One of the questions I’m asked most often, especially by families who live outside of Portland, is:
“How far do you travel for sessions?”
The short answer? I’m happy to travel. I want to photograph your family in a location that feels meaningful and beautiful to you, whether that’s your own home, a favorite park, or a stretch of Oregon coast that holds special memories.
But here’s a little more about how I approach travel for sessions and what you can expect if you’d like me to come to you.
Table of Contents
- Local Sessions in Portland
- Surrounding Areas I Travel To
- Day Trips for Special Locations
- Overnight or Destination Sessions
- How We Decide on a Location
- Final Thoughts
Local Sessions in Portland
Most of my sessions take place in and around the Portland area. This includes my light-filled SE Portland studio, as well as outdoor locations within the city, like parks, gardens, river spots, and natural areas I’ve carefully scouted over the years.
If you’re local, we’ll choose a setting that matches the season, the light, and your family’s style. From cozy in-home newborn sessions to golden-hour family photos in a nearby park, there’s so much beauty right here.
Surrounding Areas I Travel To
I also travel regularly to nearby areas outside of Portland, including:
- Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and West Linn
- Gresham, Troutdale, and Sandy
- Vancouver, WA
- Oregon City, Milwaukie, and Happy Valley
These are all within a comfortable driving distance and are included in my standard session fee. If you have a location in mind in any of these areas, we can make it happen without any additional travel costs.
Day Trips for Special Locations
Sometimes, the perfect location for your session isn’t in the city at all. I’m happy to travel farther for places that feel special to you, whether that’s the Oregon Coast, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Willamette Valley wine country.
Some of my favorite travel sessions include:
- Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach, Pacific City, Manzanita, Lincoln City)
- Columbia River Gorge (Rowena Crest, Rooster Rock, Hamilton Island)
- Mt. Hood area (Trillium Lake, wildflower meadows, snowy backdrops)
For these locations, I simply add a travel fee to cover extra driving time and mileage. I’ll give you a clear estimate during booking so there are no surprises.
Overnight or Destination Sessions
If your dream session is several hours away, or even out of state, I’m open to discussing overnight or destination sessions. Whether you’re envisioning a weekend on the coast, a family cabin in the mountains, or a special location tied to your story, I’m always excited to create something meaningful in a setting that inspires you.
These sessions require custom travel planning, and fees vary based on distance, accommodations, and time needed. We’ll talk through the details to make sure the trip feels smooth and stress-free.
How We Decide on a Location
Whether we stay close to home or travel a few hours away, my priority is always to create an environment where you feel relaxed and connected. During your planning process, I’ll help you choose a location based on:
- Lighting: The way natural light falls at different times of day.
- Season: The colors, textures, and feel of the landscape.
- Meaning: The personal connection you have to the place.
- Accessibility: Comfort and ease for you, your kids, and anyone else joining the session.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s less about how far I travel and more about finding the right place for your family’s story. Whether that’s in my cozy Portland studio, at a nearby park, or along a windswept stretch of the Oregon coast, I’ll help you plan a session that feels like home, no matter where we are.
If you have a location in mind and want to know if I can travel there, reach out here. I’d love to hear your ideas and start dreaming up your perfect session.
How to Prepare for Your Portland Family Photography Session
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