Golden Hour Session in Seattle / The Young Family
- Chanel Marlene
- Mar 27
- 1 min read
For the past five years, photographing the Young family has been one of my favorite yearly traditions...to say I look forward to it is an understatement.
Watching these kids grow—from babies to toddlers to now elementary and middle schoolers—has been such a joy. Over time, I’ve learned so much about what they like, what they don’t, and what makes them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
One thing I know Erin, their mother, absolutely loves is capturing real, candid moments with her kids.
Of course, we always take portraits, but once those are done, we let the session unfold naturally. The kids play, the family interacts, and we simply let life happen. These in-between moments—full of laughter, movement, and connection—are what tell the real story.
Erin was one of the first clients who allowed me to fully embrace this documentary-style approach, and over the years, I’ve fallen in love with it. Posed portraits have their place, but there’s something special about images that reflect a family’s personality and values.
And then there’s the golden hour—the perfect backdrop for it all. A Seattle summer/fall golden hour is unmatched, with rich greens, warm orange hues, and the sun reflecting off the water in the most beautiful way. This session was no exception, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Here’s to another year of capturing memories, the way they’re meant to be remembered.
Photographed in Discovery Park, Seattle by Chanel Marlene
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