Spring in Vancouver is nothing short of magical. With cherry blossoms in full bloom, lush greenery, and golden sunsets, it’s the perfect season for capturing stunning portraits. Whether you’re planning a couple’s session, a maternity shoot, or a fun-filled family photoshoot, spring is the perfect time to create the most stunning images. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about booking and preparing for a spring photography session in Vancouver.

Why Spring is the Best Time for Photography in Vancouver

Spring is one of the most sought-after seasons for photography in Vancouver. Here’s why:

• Cherry Blossoms: Vancouver’s iconic cherry blossoms bloom across the city in March and April, offering dreamy pink and white canopies for romantic and whimsical portraits.
• Lush Greenery and Flowers: From tulips to magnolias, Vancouver’s parks and gardens are bursting with fresh blooms, making for vibrant, colourful backdrops.
• Mild Weather: Unlike the chilly winter or hot summer, spring provides comfortable temperatures, perfect for outdoor sessions.
• Golden Hour Magic: The longer days mean more opportunities to schedule your session during golden hour (one hour after sunrise or before sunset), when the lighting is soft, warm and flattering.

Best Locations for Spring Photoshoots in Vancouver

Vancouver offers endless location options for gorgeous spring photos. You will just have to make the tough decision of which of backdrop matches your vision, or you can opt for a longer session that includes multiple locations:

• Queen Elizabeth Park: Some of Vancouver’s largest cherry blossom trees are found in Queen Elizabeth Park, along with a garden filled with bright, seasonal flowers. These features tend to draw crowds, so be prepared if booking on a weekend during peak blossom season.
• Trout Lake: This park in East Van is another option for cherry blossoms, but much less crowded. It also features a lake surrounded by foliage, with a beach on one side and mountain peaks visible in the distance.
• Spanish Banks: If you like the idea of photos at the beach, consider Spanish Banks. The views here of the ocean and Cypress Mountain are unmatched and the sunsets are absolutely incredible!
• Jericho Beach: You can also catch a gorgeous beach sunset at Jericho, including the golden light gleaming off the Vancouver skyline. Plus near the beach there is a park with lots of greenery, walking paths and a pond, so it’s a great choice if you want to score the look of two locations in one.
• UBC Campus: UBC ranks #1 on almost any list of Canada’s most beautiful campuses and it’s not hard to see why. In the spring you’ll find manicured flower beds, gardens and cherry trees surrounded by aesthetic architecture.
• Coal Harbour: For a mix of urban and natural vibes head to Coal Harbour. This area of downtown Vancouver’s waterfront is stunning with its modern skyscrapers, marina, cherry blossoms and unobstructed mountain views.
• Stanley Park: Last but not least, Vancouver’s most famous park has it all: The Rose Garden (where you can also spot cherry trees), two beaches (Second and Third Beach), two lakes (Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake), trails with towering trees and open green spaces. Keep in mind that Stanley Park is massive, so if you want to take advantage of multiple scenic points you will need a longer session.

Note: some popular locations for spring photos such as VanDusen Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden require additional fees, not just for entry but also for commercial photography. These are excellent places to visit and take your own pictures, but depending on your budget, they may not be the best choice for your session.

Tips for a Successful Spring Photography Session

• Book Your Session Early: Spring is a popular season for photography, so secure your session in advance to get the best dates and locations!
• Time it Right: Spring is a time of constant change as the earth wakes up after winter. If you’e hoping for specific natural elements in your photos, timing is crucial. Cherry trees are usually the first to come alive starting in mid-late March, but the various species alternate bloom periods until the end of April. It will be stick season for the rest of the trees until early-mid April. Many other types of plants and flowers appear at different times through out spring and summer, but you can expect colour to return to the gardens in April. Luckily I am an expert on when and where to catch nature’s best displays and will help you optimize your session for what you most want captured.
• Dress for the Season: Opt for pastel colours, light fabrics and floral patterns to complement the natural spring scenery. Layers add a bit more variety and work well with changing spring weather. When you book your session you will receive my Spring Styling Guide with more tips to help you pick the perfect outfits!
• Embrace the Weather: Spring in Vancouver can be unpredictable, so be prepared for light drizzles. If there is a downpour or any other extreme weather on the day of your session, I will do my best to accommodate a new session date, free of charge.
• Incorporate Seasonal Props: A bouquet of flowers, a picnic basket and blanket, or even an umbrella can add personality and charm to your session. Bring your own or ask me about what props I can provide from my collection.

How to Book Your Spring Photography Session in Vancouver

As an experienced Vancouver photographer, I specialize in creating an experience that feels natural and focusing on the connection between people, resulting in beautiful images that really capture you and your story. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, updating family photos, or just looking for an excuse to get dressed up and have fun, I’d love to help bring your vision to life! If you’re ready to capture the beauty of spring with a professional photographer, click the button below and fill out the form to get started.

Limited Spring Sessions Available – Book Yours Today!