What You Need to Know Before Booking a Tulip Field Photo Session in Skagit Valley
There’s something unreal about standing in the middle of endless tulip fields in Skagit Valley. Rows of color
stretching as far as you can see, soft light, and that feeling that you’re in a place that only exists for a few short
weeks out of the year and this recent session at RoozenGaarde farm was exactly that — laid-back, natural,
and just them being themselves.
But if you’re thinking about booking a tulip field session, there are a few things that will make or break your
experience (and your photos).
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Choosing the Right Location
There are several tulip farms in Skagit Valley, but RoozenGaarde is one I often recommend. With its 60 acres,
it has some of the most expansive, colorful fields, and if you time it right, you can get those wide,
uninterrupted views that make tulip sessions so special.
That said — it’s also one of the most popular spots during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Which means
timing matters more than anything.
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Go Early — Earlier Than You Think
If you want the best photos, aim for right when the fields open (around 8am). Not 9. Not 10. 8am.
The difference is huge.
Fewer people, fewer distractions, and a much calmer environment — especially if you’re
bringing kids. Once you arrive, head straight out to the larger fields rather than stopping near the entrance.
Those deeper rows give you:
• cleaner backgrounds
• fewer people in your photos
• more room to move naturally
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Overcast Days Are Your Best Friend
This might sound surprising, but overcast weather is ideal for photos.
Soft, even light:
• keeps colors rich (instead of harsh and blown out)
• avoids strong shadows
• makes skin tones look natural
Sunny days can still be beautiful, but that diffused PNW cloud cover?
That’s where the magic happens!
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Dress for the Location (and the Reality of It)
Tulip fields are beautiful… but they’re also working farmland.
Which means:
• dirt
• mud
• uneven ground
I always recommend wearing boots or shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, while still
coordinating with your outfit.
Function matters here just as much as style.
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Keep Outfits Simple & Neutral
With this much color already surrounding you, your outfits don’t need to compete. In fact, they shouldn’t.
Stick to:
• neutrals
• soft tones
• simple textures
This allows the tulips to stay the focal point, while you naturally complement the scene instead
of overpowering it.
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Bringing Your Vision to Life
One thing that made this session especially smooth was that my client came in with a Pinterest board of inspiration.
She had a clear vision for the kind of moments she loved — the way couples interacted, how they stood, and the
overall feel she was drawn to. And that helped more than you might think.
Not because I recreate poses exactly, but because it gives me a starting point to understand what
feels natural to you.
From there, I take that inspiration and guide you in a way that fits your dynamic and my style — so it never
feels forced or overly posed. You still get images that feel like you, just with a little direction to bring it all together.
If you have inspiration, bring it — it only helps me create something that feels more personal to you.
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Skip the Tourist Spots
Those big entrance signs and heavily trafficked areas? They’re fun for a quick snapshot,
but not where the best photos happen.
If your goal is images that feel natural and timeless, it’s better to:
• move away from the crowds
• avoid the obvious “photo spots”
• focus on quieter areas in the fields
That’s where the real moments unfold.
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Try to Avoid Heavy Rain (If You Can)
A little PNW drizzle? Totally workable. But steady rain can limit movement and make the experience less
enjoyable overall.
If possible, aim for:
• overcast
• dry (or lightly misty) conditions
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Why Tulip Sessions Are Worth It
Tulip season is short. Really, you blink, and it’s gone! That’s part of what makes it so special.
There’s something about documenting a season that doesn’t last — it makes the photos feel more meaningful,
more intentional.
And when everything comes together — the timing, the light, the space — it creates something you just can’t
replicate anywhere else.
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If you’ve been thinking about booking a tulip field session, this is your sign to do it.
Just don’t wait too long — these few weeks go by fast.
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If you’re wanting photos like this, I’d love to plan your session with you.
Reach out here to book your tulip field session before the season ends
