Here’s a list of outdoor photo locations I’ve prepared for my clients to help decide where they’d like to have their family photos, maternity photos, 6 month or 12 month milestone photos.
Some of the locations near the end have an additional fee due to the distance and hike in/out time involved.
East Portland Outdoor Photo Locations (additional fee)
Tigard / Lake Oswego Outdoor Photo Locations
Vancouver Outdoor Photo Locations
Fall – Seasonal Outdoor Photo Locations
Spring – Seasonal Outdoor Photo Locations
Summer – Seasonal Outdoor Photo Locations
Winter – Seasonal Outdoor Photo Locations
Indoor photo inspiration
Columbia County Outdoor Photo Locations
Liberty Hill, St Helens OR
Type: Tall grass, trees, glowy light (summer) or floral, purple camas blooms in spring (April)
Ideal time of day: cloudy overcast day for spring purple camas flower blooms; sunset, golden hour for summer brown grass
Ideal time of year: spring through summer – avoid rainy months or bring rain boots, gets really soggy with literal streams
Additional info: technically private property but many people use the walking paths here so it feels pretty safe. Spring has purple camas flowers, summer has brown grass and trees.
Family photography by Sidnee Adler of Natalie Broders with her family at Liberty Hill in St Helens, OR – OctoberFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Liberty Hill in St Helens, OR – AprilFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Liberty Hill in St Helens, OR – April
Beaver Falls, Clatskanie OR
Type: waterfall, green forest
Ideal time of day: 9am-10am or 3pm-5pm
Ideal time of year: spring, summer
Additional info: This is a popular swimming hole in the summer. Prepare to get wet from the waterfall mist, take that into account if it’s cool outside.
Waterfall Maternity Photography by Natalie Broders – Clatskanie, ORWaterfall Maternity Photography by Natalie Broders – Clatskanie, ORWaterfall Maternity Photography by Natalie Broders – Clatskanie, OR
Asburry Park, St Helens OR
Type: Short green grass, some tree coverage. In fall there can be tall brown grass.
Ideal time of day: sunset, golden hour
Ideal time of year: fall preferred, but any time of year works here
Additional info: This is a dog park so there are sometimes dog poop land mines.
Family photography by Sidnee Adler of Natalie Broders with her family at Asburry Park in St Helens, OR – OctoberFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Asburry Park in St Helens, OR – July
Bernet Farms, Scappoose OR
Type: Grass, trees, pumpkins in the fall
Ideal time of day: sunset, golden hour
Ideal time of year: any time of year
Additional info: Private property but I can request permission from the owner
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Bernet Farms in Scappoose, OR – JulyFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Bernet Farms in Scappoose, OR – JulyFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Bernet Farms in Scappoose, OR – JulyEngagement Photography by Natalie Broders at Bernet Farms in Scappoose, OR – JulyEngagement Photography by Natalie Broders at Bernet Farms in Scappoose, OR – JulyEngagement Photography by Natalie Broders at Bernet Farms in Scappoose, OR – July
Pixie Park, St Helens OR
Type: river beach, water
Ideal time of day: sunrise or another time of day if it is cloudy/overcast
Ideal time of year: summer is ideal. Wind tends to be too cold off the river for littles if it’s not warm enough outside.
Additional info: The sun faces the wrong direction for sunset golden hour – need to go early morning or only go on an overcast cloudy day to avoid bright harsh lighting.
Family photography by Natalie Broders at Pixie ParkFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Pixie ParkFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Pixie Park
Trojan Park
Type: water, geese, mountain view, trees, fall leaves in October
Ideal time of day: sunset golden hour
Ideal time of year: any time of year
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Trojan Park in Rainier, OR – October
Field in Clatskanie
Type: brown grass
Ideal time of day: sunset golden hour
Ideal time of year: Summer months
Additional info:
Photo: coming soon
West of Portland Outdoor Photo Locations
Howell Territorial Park, Sauvie Island
Type: Green grass, trees, glowy vibes
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: Any time of year works here! May: purple flowers. November: orange fall leaves.
Additional info: There is a huge variety of photo backgrounds at this location, including a vintage house and porch we can use, lots of nature scapes, beautiful tall fir trees, large oak trees, grass, flowers, and wonderful glow.
Sunset time: sun goes behind the mountains 40 minutes before Google’s quoted sunset time.
