The Seattle Waterfront is always stunning, but golden hour and sunset make it absolutely magical. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Alicia Monè, a Seattle-based model, on a golden hour session that highlighted the glow of the city, the shimmer of Elliott Bay, and the warm tones of the setting sun.
This session was a portfolio-building collaboration, and Alicia brought her professionalism and experience as a model to every shot. She knows how to move in front of the camera, and together we created images that are both artistic and timeless.
For another Seattle senior session filled with natural color, see this Kubota Garden fall portrait session.
Golden Hour Glow on the Waterfront
Golden hour at the Seattle Waterfront is always magical, and this shoot with Alicia was no exception. The warm glow of the sun setting over Elliott Bay created the perfect atmosphere for portraits that feel both timeless and full of energy. If you’ve seen my Golden Hour Graduation Photoshoot at Kerry Park, you know how much I love working in this light. It transforms every location in Seattle into something extraordinary.
Golden hour is one of the best times for photography. The soft light brings warmth, depth, and a natural glow that flatters every skin tone. We began along the waterfront railings as the sun dipped low, creating a radiant backdrop that framed Alicia beautifully. Her black leather jacket and denim skirt contrasted perfectly with the warm tones of the sunset sky.
City Vibes and Downtown Backdrops
As the light shifted, we transitioned to the city skyline for a more urban feel. The soft blue and pink tones of twilight mixed with the glowing buildings to create a modern, stylish backdrop. Alicia’s confidence and strong posing gave each frame a professional edge.
Alicia and I explored the city elements of the waterfront, incorporating the skyline and urban textures. The combination of her bold leather jacket and denim with the modern city backdrop gave her portraits a polished yet effortless vibe. For seniors who want more of a natural backdrop, sessions like the Snoqualmie Point Park Senior Portraits show how different settings can completely change the mood of your photos. I also have a whole blog dedicated to differet locations in the area.
Sunset into Night
One of the most rewarding parts of shooting at the Seattle Waterfront is how quickly the scenery transforms. In less than an hour, we went from golden sunlight to twilight blues and finally into nightfall with the glowing Seattle Great Wheel in the background. These transitions gave us an incredible variety of looks within a single session.
As the sun dipped lower, the colors of the sky deepened into shades of orange and pink, eventually giving way to the vibrant lights of the Seattle Great Wheel. Capturing Alicia with the Ferris wheel glowing behind her made for portraits that felt dynamic and full of personality. If you enjoy waterfront portraits, you may also love my Redondo Beach Graduation Photos in Federal Way, another session where the water and sky played a huge role in creating stunning images.
A Collaborative Experience
This shoot was a collaboration between Alicia and me, allowing both of us to grow our portfolios while experimenting with creative ideas. Her professionalism and confidence in front of the camera made it such a smooth experience. Collaborations like this remind me of my recent Branding Collaboration Shoot at Seattle Content Lab, where creative teamwork brought out fresh, unique results.
If you’re a high school senior, this session is proof that variety and personality shine brightest when paired with an iconic Seattle location like the Waterfront. From soft golden light to bold city vibes, this spot offers it all.
✨ Ready to plan your own senior session? Seattle seniors and families have so many options when it comes to portrait locations, from the energy of the city to the calm of the mountains and beaches. If you’re starting to think about your own senior photos, check out my guide on How to Prepare for Your Graduation Photoshoot in Seattle, Tacoma & South King County and my guide on Which Senior Photo Session Is Right for You? With the right prep, we can create images that feel every bit as personal and unforgettable as Alicia’s. Click here to book your session!
