Columbia River Gorge: Family Photo Location Inspiration
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most gorgeous locations for family photos in every season. Further, it is about a hour or less drive to get to from Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington, has adequate parking, is family friendly, and has breathtaking views.
If you are looking for a jaw dropping location for your families next photo shoot, this is the place!
As a Vancouver Washington family photographer, I scout tons of locations prior to taking families to their photo shoot locations. This is by far one of my favorite places to recommend to families that I serve.
Here are a few of my favorite things about this beautiful location and why families love having their photo shoots in the gorge.
The views are breathtaking
The gorge is one of the best backdrops for family photo shoots for the stunning views and phenomenal river landscape. Just the drive to your location is breathtaking. Enjoy seeing waterfalls cascading down into the canyon as your family travels to one of the many amazing locations and ignites your sense of adventure!
Your family walking through sunlit fields or splashing in the water together during your family photos creates a fun and unique experience that every family member will enjoy. You can relax knowing that your genuine interactions with your kids and partners against this incredible landscape will be absolutely stunning.
A carefree and fun feeling can be seen in your Columbia River Gorge family photos!
The Columbia River Gorge is unique and accessible
The gorge offers so much variety. Waterfalls, vistas, rolling hills, beach access, and open fields of wildflowers. Forming a boundary between Oregon and Washington via the Columbia River, both sides have locations that are easily accessible. In addition, many locations are about an hour or less from Vancouver Washington and Portland Oregon.
Can you believe this location was about a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot? I love that it would appear that it was quite a trek to get to this amazing location but it was a short walk. It can be an easy adventure and enjoyable experience for your family.
Thus, whether you are just visiting from out of town or you would love to have a special location as your backdrop, this is one of my favorite places to recommend!
The Columbia River Gorge is great for kids and dogs
There is a lot of room for kids and dogs to run, play, and be silly. Every location in the gorge evokes your sense of exploration. Moreover, kids love bird watching, smelling wildflowers, or climbing rocks.
Moreover, during your family photo shoot, I will encourage families to explore the location together. This is not your average posed family photo shoot. This is an evening with family having fun and a gorgeous location.
A few things to consider for this location
Your photo shoot will be in the evening and may be closer to your kids bedtime. Not to worry, I have some great tips on how to prepare your kids for sunset family photos and I recommend bringing their PJ’s for the car ride home if they decide to fall asleep on the way home. Moms have mentioned this has worked well on the way home.
Although this area is incredible all year round, icy or snowy conditions can hinder your travel time and safety. If you have a winter photo shoot, I may recommend moving your session to a later date or a closer location. It doesn’t happen often but I would rather be cautious than risk an accident.
Last, this area is a pacific northwest gem that need to be preserved. Please avoid picking wildflowers, leave no trace, and kindly pick up after your pup if you decide to bring them along for family photos.
Here is more information about the Gorge!
I am here to serve your family, make your next family photo shoot fun and memorable! If you have questions, please contact me!
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Hey there, I’m Jaime.
I believe your family is perfect the way they are and you should be photographed that way. I encourage your kids to have fun and most importantly for parents to relax and just be in the moment with them.
I’m excited to get to know you and you can learn more about me here!
