While that mantra holds true for real estate transactions, it’s also relevant as you head out the door with camera in hand, hoping to snap a frame-worthy family photo. And what better day for a group photo than Mother’s Day, the culmination of spring blooms, macaroni necklaces and barely-worn Easter dresses?

This year, we’re advocating the K.I.S.S. approach to Mother’s Day – keep it simple with a nice meal, some fresh air with the kiddos and a killer location for that perfect photo opp (come on sushine, make our day). To that end, we’ve asked local family photographer Heather Quintans to share some of her favorite Seattle locations for family portraits. We then dug deep for cool dining options nearby. Need tips on how to take the perfect photo? Read Heather’s suggestions here.

Photo Opp: Aboretum. Great colors this time of the year, particularly along Azalea Way.
Hint: The Mother’s Day event is from 1-4 pm. Get there in the morning to avoid people in the background of all your shots.
Nibble & Sip: Café Flora’s prix fixe Mother’s Day Brunch ($25) is super popular – make a reservation now.
Bonus: Need some photo inspiration? Check Elisha Rain’s show, “Pregnant Women of Seattle – A Ten-Year Retrospective” on Saturday at Birth and Beyond.

Photo Opp: Kerry Park Seattle. Perfect for that quintessential Seattle City Skyline.
Nibble & Sip: Biscuits and Gravy at Five Spot – yum!
Bonus: Enter Bouncing Wall’s Simply The Best Mom Contest and you may be able to walk in to the QA shop on Sunday to claim your prize (facial, haircut, chocolate and more.)

Photo Opp: Golden Gardens Park in Ballard. Great combo of wonderful beach and park. Bring the dog.
Nibble & Sip: The Ultimate Peach Thyme Bellini (it will help you relax on camera) at Volterra.
Bonus: Now that you have a fab photo, stop into Laura Bee Designs and put your snapshot on a bag, a notebook or pillow.

Photo Opp: Alki Beach. Of course, the beach is a no brainer. Also, you’ll perfect city skyline view if you take shots from the south.
Nibble & Sip: Don’t get out much to trendy new restaurants? That’s okay, newcomer hot spot Spring Hill is now serving brunch.
Bonus: Georgia Blu has the best prices on Heather Moore Jewelry (you know, those beautiful initial necklaces, rings and bracelets that all the cool moms are wearing).


Photo Opp
: Green Lake. Nice grassy open areas, trees make excellent backdrops. Good early morning. Hint: Steer clear of the power walkers – they can be dangerous!
Nibble & Sip: Grab some grilled salmon from the deli counter at Phinney Market and a bottle of Oregon Pinot Gris (they have a kiddie boxed lunches for the littles) and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Bonus: Feel inspired after watching all those runners do laps around the lake? Stop into Super Jock & Jill for some new running gear an save 10% when you mention Red Tricycle.

Photo Opp: Olympic Sculpture Park. A little funky and fun, great architectural lines.
Nibble & Sip: 3-course Mother’s Day lunch at at TASTE for $25.
Bonus: Free admission for moms to Seattle Art Museum

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