Cold water, tall pines, and a setting that does most of the work for you

There Is No Place Quite Like This


The Metolius River is unlike any other river in Oregon. It does not start as a trickle and build over miles. It just appears. A full river pushing out of the base of Black Butte at full volume, crystal clear and numbingly cold from the moment it hits daylight. The color alone is worth the drive. That deep, clean blue that you only get from a spring fed river. No runoff. No sediment. Just pure, cold, impossibly clear water moving through one of the quietest stretches of forest in Central Oregon.

Couple dancing together on a tree-lined road in a forest, woman twirling under mans raised arm.
Couple holding hands on a tree-lined road, man in plaid shirt and woman in floral top, looking back smiling.
Couple holding hands face to face on a forest path surrounded by tall pine trees during an outdoor engagement session.
Couple sharing a romantic moment among tall trees in a sunlit forest, surrounded by lush greenery.
Silver diamond solitaire engagement ring displayed on a branch with vibrant yellow lichen in soft natural light.
Couple leaning on wooden fence bridge surrounded by pine forest on a scenic dirt road.

Wizard Falls in Early Spring


We met at Wizard Falls on a morning that felt exactly like early spring should. The pines were doing what pines always do, standing tall and looking great no matter the season. The understory was still waking up, most of the bushes still dormant, which opens the forest floor up in a way that midsummer never does. And the river was doing its thing. Cold, clear, and completely indifferent to anything happening around it. That kind of stillness is rare. The Metolius draws people who actually want to be there, and those people treat it with respect. No crowds. No noise. No cell reception either, which means no distractions for any of us. These two were so fun to photograph... easygoing, relaxed, and completely comfortable being in love. I thoroughly enjoyed it all!

Person sitting beside a rushing turquoise river surrounded by tall pine trees in a scenic forest landscape.
Couple sitting together on a wooden bridge surrounded by tall pine trees in a forest setting.
A bearded man embraces a woman with dark hair from behind, both sitting outdoors in a tender, peaceful moment.

This is What Shooting With Me Looks LIKe


Sessions like this are some of my favorite work. Not just because of the location, though that obviously helps. But because of what they actually are: a couple of hours where you and your person get to exist somewhere beautiful while I work around you. I am not a quiet, stay out of the way photographer. I am in it with you. Energetic, engaged, calling out what I see, celebrating the good frames out loud. I give prompts and direction when it makes sense, but the goal is always to let you carry the session authentically. My job is to take a great place and help make a great photograph out of it. The rest is just having a good time.

Couple holding hands on a wooden bridge surrounded by pine trees and a flowing river in a forest setting.
Couple holding hands and smiling at each other on a forest trail surrounded by tall pine trees.
Couple embracing on a forest trail beside a flowing river surrounded by tall pine trees.
Close-up of a couple standing face to face on a forest path, wearing red flats and hiking shoes.
Couple holding hands and smiling at each other among pine trees, man in black suit, woman in polka dot dress.
Couple sharing a romantic moment near a rushing river, smiling at each other outdoors.
A couple with eyes closed share a tender embrace outdoors, woman resting her head on mans shoulder.
A couple embraces and shares a tender kiss in a serene forest setting with tall pine trees and a stream in the background.

Come Find Out for Yourself


If the Metolius River is calling you, I would love to take you out there. It is the kind of place that makes people slow down and actually be present with each other. Which, as it turns out, makes for some really good photos.

Diamond engagement ring balanced on pine needles with bokeh background, showcasing elegant solitaire setting.

 

Read On...

 

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