Cattfink + Wily | Washington Park Arboretum Pet Photography
There are big mountain adventures… and then there are pet photography sessions at the Washington Park Arboretum — where tails wag, blossoms wave, and every frame feels like a postcard. Both types of sessions are SO much fun, but I especially love city park sessions for senior pets or pets who don’t love long car rides.
The Washington Park Arboretum: A Pet Portrait Paradise
Let’s set the scene: a soft breeze flutters cherry blossoms like confetti, sunshine dapples through towering maples, and the turtle splash around in the aptly named Turtle Pond. The Washington Park Arboretum is a beautiful park near the University of Washington that has beautiful scenery to offer year round.
From a toothless cutie nestled among the hydrangeas to curious cats perched on a stone wall, the Arboretum is a dream backdrop for pet portraits. I recently had the chance to hang out with Wily and Cattfink at the Arboretum and it was the perfect day. The breeze was crisp, the flowers were colorful, and we were able to capture their sweet personalities (along with some adorable photos with their parents) that were just perfect for these two seniors.
Beyond the Arboretum: Other Gorgeous City Parks
If you’re daydreaming about pet portraits around Western Washington but don’t live in Seattle, there are so many beautiful options! Some of my favorites are included below.
Point Defiance Park — Tacoma
This place is nature on cinematic mode. Towering evergreens, water views, secret forest trails — it’s like your pet stepped into their own feature film. Bonus points if they chase a stick into the saltwater (safely, of course) at Owen Beach, which is the perfect spot for PNW portraits during low tide. The light by the beach at golden hour? Chef’s kiss.
Gateway Park — Gig Harbor
Small but mighty, Gateway Park is a hidden gem with an open field, a fern forest, and cozy dirt trails that just scream outdoor adventure without having to go too far. It’s perfect for pets who love exploring and the field is the perfect backdrop for action shots!
Whether it’s a spring session amid blooming dogwood at the Arboretum, a peaceful coastal moment at Point Defiance, or a forest-framed trot through Gateway Park, doing a portrait session with me is all about celebrating…. celebrating your pet, celebrating our beautiful nature, and celebrating those heartwarming moments and expressions that make you go, “That’s so them.”
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Hi! I’m Bee, a PNW pet photographer, specializing in outdoor adventure pet portraits in Seattle, Tacoma, the Kitsap Peninsula, and beyond. With my pet photography I capture your best friend as their truest selves—whether they’re goofy, playful, stoic, sleepy, or pure chaos! If you're searching for pet photographer near Tacoma who combines the spirit of your furry bestie with the breathtaking scenery of the PNW, look no further. Whether it's a playful romp in the park or a serene lakeside portrait, no adventure is too small for outdoor adventure pet photography!
