From the desert to the mountains, Central Oregon has so many unique and absolutely stunning places to take your engagement photos.  Here are five of my favorite places to take engagement photos near Bend, Oregon. And if you’re looking for a photographer learn more about me!

My best tips for the best Central Oregon engagement photos:

• Consider the time of year! Are you hoping for snow capped mountains or green meadows? In Bend generally the “green” time of year is June/July with snowy mountains in June and in the fall you’ll get more yellow grasses with naked mountains. Late fall you may get snow on the mountains but it will be cold in higher locations! Keep in mind that the cascade lakes highway is closed from around Nov-May.
• Plan for crowds! The most picturesque locations in Bend are frequented by campers, mountain bikers, and swimmers. Weeknights tend to be slower and your photographer is more likely to be available!
• Consider the time of day. Trust your photographer on what time is best for your location – generally it’s going to be closer to sunset and in some spots- blue hour (when the sun dips below the horizon) is a great light to take engagement photos!
• Bring some accessories! A blanket to sit on, a hat to add, or even your dog is a great way to add some diversity into your photos.
• I always tell my couples to bring one fancy outfit and one cozy/normal outfit. I personally the way a longer length dress with a slit that allows it to blow in the wind for a fancy outfit. Sweaters, jeans, whatever you “normally” wear are a great second outfit to get photos where you feel more like yourselves. For men – stay away from graphic tees or tight patterns (like a checkers) to avoid moire. I typically like my couples to end with the fancier outfit for some of those epic sunset photos!
• Use a professional photographer and if possible, the same one you’ve booked for your wedding! I know the tendency is to skimp on engagement photos or have a friend do them – but an engagement session is such a great way to build rapport with your photographer and get practice for your wedding. You probably aren’t used to posing romantically in a meadow and each photographer works a little bit differently – it ensures that on your wedding photos are a well oiled machine and you can quickly move to the party!

Looking for more places for engagement photos in Bend, Oregon?

I would love to chat! Contact me here!