Portland Engagement Photographer

How would it feel to have images of yourself and your partner that really feel like YOU?

The little smirk you give each other when you think no one is looking. The way you hold hands when you are walking alone together. The way you laugh at each other’s jokes. The way you look at each other when you think no one is watching.

I know that for some people, being in front of a camera can feel daunting. But truthfully, taking engagement or couples photos can be SO MUCH FUN, and so much more than just cheesy smiles and fake kisses. Seriously.

I absolutely love to turn my engagement sessions and couples photoshoots into mini adventures. Think of it as a little date spent making memories with your love - exploring the city, hiking, laughing, playing with your pets, or just hanging out in your home. A way to re-connect for a moment in this busy world, and to document your love in a way that feels sincere and real.

Importance of couples photos

Doing an engagement session, couples session, or anniversary photoshoot gives you an opportunity to take some incredible photos together on a day that is much less stressful and busy than your wedding.

Plus, it gives you the chance to take photos anywhere, without many time-restrictions. And, if I’m also photographing your wedding, it gives you the opportunity to see how I work, and get a little more used to being in front of the camera.

My style

I am an artistic, nature-loving photographer with a warm and outgoing presence, but I also don’t take myself too seriously. My goal is to create photographs that feel playful, honest, emotional, and utterly you.

Every couple brings a different energy, and I take time to get to know yours by asking questions, observing, and leaning into your dynamic so your photos feel sincere, flattering, and full of life.

I love variety: intimate close-ups, sweeping landscapes, candid laughter, quiet in-between moments, and a few classic portraits for good measure. My work embraces natural light and raw surroundings, with editing that stays true to life but carries a richness of tone and color.

Engagement Photo Portfolio

Want to see more of my engagement, proposal, and couples photography? Check out my full engagement portfolio here!

ENGAGEMENT PHOTO GALLERY

Posing and direction

If you have never been photographed before, if you feel awkward, or if your fiancé hates having their photo taken, you are not alone. Those feelings are common, and I know how to guide you through them.

I provide plenty of direction so you are never left wondering what to do. I do not believe in stiff or awkward posing. Instead, I use prompts and cues that help you move, laugh, and interact naturally. I will also coach you on how to hold yourself so you look your best in a way that still feels like you.

My process

Interested in working with me? That’s awesome! Here’s a little insight into how my process works.

Email me! I’ll send over more pricing info, and from there we can set up a phone call to get to know each other and chat about details! I want to hear all about you and your story.
Choose one of my collections and I’ll send you an electronic contract and invoice reserve the date! Then you’ll be officially booked.
I’ll send you resources to help you figure out outfits and a perfect location.
On the day of the shoot, we’ll meet up, and I’ll give you a TON of direction as we shoot so you don’t have to feel awkward or unsure. We’ll be laughing most of the time, and it will be a blast.
After the shoot, I’ll upload the photos and get rid of anything awkward, out of focus, or a duplicate, and then I will put the rest in a private online gallery and send them to you as proofs right away. They will be straight out of my camera at this stage, but you will able to look through them all and choose your favorites for me to edit and retouch. Each of my collections has a specific number of final images, so depending on which one you get you’ll be able to choose 20 or 50 images for me to edit. I’ll leave the proofs up for 7 days so you can make your selections.
Once you finish selecting your favorites and email me, it will take a max of four weeks for me to edit them and get them back to you!
I’ll edit and retouch the photos and deliver them in a second online gallery where you can download them directly or order any prints you might want!

Pricing

Photoshoots are really personal, so I usually prefer to chat with every couple on the phone before we start digging into the details of pricing! But I also understand that price is a HUGE factor in choosing a photographer, so my starting rates are listed below!

My couples collections start at $900 for 1 hour of photography and 20 final edited images.

Proposals start at $1100 for help with planning, documentation, and up to 90 minutes of photoshoot time.

Contact me to set up a phone call and we can go over all the details together!

Engagement Photo Locations

MY FAVORITE PORTLAND ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS

In Portland: Hoyt Arboretum, Forest Park, Cathedral Park, George Rogers Park, The Pearl District, various bridges in downtown, the Eastbank Esplanade, Old Town, Alberta Arts District, Sellwood Riverfront Park, Tryon Creek State Park, Lewis and Clark State Park, Laurelhurst Park, The rose garden in Washington Park, Jenkins Estate, Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Outside of Portland: Sauvie Island, Timberline on Mt. Hood, White River Recreation Area on Mt. Hood, Trillium Lake, Women’s Forum, Latourell Falls, Government Cove in the Gorge, Viento State Park, Dalton Point in the gorge, Steep Creek Falls, Beacon Rock, St Cloud Day Use Area, Rowena Crest, Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hug Point, Cape Kiwanda, Smith Rock State Park, Painted Hills, Mt. Saint Helens, Silver Falls State Park, Tamanawas Falls

What to wear for engagement photos

Pick your favorite clothes that make you feel the most confident and comfortable. Make sure that everything fits SUPER well. Also, take the location and time of year into consideration.

As for colors, I prefer to photograph people in neutral colors and solids because I want the focus on you, your love, and your emotion, not on your clothing! Simple patterns and plaids are okay too - but remember to bring several options so we can pick and choose!

When the two of you are creating outfits together, it’s a good idea to coordinate, but don’t get matchy-matchy. Pick a general color scheme and play around with it!

You can check out my complete article on choosing the perfect engagement photo outfit below!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHOOSING ENGAGEMENT PHOTO OUTFITS!

Weather and light

Although locations and backgrounds are important, I’d still say that the number one thing that shapes the way a photo looks is the lighting.

I almost always use natural light (not flash) because it tells the story more accurately and give my photos a beautiful authentic look. However, not all natural light is created equal.

Bright sunlight in the middle of the day can be harsh but edgy. Open shade is flattering and soft, while dappled shade with sunlight can be difficult and contrasty. Soft backlighting in the evening looks romantic and happy with sun flares. Cloudy weather makes for photos with a beautiful even cast and more mood. It’s important to know that all these types of lighting create a different look, and for the most part, that look is up to the weather.

I love to take engagement and couple photos year-round in any type of weather, BUT I always prefer to do the sessions around sunrise or sunset so we can get the most flattering light of the day!