Best Locations for Family Photography in Tri-Cities, WA

As a family photographer in Tri-Cities, WA, I specialize in capturing natural, timeless images using beautiful outdoor backdrops and natural light. Whether you have little ones full of energy or older kids who love to explore, choosing the right location for family photography in Tri-Cities WA, can make all the difference in creating stunning family portraits.

Here are my top four favorite outdoor locations for family photography in the Tri-Cities!

1. Twin Sisters Rock – A Breathtaking Overlook

By far my favorite location, Twin Sisters Rock located between Tri-Cities, WA and Walla Walla, WA offers incredible views of the Columbia River, golden hills, and an epic backdrop for your session. This spot requires a slight hike, but it’s completely doable with small children if you’re mindful of the edges. If you’re looking for a dramatic, one-of-a-kind setting for your family photos, this is the place to go. Sunset sessions here are absolutely magical, with golden light washing over the landscape.

👉 Best for: Families who love adventure and don’t mind a little hike for an epic view.

I photographed this beautiful couple at Twin Sisters Rock recently and it was such a stunning location! It was easy to capture their love, joy and playfulness- with both the gorgeous river and gorge as backdrops.

2. Chiawana Park – Versatile & Kid-Friendly for Family Photography in Tri-Cities WA

Chiawana Park in Pasco, WA is one of my top choices because of its versatility. It features river views, a boat dock, open grassy areas, rocks, and sandy spots—giving us plenty of variety in your gallery. It’s also a great place for kids to play, which allows me to capture natural, candid action shots of your little ones exploring, running, and just being themselves. If you want a mix of scenery and a laid-back session, Chiawana Park is a fantastic option.

👉 Best for: Families with small kids who want a relaxed session with lots of variety.

3. Benton City – Riverside & Rolling Hills Family Photos in Tri- Cities

Benton City is a hidden gem for family photography, offering beautiful riverside spots and stunning rolling hills. In the spring, the hills turn a gorgeous shade of green, creating a dreamy, natural backdrop. As the sun starts to set, the warm, golden light makes for breathtaking images. Whether we shoot near the Yakima River or up in the hills overlooking the valley, this location provides a peaceful, natural setting for your session.

👉 Best for: Families who love wide-open spaces, greenery in the spring, and stunning sunset views.

4. Finley – Golden Wheat Fields & Endless Skies

If you love the look of rolling hills and golden wheat fields, Finley, located just outside Kennewick, WA is an amazing spot—especially at sunset. The soft, warm tones of the landscape create timeless, glowing family portraits. This area is simple yet breathtaking, perfect for families who want a natural, classic backdrop for their photos.

👉 Best for: Families who love soft, golden tones and wide-open spaces for dreamy sunset shots.

Let’s Capture Your Family’s Story

No matter which location you choose, my goal is to create timeless, natural images that capture your family’s unique connection and love. If you’re looking for a family photographer in Tri-Cities, WA, who’s great with small kids and loves capturing outdoor moments, I’d love to work with you!

📅 Ready to book your session? Let’s plan the perfect family photoshoot in one of these beautiful Tri-Cities locations! Contact me today.

About Tawny

Tawny is an award winning newborn , baby, and family photographer based in Tri-Cities, WA, with a passion for capturing the precious first moments of life. With a background as an ER nurse specializing in caring for babies and hands-on mentoring from experienced photographers, Tawny brings a unique blend of skill and care to my sessions. Using natural light, simple setups, and beautiful photography to create heartfelt images of your baby’s earliest moments, she combines expertise and creativity to deliver stunning, safe, and timeless portraits.

Hey there! It’s me again! I have been MIA lately. Balancing a full-time nursing career, single motherhood, and my photography business has been an intense season of life. But no matter how busy things get, capturing these fleeting newborn moments remains my passion.

I have officially been an actual business for 1 year this month and I cannot believe it has flown by. I am still getting into the swing of things and perfecting my rhythm, but I am getting there, and feeling more comfortable each session.
After almost a year photographing newborns, here’s a look at how a typical session with me flows:

Getting Started: Trampoline Time

I begin with the baby on the trampoline, which is perfect for capturing close-up images. This is where I focus on those tiny, delicate details—little feet, hands, mouth, and eyelashes. Parents’ hands are often included in these shots, emphasizing how baby fit in their hands. This is my favorite image to capture at every session. Especially being a momma myself and now holding a 5 year old and 7 year old. Thinking back to how little they were and how time has flown is bittersweet.

