When Jake reached out to me about helping to plan his proposal while him and his girlfriend were vacationing in Bend, I immediately thought of Sparks Lake.  His only request was for me to find a location with views of the mountains along the Cascade Lakes Highway, yet close enough to Bend that they could drive out for his proposal and a sunset picnic.  I loved his idea, so I started planning away, and their engagement session turned out so magical!  Here are a few photos from this simple yet stunning engagement.  

I definitely recommend heading to Sparks Lake for a photo session if you’re planning a trip to Oregon and have time!  Reach out here if you’re looking for a photographer for your proposal or engagement session in Central Oregon! 

I absolutely loved shooting this engagement session!  Chris and Alex chose one of my new favorite spots near Bend for their photos - Todd Lake.  This picturesque lake lies just 45 minutes outside of Bend with an easy trail wrapping around the lake and stunning views of Mt. Bachelor on a clear day.  There’s also a wide open field to roam through, which we definitely took advantage of.  They even brought their pup Hazel to model in a few of the photos! 

We lucked out with near perfect light and weather, so we decided to be adventurous and got in the lake at the end of their photo session for some of my favorite couples photos to date.  And yes, I got in too for moral support!  I especially love the black and white film photos I shot during their evening session.  

Check out this location for your engagement photos if you’re looking for somewhere less crowded, less touristy, and equally as beautiful as places like Smith Rock or Sparks Lake.  I’m a digital and film photographer based in Bend Oregon, and I’d love to chat if you’re on the search for one!  Send me a message here to inquire about your Oregon engagement, elopement, or wedding photography. 

After shortly moving my intimate wedding and engagement photo business to Bend, Emily and Ian reached out about having their engagement session at Bessie Butte.  The short hike up the butte makes it the perfect spot near Bend for your engagement photos, and the stunning 360 views at the top makes it my favorite quick hike around here.  

We met up in late winter at Bessie, hiked up together and spent golden hour wandering around at the top.  They wanted their photos shot entirely on film, and I think they made a good choice.  

(p.s. I shoot film at weddings, too!)

Check out these images below from their session if you’re looking for inspiration for your engagement session in or near Bend.  Reach out here if you’re looking to inquire about your engagement or wedding.