Whenever I consider a location for a portrait session I always think about the variety of the space and whether or not I can create images for my client that utilize a wide array of backgrounds. I never stay in the same place or keep my subjects in the same place for their whole session. My sessions, whether they are senior portraits, families, or couples, are very active and always involve some level of exploring our surroundings to find different nooks and new ways to use light. Hoyt Arborteum, in Portland’s Washington Park, is a location that never disappoints and always provides that great mix of landscape diversity which lets me deliver photos to my clients that are unique throughout their session. I love using Hoyt Arboretum for senior photos for this reason.

Whether we shoot near the Redwood Deck surrounded by towering trees or up off the overlook trail with more open vistas there are plenty of places to stop along the way for photos. The other great thing I love about Hoyt Arboretum is it can work for morning or evening sessions and we can build a loop throughout the park relative to the time of day we’re shooting.

Below are some photos from some recent senior sessions I’ve photographed at Hoyt Arboretum.