’ve been following me for years, you know that I got my start photographing life on the street: parades, protests, and events was where I grew my wings and where I come the most alive.
What better way to merge my two joys — street photography and senior photography — than to photograph your graduation photos in the place where I got my start. The sessions in the city are often among my favorite because they seamlessly marry the two things that bring my artistic heart the most joy. And Pioneer Square is still a unique place to get your photos taken, so your graduation session won’t look like everyone else’s.
The Photos are rich, moody, and showcase your unique personality:
When a senior contacts me and says that they are looking for something different that showcases their personality, Pioneer Square is almost always my first suggestion, followed closely by Pike Place Market (that post to come in the coming weeks). These two spots are my favorite to photograph seniors because of all the environmental intrigue they offer.
During your session, we will laugh, but we will also showcase your moodier side because this environment just lends itself to those more serious poses. And the results are absolutely stunning. The colors of Pioneer Square are rich and vibrant, but also provide a lot of texture and contrast. There are a lot of changes in scenery in that small area, and it is almost always full of life, laughter, and music. I have never done a Pioneer Square session that didn’t have music playing in the background or people dancing. It’s such an incredible place to show your true colors. So come have an urban adventure with me and show off your personality in a unique way.
Want to see the difference between Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market? See two, full Market Sessions below :
Things to consider if you choose Downtown:
Parking and walking a few blocks are a consideration when choosing downtown Seattle. Parking can get pricy, and depending on the season, scarce. We will do our best to choose a date that doesn’t compete with the Mariners, Storm, Seahawks, or outdoor street events. But if you use the Spot Hero app, you can find relatively close parking for cheap. If you have mobility issues, it might be best to have a parent or friend drop you off close to our meeting spot, so that you don’t have to worry about walking from an out-of-the-way parking location. We can get the session done in a small area, so as long as you don’t park far away, this location is very accessible for anyone who is disabled or has mobility issues.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me and ask anything you want before booking. I am here to make the process as simple as possible, and I love answering your questions. Click the button below to be directed right to my inbox.
Did this post light you up and make you want to book right away? No problem. Click the link below to be directed to my calendar where you can choose the date and time that works best for your busy schedule. I cannot wait to see you in front of my lens.
Below you will find a small gallery of my favorite Pioneer Square Session:
