There are some things that just scream “spring.” Wildflowers. Cherry blossoms. Pastel tones. Lush gardens just beginning to bloom. Lucky for us, Oregon’s climate gives us these things in spades. If you’re looking for the best place for your spring family pictures in Portland, read on for my favorite hidden gems.

 

Gardens for Portland Family Photos

The Portland Rose Garden is another well-known favorite, but for family photo sessions I look for less crowded locations. Luscher Farms in Lake Oswego delivers traditional gardens as well as a community garden. The grounds around the historic home are lovely to wander through. A permit is required to photograph there, but it’s well worth it.

 

 

Wildflower Family Photos

Wildflower season is my favorite, though it can be tricky to hit it at just the right time in the spring. If you can catch a dry window during a wildflower bloom, you’re in for some beautiful spring photos! I wrote a post about my favorite wildflower locations for family photos here, but the Gorge offers my favorite wildflower bloom of all, hands down. Trek out past Hood River for the best views of this incredible bloom. My family sessions at the Gorge are always my very favorites and I offer limited travel dates there, so get in touch asap if that’s on your wishlist.

 

 

 

Cherry Blossoms Near Portland

While the Portland Waterfront does get an incredible cherry blossom bloom, it isn’t my favorite spot for family portrait sessions. It can get so crowded during the bloom, which can be super distracting for little kids. The Oregon capitol in Salem has beautiful rows of cherry blossoms, making it my favorite spot for spring pictures. Weekday evenings are ideal if you can swing it for an even quieter session with fewer people around.

 

 

Flower Farms & Gardens for Spring Family Pictures

The Willamette Valley shines in the late spring and early summer, when the rains start to let up and everything is in full bloom. And my favorite place to go then? The flower farms & gardens all over the valley. Peonies photograph particularly well with their full, fluffy blossoms and soft colors, so of course anyplace with those is a win in my book! Adelman’s Peony Farm is a great stop to find rows of peonies, but many other gardens are worth checking out too! Check out my complete list of flower fields near Portland here and let me know if there are any I’ve missed.

 

Start Planning Your Spring Family Pictures

Pair any of these locations with a wardrobe of soft pastels and you’re well on your way to beautiful spring family photos! If you’re looking for more ways to create the perfect spring family photos, head over to my complete guide on what to wear for spring family photos!

Ready to get started planning your session? Browse through my main website here, then pop over to the contact page and connect with me.

 

 

PS: I’m sharing another favorite photographer this week–this time my friend Miriam, who is sharing about Maternity & Boudoir Photography in London. Her work is truly incredible, so be sure to check her out!