Best Photo Shoot Locations Near Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA

Michaela Drew Photography

There are so many important factors that go into deciding on the best location for a photo session, and a huge part of your photographer’s job is to be an expert on the best locations in your area and help you decide on the best fit for you.

That’s why I’ve put together this detailed guide for you about each of my favorite photo session locations in our area.

If you are overwhelmed by how many options you see here, reach out to me and I’ll happily help you decide on the perfect location for you!

If you’re a fellow photographer in my area, feel free to use this as inspiration, but please do not copy my work.

 

Vancouver, Washington

Season: All year round

Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain & minimal walking required if you stay near the fort

Features: Historic structures, open fields, garden in warmer months

Fees: None

 

Camas, Washington

Season: All year round (busy on summer weekends)

Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain & minimal walking required

Features: Water access, playground, public restrooms & dog friendly.

Fees: None

 

Battle Ground, Washington

Season: All year round (fall colors in late October / early November)

Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain & minimal walking required. Some water access may require going through rocky or precarious terrain.

Features: Open grass areas, willow tree, water access, playground, public restrooms & dog friendly.

Fees: $3 parking

 

Portland, Oregon

Season: All year round (cherry blossoms in late March / early April & fall colors in late October / early November).

Accessibility: Requires brief walks uphill. Paths are mostly smooth but not paved.

Features: Open grass areas, over 2,300 plant species, dog friendly & public restroom at visitor center.

Fees: $2.10/hr parking (Parking Kitty app or pay station).

 

Brush Prairie, Washington

Season: All year round (flowers through spring / early summer & fall colors in late October / early November).

Accessibility: Flat gravel paths & no hills.

Features: Quiet atmosphere, open grass areas, dog friendly, native flowers, shrubs, & trees. NO public restroom.

Fees: None

 

Cascade Locks, Oregon

Season: All year round

Accessibility: The main area with the best view requires ~5 minutes of walking uphill. Some paths are paved and others are rocky.

Features: Wide open view of the Columbia River Gorge, cliffsides, and mountains. Dog friendly. NO restrooms.

Fees: $20 travel fee with Michaela Drew Photography. $3 toll both directions if you drive over The Bridge of The Gods.

 

The Dalles, Oregon

Season: Open March 1st - October 31st (wildflowers are in peak bloom late April- early May).

Accessibility: You’ll be able to park along the road right beside the fields. There are dirt paths with mostly flat terrain.

Features: Wide open view of the Columbia River Gorge. Dogs are NOT permitted at this location.

Fees: $60 travel fee with Michaela Drew Photography.

 

Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Etc.

Season: All year, although summer is certainly ideal!

Accessibility: Depending on where you find parking it should only take a few minutes to walk to the beach.

Features: Jaw dropping landscapes and plenty of space to play together!

Fees: $85 - $100 travel fee with Michaela Drew Photography

 

Portland, Oregon

Season: All year round (fall colors in late October / early November).

Accessibility: The entire park is on a large hill, but with parking lots both at he top and bottom you can drive from one to the other. Paths are paved.

Features: Iconic St. John’s bridge (which can also provide coverage from rain), open grass areas, river dock access, dog friendly & public restrooms (although often not very clean).

Fees: None

 

Portland, Oregon

Season: Roses are usually in bloom mid-June through October.

Accessibility: Both stairs and ramps are available to enter the garden. Paths are paved or grass.

Features: Beautiful roses, large water fountain (not always turned on), water play areas, open grass areas, dog friendly & public restrooms.

Fees: None

 

Brush Prairie, Washington

Season: Sunflowers are usually in bloom in August. Weekdays only due to festivals on the weekends.

Accessibility: Flat, grassy terrain with no hills.

Features: Private access to a large sunflower field. Dog friendly.

Fees: $30 reservation (no extra fees on mini session days)

 

Vancouver, Washington

Season: Available all year round, but the greenhouse has more flowers in the spring and summer.

Accessibility: Parking is right outside the greenhouse and the entire garden center is flat and paved.

Features: Natural light, colorful flowers/plants, coverage from rain, and the ability to do some plant shopping while you’re there! Leashed dogs are allowed inside the greenhouse.

Fees: $90 reservation (no extra fees on mini session days)

 

Vancouver, Washington

Season: October & November (Not available after November 22nd)

Accessibility: Park almost anywhere along the property’s gravel roads.

Features: Quiet atmosphere, abundance of Christmas trees, and an old barn. Dog friendly.

Fees: $25 reservation

Lux Rae Loft

Battle Ground, Washington

Season: All year round

Accessibility: Upper loft requires walking up stairs

Features: Large windows for natural light, wide variety of modern props and backdrops to use, public restroom, and of course no need to worry about the weather. Dogs are NOT permitted in the studio.

Fees: $65-79/hr rental fee (no extra fees on mini session days)

 

Season: All year round

Features: Your home tells your story, gives you easy access to your wardrobe and restroom, and doesn’t require you to pack up your things to go anywhere.

Fees: No travel fees with Michaela Drew Photography for locations 30 miles or less from zip code 98684.

 
 

Washougal, Washington

Season: All year round

Accessibility: Short walk to main areas, gravel paths, and small hills

Features: Wide open view of the Columbia River Gorge, river dock access, dog friendly & public restrooms available.

Fees: None

 

Cascade Locks, Oregon

Season: All year round. Might be busy on hot summer weekends.

Accessibility: Short walk to main areas on gravel paths.

Features: Wide open view of the Columbia River Gorge and The Bridge of The Gods.

Fees: $20 travel fee with Michaela Drew Photography, $2/hr parking fee & $3 toll both ways if you drive across The Bridge of The Gods.

Ready to start planning your photo session? Contact me!