Wrapping & Family Portraits

Next, I wrap the baby and transition into family photos. If siblings are involved, I start with them first. Young siblings often have limited patience, so I make sure to get their portion done early so they can relax or leave once their part is finished. Then, we move on to parent portraits. As a newborn photographer and mom, I will always recommend parents and family being in the photos.

Variety in Setups: Moses Basket, Crates, Bed, or Flokati

After family photos, I place the baby in a variety of setups such as a Moses basket, crates, a cozy bed, or a flokati rug. Each of these settings creates a unique and classic look while keeping the baby comfortable and peaceful. This stage often takes a fair amount of time and patience is key, following baby’s cues, allowing for gentle transitions and a natural, baby-led flow. This is where my special training as a newborn photographer has been of the utmost importance. Parents- it is so incredibly important to make sure your baby is safe and trained in newborn photography!

Feeding Break & Final Poses

By this point, the baby usually needs another feeding break. I always follow the baby’s lead to keep them content. Once they’re settled again, I move to the final set of poses on the table. This is where I capture those sweet belly and chin-on-hands poses that parents love. For safety, baby has to be very sleepy to perfect these poses!

Each session is carefully designed to be smooth, efficient, and baby-centered, ensuring a calm and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. No matter how busy life gets, freezing these precious moments in time is always worth it.

Ready to book?
Contact me today- I am booking for April and May of 2025!! http://tawnyrochellephotography.com/contact

You might be wondering whether or not you want to join in for your baby’s newborn session. You just birthed a whole human, and momma that is HARD work. I know you are tired, and don’t feel your best, but let me tell you from personal experience, you will never regret being in your newborn photos with your brand new baby. I remember taking my daughter’s newborn pictures at just FIVE days post emergency C-Section (which I do not recommend, but it was Christmas time and the photographer was going to closed for a few weeks). I could barely move because I was so sore, and I had an allergic reaction right before the session so my lip was very swollen. I did not feel beautiful, I almost gave up on taking pictures, and just had my son take pictures with her. But I did it anyway. And let me tell you, my daughter LOVES to look a those photos, and honestly, so do I. I unfortunately struggled with severe post partum depression with my daughter, and that time feels like a blur. I am so incredibly grateful that I have those photos to look back on.

While I do offer a session that includes the newborn only, I love including family and siblings in your session. Incorporating parents and siblings into the session creates timeless images that tell a complete story of your growing family.

Your First Family Portrait

One of the most meaningful images I capture is your first family portrait. These early days are a whirlwind of emotions, and life moves fast. Having a professional photo of your new family records a moment in time that you’ll cherish forever. It’s a reminder of how small your baby once was and how your family came together in those first few weeks.

The Bond Between Siblings

For older siblings, welcoming a new baby is a major milestone. Including them in the session not only creates beautiful memories but also helps them feel important in this new chapter. I love capturing these moments that highlight the precious bond forming between them. Whether it’s a gentle kiss on the baby’s head, a tiny hand wrapped around their new sibling’s fingers, or an excited hug. Over the years, these photos will serve as a reminder of where their relationship began.

Capturing Mom and Baby

There is something incredibly special about a mother holding her newborn. These moments are often missed in the everyday blur of feedings and diaper changes. You did the work momma, let me capture the beauty and love between you and your baby. It’s beautiful and one of a kind.

Daddy’s Hands

Dad holding baby is a classic and powerful image. The contrast between a father’s hands and the tiny new life he holds is a beautiful representation of protection, strength, and love. Whether it’s the way he cradles the baby in his arms, gently cups a tiny head, or little fingers wrapped around his own, these moments are priceless. I strive to document them in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

Details That Matter

A few of the most cherished images are the ones that focus on the little details—baby’s hand grasping a parent’s finger, tiny feet resting in mom or dad’s hands, or the way they fit perfectly in your arms. These small details change so quickly, and I love freezing them in time so you can hold onto the memory long after your baby has grown.

Ready to Book?

When you book a session with me, you are choosing a photographer who prioritizes your baby’s safety and comfort. I am trained in newborn photography and infant CPR, ensuring that your little one is in expert hands throughout the session. My in-home studio provides a warm, controlled environment so your baby is not exposed to the elements, making the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. I take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly enjoy the experience. Let’s create beautiful, timeless memories together that you will cherish for years to come.