5 Favorite Spring Photo Locations in Portland Oregon

session locations

Mar 13

Written By Rebecca Hunnicutt Farren

Spring is such a beautiful time of growth and renewal, and also a great season to have your family photography session. Sunset isn’t super late, and the grass is green, flowers are in bloom, and everyone is enjoying to warm weather and sun on their skin that’s been covered by sweaters for the winter.

Five of my favorite locations for spring family photos:

Cherry Blossoms At The Tom McCall Waterfront Park

There is no better place to enjoy the spring season in Portland than along the water front downtown to enjoy the Cherry Blossoms. This portion of spring occurs during a quick window, so I always recommend clients to let me know that they are interested in cherry blossom photos, so we can plan ahead and be ready during the peak blooms.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is an annual spring adventure for my own family, as I know it is for many others as well. I love to walk amongst the colorful fields, with the squishy spring mud underfoot, while feeling inspired to photograph the beautiful colors around me. This is a perfect location for individual children’s portraits, and family images too. *Admission ticket required.

girl holding clear umbrella standing in muddy tulip fields

Gabriel Park

Gabriel park located in SW Portland has beautiful open rolling fields filled with a mix of evergreen trees and lovely huge flowering azalea and rhododendron bushes. The spring evening light in this location just makes for the best warm spring photos, and the kids have tons of room to run and enjoy the area.

brothers looking at leaves at gabriel park in portland oregon

Crystal Rhododendron Garden

The Rhododendron Garden in Portland is beautiful in spring with many large and mature rhododendron bushes in multiple colorful hues. This location does require an admission and parking can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s a lovely stroll and garden in the spring.

Your Neighborhood/Backyard

You many not have considered having a photo session at your home or in your local neighborhood, but many beautiful spring flowering trees and hedges in our local neighborhoods can make a unique and beautiful backdrop for family and children’s photos. If you are inspired by a dogwood, magnolia, or cherry tree this year…be sure to reach out asap so we can plan a unique family session at your home and in your neighborhood.