Why Choosing the Right Portland Photography Location Matters – It’s About Light

It always breaks my heart a little…

…when I have to tell a client that a Portland area location they like won’t photograph very well for reasons that are both technical and nuanced. This is why I have a list of carefully vetted spaces that provide lots of beautiful light for your portrait session!

But, Liz! This location is beautiful. Why can’t we use it?

Whether we have sunshine or clouds, I’m a stickler for flattering portrait light. After all, quality of light is perhaps the most important element of a good photograph. Here’s what’s going on…

Portland has a ton of lovely green spaces. What I look for in a park is an area where we have overhead coverage (such as trees) that butts up to an open sky. By placing you under the covered area and pointing you towards the open sky, your face is graced with soft fill light. The opposite of this results in dark, unflattering shadows. Let me demonstrate:

Most of my clients don’t want to look like a raccoon in their cherished family albums, so I make sure that doesn’t happen. The light you see in the photo above is common in areas with a dense tree canopy with no front fill light, particularly on forest trails.

Here is the type of result you can expect in my vetted locations. Notice the evenness of light on the face and lack of harsh shadows (not to mention a soft golden glow from behind):

But can’t you just use a flash?

Flash photography (off-camera; this is an important distinction!) is wonderful when used appropriately, but it limits movement. If you’re after photos that are candid, allow your children to run, or even allow you to dance, flash becomes a problem. Every time you move, the flash needs to move. Flash works well in a confined studio setting where posing is more concentrated and intentional.

Here’s a list of popular Portland parks that I do not recommend (despite the fact that they are innately beautiful!)

• Laurelhurst Park
• Mt. Tabor
• Powell Butte
• Forest Park
• Council Crest

I know it may be surprising because these places are so lovely, but they create challenging lighting conditions for the candid, natural photographs I specialize in.

Looking for a full list of my recommended locations? Look no further!