Family photography by Natalie Broders at Howell Territorial Park– NovemberFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Howell Territorial ParkFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Howell Territorial Park – MayFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Howell Territorial Park – NovemberFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Howell Territorial Park – MayFamily photography by Natalie Broders at Howell Territorial Park – May blooms
Jenkins Estate, Gardens, Beaverton OR
Type: variety of plants in the garden
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: summer for blooms
Additional info: There is a variety of photo backgrounds at this location, including garden paths, many different plants and flowers, a foresty area, and a small pond.
Sunset time: best to end 1hr before sunset time
Maternity photography at Jenkins Estate by Natalie Broders – JulyMaternity photography at Jenkins Estate by Natalie Broders – JulyMaternity photography at Jenkins Estate by Natalie Broders – JulyMaternity photography at Jenkins Estate by Natalie Broders – July
Willow Trees, Fano Creek Trail, Beaverton OR
Type: willow trees, grass, bridge
Ideal time of day: sunset or sunrise (these are at 7:30AM in September)
Fanno Creek Trailhead @ SE Parkview Loop at SW Reid Ct (map)
Ideal time of year: fall, spring, summer
Additional info: this is a populated walking trail area
Family Photography at the Willow Trees by Natalie Broders in Beaverton, OR – September SunriseFamily Photography at the Willow Trees by Natalie Broders in Beaverton, OR – September SunriseFamily Photography at the Willow Trees by Natalie Broders in Beaverton, OR – September SunriseFamily Photography at the Willow Trees by Natalie Broders in Beaverton, OR – September Sunrise
Summer U-Pick Berries at West Union Gardens, Hillsboro OR
Type: activity lifestyle session, berry picking, zinnia and sunflower picking
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: July for berries
Additional info: popular U-Pick spot, might have people in the background.
Contact the farm before photographing here
Late June to mid July: blackberries, tayberries, raspberries, marionberries, and more – see their website
Photo of berry fields at West Union Gardens, photo courtesy of West Union Gardens
Forest Park, NW Portland OR
Type: green trees
Ideal time of day: 10 am to 3 pm due to dense tree coverage
Ideal time of year: spring, summer, fall
Additional info: common hiking area, likely to be populated
Limited parking depending on the trailhead
Wildwood trail off Newberry, wildwood trail marker 30 near Trailhead
Forest Park, photo provided by Portland.gov
Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Type: grass, trees, epic Mountain View
Ideal time of day: sunset, 30min before and 30 minute after sundown
Glowy light ends about 30 minutes before the google predicted sunset. Gives the ability to get the glowy light in the grass, and then the mountain/tree distance photo after sundown.
Ideal time of year: summer
Additional info: The epic view of the mountains places the sunset in front of the subject. Need to stay 30 min after sundown to get the mountains behind the subject. For backlit glow, the subject background is grass and trees.
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton, OR – OctoberFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton, OR – OctoberFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton, OR – October
Horning’s Hideout in North Plains
Type: lake, trees
Ideal time of day: 1.5hr before sunset
Ideal time of year: any time
Additional info: there’s no cell phone service here. They have free range peacocks roaming all around!
It’s down in a valley and the light is gone much earlier than you would expect, 1hr 30 minutes before predicted sunset. Ideal time to shoot with a 8:00pm sunset is 5:30-6:30pm.
This is a popular wedding venue and disc golf course.
Maternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, OR – SeptemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, OR – SeptemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, OR – SeptemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, OR – September
Central Portland Outdoor Photo Locations
Marshall Park
Type: green forest, small stream, small waterfall if there has been rainfall (dry in summer)
Ideal time of day: 10am – 3pm
Ideal time of year: Spring, Fall for water in the stream – Summer is beautiful too but no water
Additional info: To get the good light, don’t go at sunset. Better midday because of extreme tree coverage. Sunny day if you prefer glowy – won’t have that look on a cloudy day.
Important: GPS to (specific name here), not the default GPS location – talk to Natalie about this
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Marshall Park in Portland, OR – OctoberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Marshall Park in Portland, OR – MayMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Marshall Park in Portland, OR – May
Peninsula Park Rose Garden
Type: floral, grass, structural gazebo
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: June to September
Additional info: public park, often have people exploring the gardens that you need to navigate around to avoid them in the background of your photos. Common location for professional headshots.
