Megan and Richie’s Adventure at Steelhead Falls outside bend, Oregon
A Spring Evening at Steelhead Falls
If you’ve never been to Steelhead Falls, it’s one of those places that hits you the second you step out of the car. Dry canyon walls, twisted juniper, a winding trail that leads down to a thunderous blue-green waterfall. It feels rugged and remote even though it’s just outside Bend. When Megan and Richie asked for an adventurous session, this was the spot that immediately came to mind.
We met in the parking lot, caught up for a minute, then started hiking in together. Right away it felt like hanging out with friends. Megan and Richie have that easy, playful energy that makes time move fast. The conversations bounced between football, Oregon coast memories and Richie’s helicopter training. I could tell right away they were my kind of people.
The trail is rocky and exposed in places, so we slowed down and took our time as the canyon opened up. When the waterfall finally came into view, the whole spot lit up. Spray drifting in the wind, golden light hitting the cliffs, and that deep roar of water echoing through the canyon. It set the tone for everything we shot.
We cracked open a couple drinks, talked about their proposal on the Oregon coast and the chaotic moment Megan thought Richie was about to drop the ring in the water. Their laughs during that story were the best. Once the light softened, they slipped into new outfits and did a quick wardrobe change behind the juniper trees. It felt like classic Central Oregon. A little scrappy, a little windy, and totally worth it.
Megan’s mom joined us near the falls which made the whole session feel even more down to earth. She cheered them on, held jackets and helped with outfits. I love when families join in. It adds a layer of warmth that you can feel in the photos.
As the sun dropped behind the canyon rim, we found pockets of shade and wrapped up with some of my favorite frames of the day. These two know how to relax into each other. No stiff poses, no overthinking. Just two people who genuinely like being together. Their Steelhead Falls engagement session was one of those evenings that reminds me why I love shooting in this part of Oregon.
A Note From The Future
Looking back, this session was just the beginning. Since posting this blog, Megan and Richie have trusted me with some of the biggest moments of their lives. I photographed their wedding. I photographed their maternity session. I photographed their newborn photos. How cool is that. I feel lucky every time I think about it. Watching their story unfold, chapter by chapter, and getting to document each stage has been one of the best parts of doing what I do.
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