One of the things I love most about being a professional photographer in the Seattle area is that there are so many different neighborhoods, all with their own unique personalities and vibes.
If you dig an upscale, urban vibe, South Lake Union might be a fantastic place to shoot your new online dating photos. Think: cityscapes, modern architecture, tech industry, and bustling energy. And, if you're a techie who already lives and/or works in the neighborhood, a dating photoshoot in SLU might make sense because it's a genuine reflection of you in your everyday world.
You can absolutely create a collection of photos diverse enough to build a killer Hinge profile without leaving SLU (I've done it!). But, because South Lake Union is smack dab in the middle of Seattle, it is also super easy to explore other nearby neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, or Belltown.
Whether you're working with me as your dating photographer or planning your own DIY Seattle dating photoshoot, here's a round-up of some of my favorite spots for dating photos around SLU.
One of Seattle's most gorgeous urban parks is Lake Union Park. The fact that we have a lake (actually, *multiple* lakes (Greenlake!)) within a metropolitan area is a truly delightful feature of Seattle. And what a treasure that there's a big glorious park taking up the entire southern shore of Lake Union.
Nothing screams Seattle more than the lake, seaplanes, and epic city views. Lake Union Park is perfect if you want lots of variety within one park -- water views, cityscapes, a marina with historic wooden boats, running trails, and plenty of places to kick back and relax.
Just a few blocks south, Denny Park is Seattle's OG urban park. It has big trees, classic walking paths and park benches, and lush greenery right in the heart of the concrete jungle. It’s great if you're going for a fresh, natural feel without straying more than a few blocks from the tech hub.
Futuristic, sleek, and iconic of Seattle tech culture, The Spheres definitely stand out visually. The blend of greenhouse vibes + aquariums + big tech somehow totally works. And while the spheres themselves are indeed cool, it's the area outside and around them that I love most for dating photography. Seattle poured a lot of money into this part of the city and it shows -- the visuals are fresh, sophisticated, and funky.
**note that you can't just walk into the spheres and start taking pictures! You need to arrange your visit in advance.
Just a few blocks away from the Spheres, there's a social club called The Collective Seattle. The several blocks surrounding the Collective are wonderful for dating photos with high-end city backgrounds. And if you know someone who is a Collective member, the interior is gorgeous (or you can just enjoy the lobby and patio with a cup from Crest Coffee Bar ☕️).
Speaking of coffee...
Monorail Espresso started as a coffee cart in 1980 so it's a bit of a slice of local history. The SLU location is a cute little walk-up coffee bar right in the middle of the neighborhood. It's got a small handful of tables outside, truly delicious espresso, and the most beautiful early morning light.
Laid-back, spacious, and trendy, Victrola in SLU is ideal for a casual photoshoot vibes in a warm-toned environment. Grab your favorite latte and kick back on one of their mid-century brown leather sofas or at one of many little bistro tables. They have big garage doors that open in the warmer months, giant antique paned windows, plus, miraculously, parking usually isn't terrible in the morning.
Scandi-chic at its best— somehow Cafe Hagen feels minimalist while also overflowing with plants. SO many plants. Their avocado toast is some of the best around. Plus, their outdoor patio is quite lovely with a community p-patch just across the street.
If you're feeling kinda swanky, just down the street from Cafe Hagen is mbar. As far as rooftop bars go, this place is unbeatable—think golden hour sunsets, sweeping Lake Union views, city lights, and a sophisticated but still funky atmosphere. Perfect for looking effortlessly cool while sipping on something classy.
Living in one of SLU’s many sleek high-rises? Do not miss the photo opportunities that exist on the rooftop of your building. Stunning skyline views, Puget Sound glimpses, and the iconic Space Needle in the background? Or hell, just a cool hangout area above the city. I've been on many rooftops in SLU and haven't met one I did like.
And that's a wrap! South Lake Union has tons to offer for photoshoots of all kinds, but especially online dating photoshoots.
Ready to make your online dating profile irresistible with dating photos that tell your story?