Branding Photography by Natalie Broders at Peninsula Park in Portland, OR – SeptemberBranding Photography by Natalie Broders at Peninsula Park in Portland, OR – SeptemberBranding Photography by Natalie Broders at Peninsula Park in Portland, OR – September
Washington Park / Redwood Observation Deck, Portland OR
Type: green trees, pacific northwest vibes, hoa hoa weather in fall-winter
Ideal time of day: 10am – 3pm
Ideal time of year: any time
Additional info: in fall and winter expect gray overcast hoa hoa vibes, extreme tree coverage. Go on a sunny summer day if you want that glowy look.
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Washington Park in Portland, OR – DecemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Washington Park in Portland, OR – December
Pittock Mansion in Portland, OR
Type: vintage mansion vibes with a beautiful garden and lush green outdoor area
Ideal time of day: 1 hour before sunset, sun goes down earlier than google says
Ideal time of year: any time
Additional info: popular tourist attraction and photographer hotspot, have to navigate around having other people in your background
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Pittock Mansion in Portland, OR – JuneFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Pittock Mansion in Portland, OR – JuneFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Pittock Mansion in Portland, OR – June
East Portland Outdoor Photo Locations
Mt Tabor Park, Portland OR
Type: epic view, green forest vibes, glow, fall colors, cement steps
Ideal time of day: an hour before sunset
Ideal time of year: any time of year for the green look and epic view. In fall, the colors change in NOVEMBER? – check this
Additional info: it’s a bit of a hike to get to the top for the epic view. Plan for a longer session with hike time.
Additional $100 travel fee
Maternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Mt Tabor Park in Portland, OR – NovemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Mt Tabor Park in Portland, OR – NovemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Mt Tabor Park in Portland, OR – SeptemberMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Mt Tabor Park in Portland, OR – September
Powell Butte Nature Park
Type: epic view, tall grass
Ideal time of day: the epic view of Mt Hood is to the East, sun sets in the West. Need to be JUST after sundown to have subjects’ back to Mt Hood so they aren’t blinded by the sun. There’s also a glowy tall grass area for sunset, but doesn’t show Mt Hood on the horizon.
Ideal time of year: any time of year
Additional info: it’s a bit of a hike to get to the top for the epic view. Plan for a longer session with hike time. If you want Mt Hood in the distance don’t shoot with aperture wide open, dork.
Additional $200 travel fee
Maternity photography at Powell Butte by Natalie Broders – after sundown for the view of Mt HoodMaternity photography at Powell Butte by Natalie Broders
Elk Rock Park
Type:
Ideal time of day:
Ideal time of year:
Additional info:
Photo:
Dodge Park, along the Sandy River
Type: river, water, rocks, green trees, fall colors
Ideal time of day: 1hr before sunset, tree coverage greatly reduces sun coverage
Ideal time of year: any time, popular swimming location in summer, could be crowded. Fall has pretty colors.
Additional info: talk to Natalie about specific parking location information before going
Additional $200 travel fee
Maternity photography at Dodge Park by Natalie BrodersMaternity photography at Dodge Park by Natalie Broders
Tigard / Lake Oswego Outdoor Photo Locations
George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego
Type: green trees, water
Ideal time of day: 10 am – 3pm for trees; sunset for grass or water, see below
Ideal time of year: any time of year
Additional info: green trees block a lot of light, go well before sunset if you want good glowy light. If you’re not walking the trails, there is an open grassy area and a lake that will be better at golden hour.
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at George Rogers ParkFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at George Rogers ParkFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at George Rogers Park
Vancouver Outdoor Photo Locations
Moulton Falls, Battle Ground WA
Type: turquoise water, green tree coverage
Ideal time of day: 10 am – 3pm due to tree coverage
Ideal time of year: any time, popular swimming location in summer, could be crowded.
Maternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Moulton Falls in Battle Ground, WA – MarchMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Moulton Falls in Battle Ground, WA – MarchMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Moulton Falls in Battle Ground, WA – MarchMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Moulton Falls in Battle Ground, WA – MarchMaternity Photography by Natalie Broders at Moulton Falls in Battle Ground, WA – March
Seasonal Outdoor Photo Locations in the Portland Area
Fall
Plumper Pumpkin Patch
Type: pumpkins, floral, porch
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: Fall but avoid weekends, lots of people visit
Additional info: need to call first for permission?
