Cassidy and Joey and I were connected through a mutual friend of ours I met at a photo meetup in Indianapolis back when I lived there.  Their stunning, intimate wedding was in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho - which I happily made the drive for.  They wanted to have their engagement photos done somewhere in Central Oregon that authentically highlights the landscape true to this region, and since their style pairs incredibly well with the high-desert, I immediately suggested Smith Rock.  The views of Smith Rock are beautiful, and I believe it’s one of the best backdrops for photos near Bend Oregon, even engagement photos in winter.  There are plenty of secluded spots around Smith to feel like you’re all alone with nature - one of my favorite feelings to experience.  And though you might see some climbers in the distance, I can always photoshop them out…

We roamed through the park, chatting about how I ended up in Bend, Oregon of all places, and how we each met our mutual friend who was kind enough to refer me.  Getting to know the couples I’ve photographed before their intimate wedding or elopement has always helped me better understand how I can maximize the time I have the day of. 

If you’re looking for a photographer for engagement pictures, let’s chat here!  (P.S. I will never turn down the opportunity to travel for an adventure).

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Below are some photos from their session for inspiration. 

Being a wedding photographer based in Bend Oregon, I always love shooting engagement sessions out in nature.  When Nick and Julia reached out to me about being their engagement photographer, they wanted me to help them plan a location for their engagement photos.  Their only requests was to have mountain views in the background, so I immediately thought of the Indian Ford Meadow Preserve, though there are no shortage of views around Oregon.  Just a short drive from Bend, Indian Ford boasts incredible mountain views and wide open space to wander through the meadow.  

We met up around golden hour for their engagement photos and wandered through the meadow until the sun went down.  Though we didn’t anticipate the howling wind, I think it added a nice flair to the photos.  The connection these two had with each other was radiant.  They were truly their authentic selves during the entire session, and it shows through their candid laughter and smiles in these images.  

This is why I love engagement photography, because it gives me a chance to really get to know couples before I spend hours capturing their wedding and helps me better understand how to tell their story and which images to focus on during their wedding day.  I think most wedding photographers would agree with me.  

If you’re trying to decide on a location for your engagement photos in Oregon, fill out my contact form and  let’s chat!  I love helping couples choose locations for their engagement photos.  Maybe these images below will you give you some inspiration.