I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. The only time I wasn’t living there was when I went to college in Las Vegas. So, I have a pretty good idea of the best places for family, maternity, and engagement shoots. I’ve put together a list of my top 10 favorite Oregon photoshoot locations (as of right now) but I would love to hear from any fellow Oregonians who know of some other beautiful spots! Comment below, or message me on Instagram!
Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a beautiful location with tall grass, mature trees, and a river. This is a perfect location if you’re looking for warm, golden photos in the summer. This is one of my favorites for family sessions!
Dorris Ranch has a very similar look as Mount Pisgah, but without the river. It has a few more options than Pisgah because there are elements on the property such as cabins, an old tractor, barns, and fences. Therefore, I suggest this Oregon photoshoot location to my clients if they’re looking for a more rustic feel to their photos.
Ah, Mary’s Peak. Once you’re through the 15 mph curves on the drive up, you’ll see one of the most beautiful locations I’ve been to. On a clear day, you can see the ocean from the top of the mountain! There is a short hike to the top, but it’s not too tough. If Makena can do it at 8 months pregnant, you can too!
The Gray Lab is a beautiful natural light studio in downtown Salem, and they have a location in Corvallis, too. I love it for that in-home session vibe if that’s what you’re going for! It’s also a great option during the winter months when you don’t want to worry about rain canceling your shoot! For more photos of the studio, check out their Instagram page here.
I visited Sparks Lake for the first time last fall, and it completely blew me away! Everything about the calm lake and the mountains in the background made me so happy, and it became one of my favorite Oregon photoshoot locations.
There are several fun spots at William L. Finley Wildlife Refuge, between the orchards, bridge, barn, and farmhouse, you can’t go wrong. However, I have to say that my favorite is the open field during golden hour!
Elijah Bristow park is one of the few spots that allows horses on the property! It’s perfect for your session if you want to include your furry family members. I love the light here in the summer, and the shallow creek is just a short walk away from the entrance!
Smith Rock is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in Oregon. If you’re looking for epic photos, this is the spot for you!
If you’re wanting something a little different than the golden hour “nature” look, downtown Eugene has a lot to offer. 5th Street Public Market provides that “urban” vibe for those of you who want that for your session! This Oregon photoshoot location is one of my favorites!
If you’re like me, you love photos that have a clean background without a lot going on. The Oregon Coast is perfect for that! The minimalistic scenery ensures that the focus is on the subjects, while still providing beautiful, warm light.
Which location is your favorite? I know that I couldn’t pick just one!
Ready to take beautiful photos at an epic location? Let’s chat and make it happen!