Entry fee – see Plumper website
Fall Pumpkin Patch Family Photography at Plumper by Natalie Broders – SeptemberFall Pumpkin Patch Family Photography at Plumper by Natalie Broders – September
Hazlenut Grove, Banks Road Farms, Banks OR
Type: green orchard, fall activity
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: hazlenuts the last week of September into early October
Additional info: GPS tells you that you have arrived where you can just see a grove of trees. Turn left immediately after the grove of trees.
This farm also has a Lavender field in July
Bring a cute basket to collect your hazlenuts!
Fall family photography in the Hazlenut Grove by Natalie Broders in Banks, OR – Late Sept to Early Oct
Spring
Camas Flower Meadow, Liberty Hill, St Helens OR
Type: floral, green grass, trees
Ideal time of day: overcast and cloudy daytime, or sunset for glowy
Ideal time of year: Spring for the purple camas flowers to be in bloom
Additional info: it can be really soggy and wet, people should wear rain boots not sandals
Additional info: technically private property but many people use the walking paths here so it feels pretty safe. Spring has purple camas flowers, summer has brown grass and trees.
Family Photography by Natalie Broders at Liberty Hill in St Helens, OR – AprilFamily Photography by Natalie Broders at Liberty Hill in St Helens, OR – April
Pink Blossoms, Scappoose OR
Type: floral
Ideal time of day: 10 am – sunset. The blossoms create a nice diffused light even when the sun is high.
Ideal time of year: April. The bloom is short, one week in April, changes weeks every year
Additional info: need to get permission from the owner
Spring Blossom Family Photography in Scappoose, OR by Natalie Broders – AprilSpring Blossom Family Photography in Scappoose, OR by Natalie Broders – AprilSpring Blossom Family Photography in Scappoose, OR by Natalie Broders – April
Summer
Sunflower field, West Union Gardens, Hillsboro OR
Type: floral
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: summer, two weeks in August
Additional info: popular photographer location but they have carved out a lot of trails so folks can spread out pretty well. There is an additional fee to use.
They rotate which field blooms each year. One field is to the right of the parking lot; to photograph here, we have to walk to the far side of the field so the sun is to the subject’s back. One field is to the left of the parking lot; we don’t have to walk at all since the sun is immediately to the subject’s back.
Can be dirty and dusty
Summer sunflower family photography by Natalie BrodersSummer sunflower family photography by Natalie BrodersSummer sunflower family photography by Natalie BrodersSummer sunflower family photography by Natalie BrodersSummer sunflower family photography by Natalie Broders
Lavender Field, Banks Road Farms, Banks OR
Type: floral
Ideal time of day: sunset
Ideal time of year: summer, two weeks in July for Lavender (7/4-7/21 preferred)
Additional info: GPS tells you that you have arrived where you can just see a grove of trees. Turn left immediately after the grove of trees.
Bring a cute basket to collect your lavender!
This farm also has u-pick hazlenuts in Sept-Oct
There are bees when the lavender is in bloom, avoid if allergic
Lavender field family photography by Natalie Broders in Banks, OR – July 4 through July 21Lavender field family photography by Natalie Broders in Banks, OR – July 4 through July 21
Winter
Christmas Tree Farm
Type: green forest
Ideal time of day: 10 am to sunset
Ideal time of year: November, December – opening weekend for U-Cut Christmas trees is the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The trees here are beautiful for winter and don’t necessarily have to scream Christmas. Note the outfit color choices if you want more of a fall organic vibe (use of rust orange, olive green) or more of a Christmas vibe (use of red).
Think about including pops of red clothing if you’re going for a Christmas vibe.
I can bring Christmas ornaments if you are going for Christmas!
Once, we had snow during a session in December.
Clothing: WINTER IS COLD. When planning outfits, plan for attractive outerwear. Think kids in cute scarves, mittens, ear muffs, and coats. Bringing hand warmers and hot chocolate is also a good idea. Cold kids don’t photograph well so let’s make it the best we can.
Parking: Park in the designated area near the tent and tree cutting supplies
Winter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – DecemberWinter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – DecemberWinter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – DecemberWinter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – November, Thanksgiving opening weekend had this red truckWinter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – DecemberWinter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – DecemberWinter Christmas Tree Farm Family Photography by Natalie Broders – December
Natalie Broders is a birth photographer, birth videographer and birth doula located in Portland, Oregon. She lives on a farm with her husband and 2 kids. They raise chickens and love to garden. Natalie loves babywearing, cloth diapering and is passionate about her work as an advocate for birthing people as a labor and birth doula. She had one of her babies at a birth center and her second baby was born at home, in water.