Location Spotlight: Chambers Bay in University Place
Location Spotlight: Chambers Bay in University Place
I have been coming here with my family for years. The area first found use as a rock quarry stemming as far back as the Steilacoom Indian Tribe and the first European settlers in 1832. It is now home to a beautiful park featuring and open lawn, cool bridge, and wide west-facing beach with driftwood.
When a graduating senior recently chose it for her session (sight unseen because she "heard it was cool"), I was so excited! And then I got home to edit. It was even BETTER than I could ever have imagined.
Pros: want a stunning variety of backgrounds? This is the place for you! It's got a grassy meadow, cool old quarry-related structures, a fantastic architectural bridge, and a long beach with a wide variety of driftwood.
Cons: Because it gets crowded on weekends, I will only shoot here on weekday evenings. 60 minute sessions only. Wind can be a factor, but I will keep and eye on the forecast and we can reschedule if it is windy on your day.
Accessibility: It is mostly flat, except for the stairs to get to the beach from the bridge. It is quite a bit of walking for those less abled.
Great for: senior portraits, families, headshots and branding, engagement photos.
When it works: weekday late afternoons, 60 minute sessions only.
Sunset sessions cost a bit more due to the extra weather/sky watching on my part, and extra time editing the colors just right, but Chambers Bay is GREAT for them if the weather works out (May-Oct only). Here is a full example gallery from Sept.
