A Guide to the Best Photo Locations in Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor has been my home town for nearly 15 years now. I fell in love with the small town charm instantly, but I am still finding new spots I love as it evolves and grows into the place it is today. After photographing weddings, families, brands and businesses here for over 10 years, I'm excited to share my favorite photo spots in Gig Harbor Washington.

Nestled along the shores of Washington's Puget Sound, Gig Harbor holds an array of locations perfect for photography. Whether you're saying 'I do,' celebrating an engagement or anniversary, showcasing or promoting your local business, or planning some frame worthy family portraits, this town is not short on stunning settings. Let’s dive in to the top photo locations in Gig Harbor.

We’ll kick it off with what Gig Harbor’s known for, the waterfront. Downtown Gig Harbor is lined with gorgeous sailboats, piers and marinas. On a clear day the views of Mt. Rainier are incredible. In the middle of downtown lies Skansie Brothers Park, a waterfront gem offering panoramic views of the harbor. Structures like the Netshed and other downtown historic buildings are fun to incorporate and you wouldn’t really think so, but even the public bathroom building makes for a great backdrop. There are stairs along the side of the building that lead to a fun perspective on the downtown area and a beautiful roof top-esque view of the harbor. This is a perfect area for photos if you’re getting married at The Club at The Boatyard or having a wedding reception at Gig Harbor Yacht Club. They also make stunning family and engagement photo locations. If you’re lucky you’ll catch the Gig Harbor Gondola in the background of your photos. Even better, plan a ride and take romantic photos on the only venetian gondola in the pacific northwest. This totally doubles as a date night. Book your gondola ride here!

Further along the waterfront are some smaller spots, perfect for senior portraits, family photos or quick wedding photography spots if you’re getting married nearby at Canterwood Golf Course or the Inn at Gig Harbor. Donkey Creek and Austin Estuary Park are both tucked away amidst lush greenery in the spring and summer and beautiful fall colors in Autumn. This is where some of my favorite views of the Harbor are. Truly, the natural beauty of Gig Harbor takes center stage at these spots.

For those seeking a relaxed look, ideal for an engagement or couples session, the balconies of places like Gig Harbor Brewing and 7 Seas Brewing provide a fun vantage point for not only water and mountain views, but they offer a chill, fun vibe to your photos. Also a nice cold beer or cider is a great trick to warm you right up to the camera.

If you’re looking for somewhere indoors, due to the weather or for a quaint and cozy vibe, places like Heritage Distillery offer some fun seating (and delicious drinks). 7 Seas Brewing has a new gorgeous indoor area, as well as Java and Clay if coffee is your jam. Photos in cozy corners, through windows or from special perspectives is a fun way to add variation to your photos. After a drink you can pop out of any of these locations and be a short walk away to another spot. Who doesn’t want variety?

Wandering the streets of Gig Harbor is one of my favorite things to do when shooting. We always seem to find a different spot to tuck into that offers fun textures, views or lighting situations we can be creative with. Gig Harbor has no shortage of beautiful landscaping so depending on the time of year you will have spring’s vibrant greens, summer’s colorful blooms or fall’s golden foliage to incorporate in your photos as well. I like to do branding sessions and headshots for local businesses downtown. Incorporating the area your business serves is a great way to showcase yourself as the expert in your area. Photos in familiar places like these will assist you in connecting with your community and expanding trust with your clients.

Although downtown is what Gig Harbor is popular for, and there is clearly no shortage of beautiful spots for photos along the waterfront, there is so much more to explore. Wilkinson Farm Park is right up the hill from downtown, off Rosedale Street. My favorite part of this spot are the trails through the holly tree canopies. The park offers a refreshing retreat from a busy life and the winding trails make interesting backdrops, incorporating deep greens and forest vibes into the photos. The park also holds ample space for kids and pets to run freely between shots.

Tucked on the west side of Gig Harbor is Sehmel Park. Behind the playground and sports fields are trails lined with beautiful trees and bridges. This is a great spot for quick photos with kids or private engagement photos. It’s quiet and fairly hidden, which would make a good spot if you want to include a pup that is easily distracted. The trails really highlight the beauty of the PNW with the forest greens and sunlight shining through on a bright day. There is a great playground here which could be a bonus for the kids after you’re done.

Gig Harbor is home to some beautiful state parks. My favorite is Kopachuck State Park. Kopachuck has everything you could ask for if you’re going for classic Pacific Northwest greens, towering trees, fern lined trails, and a rocky beach. It’s a bit of a hill on the way back up, but simple for most. The beach on the bottom reminds me of the classic Washington rocky beach, which we have no shortage of either.

Since Gig Harbor is nestled at the very bottom of the puget sound we are surrounded by beautiful washington beaches. My favorites include Narrows, Sunrise, the Gig Harbor Lighthouse, Purdy Spit and Bella Bella. 

One more place I want to mention is the Olalla Bay Market. This is a new addition to the Gig Harbor Area and is becoming one of the town's favorite spots. The options here are endless. The balcony overlooks the water, there is a cute street bridge, and if you’re feeling more adventurous we can get on some kayaks and float around and then finish with one of their delicious pizzas. Don’t let anybody ever tell you your photo session has to revolve around photos. The photos are supposed to revolve around you and whatever it is that you want to document. 

I hope this has helped you plan your photos in Gig Harbor Washington.

And of course, if you are in need of a photographer that is dedicated to capture what you want to cherish most, you have now landed in the right place! Email me here! Talk to you soon!