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Beaverton Photographer Favorites: The Best Outdoor Photo Locations in Beaverton

June 22, 2022

Filed in: Families

Welcome! If you’ve landed here in your search for a Beaverton photographer, I’m rounding up some of my favorite locations today for family photos in Beaverton, Oregon! While I photograph families from Portland to Salem, Beaverton is where I grew up and a favorite place to return to. It’s also a great option for Portlanders looking for park locations that are a little less crowded than those in city center. Let’s take a look at my top favorites.

 

Welcome to my second installment of a new location series, where I round up the best places for family photos in Portland and Salem! I’ll share all the essential information to know when considering a photo shoot at these locations, as well as some favorite photos. 

 

 

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

18892 SW Kemmer Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007

Beaverton Photographer photo of couple dancing in field at Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Why I love it

As a Beaverton photographer, I’m often asked to find spectacular locations that showcase the beauty of the Willamette Valley: the forest, the rolling farmland, and mountains. Cooper Mountain Nature Park is a convenient location to Beaverton that has all of these things! About half the park is forested, while the other half is a field, which offers a great variety. The field overlooks the valley between us and the Chehalem mountains to the south, which offers a distinctly PNW feel.

 

Who should consider a photo session at Cooper Mountain Nature Park?

The park is situated on a slope, which means we’ll hike down the hill about five minutes to get to the most ideal light. But this does mean we’ll need to hike back UP to the parking lot when the session is done. It isn’t particularly steep, and the trail is wide and well-maintained with gravel. However, if you have mobility issues, this is a location to skip. There are restrooms and a playground at the entrance to the park at the top of the hill.

 

Can I bring my dog?

It’s also worth noting that as a nature park, THPRD is committed to preserving the natural wildlife at this park. That means that dogs are NOT allowed on this trail. While I love to photograph families with their dogs, we’ll have to choose a different location if your pup is coming.

 

When is the best time for family photos at Cooper Mountain Nature Park?

While morning sessions can be a possibility here, this Beaverton park really shines around sunset, particularly in the summer. As the sun sets over the valley, it dips behind the trees leaving us with the dreamiest light!

 

Jenkins Estate

8005 SW Grabhorn Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007

beaverton photographer anniversary photos

Why I love Jenkins Estate for Beaverton Family Photos

Jenkins Estate is a lovely option for families looking for a garden setting with plenty of space to roam. It’s centrally located, and with 68 acres there is room for everyone. There’s plenty to explore as well as an excellent playground for after the session.

 

What background options are there at Jenkins Estate?

Situated around the main house, there’s a rhododendron garden around a small pond, a tree lined path, a forested area, an orchard, and a historic home. For the best light, I love to stick to the field near the historic home, as well as the tree-lined path. This area is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves start to turn.

 

fall family photos by beaverton photographer samantha shannon

Where do I park?

While the address above is the official address for Jenkins Estate, the parking lot it will lead you to is often closed off and actually fairly far from the area I like to photograph in. If we’re meeting here for a session, continue going south on Grabhorn Road from Farmington Road. You’ll want to turn in at the next right, onto Tremont Drive at the entrance to Camp Rivendale. Park near the playground, and we’ll head into the park from there.

 

What is the best time for a photo shoot at Jenkins Estate?

Jenkins Estate is a popular wedding venue and the host of a summer camp at Camp Rivendale. Therefore, sessions are limited at Jenkins Estate and primarily held on weekday evenings.

 

Looking for more places for family photos in Portland? Check out my Guide to Portland Family Photo Locations.

 

SEE MORE FAMILY PHOTOS BY BEAVERTON PHOTOGRAPHER SAMANTHA SHANNON

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