Central Oregon is a place of extreme beauty and diversity. People come from all over the country to visit our snowy volcanoes and towering rocks. And people especially love to visit our rivers.
Oregon has the most Wild and Scenic Rivers of any state, and Central Oregon is home to many of them. Some of the more well-known are the Deschutes River, the McKenzie River, and the Metolius River.
The many waterways of Central Oregon are not all classified as Wild and Scenic, but they still deserve a visit. One such river is the Fall River.
The Fall River is a spring fed waterway that meanders through the juniper and ponderosa pine woodlands near La Pine, OR. It ultimately flows into the beautiful Deschutes River. Towards the end of its course, it creates big looping curves that are very fun to wander around… and fun to follow on Google Maps…
Before this photo session, I was woefully ignorant of the Fall River. And I think it might be a river that flies under the radar for folks who don’t fish as a pastime. But Carley & Dakota frequent this stream, and it holds great meaning for them.
So when they suggested it, I got in my car and drove down to check out the area to see if it would work for a photo session. Sometimes locations are very scenic, but might not work well for a photo session for whatever reason– whether that’s terrible lighting conditions, bad parking situations, lack of space to move around, etc.
But I was delighted to find that this place would work perfectly. And I was delighted to find a beautiful little waterfall.
This session took place in November, and autumn is my favorite season in Central Oregon. The low angle light from the sun is so dreamy, and even when all the leaves have fallen from the riparian trees, the willow and alder branches still explode with beautiful reds, yellows and purples.
I met Carley & Dakota at a winter elopement I photographed the previous December. Fittingly, that elopement also took place next to a river– the Deschutes River. As it turns out, many of the people at the elopement were all connected by rivers, having met during their work as river guides.
Carley & Dakota decided to do this photo session as a celebration of multiple life changes. First they got engaged, and started planning a wedding… then they found out that they’re pregnant! So this is a combo engagement and maternity session… well, like, maternity-lite, since she obviously isn’t showing yet.
We walked slowly by the river side, checked out Fall River Falls, and, my personal favorite, delighted in the icy playground that we found. Breaking off huge chunks of ice and chucking them into the water… so much fun.
I love doing these short-but-sweet engagement photos every so often, especially when it means I get to roam and explore new areas of Central Oregon.
Pacific Northwest Engagement Photographer
If you’re looking to propose in the PNW, or just arrange a more adventurous engagement shoot, I’d be honored to be considered to capture it. Especially if you’re in and around Central Oregon 🙂
But, no matter where you’re headed—crunching through pine needles in the Cascades, chasing waterfalls in the Gorge, or catching salty breezes on the Coast—I’m here to help you craft a day that’s meaningful, beautiful, and authentically you.
Before I started my business leading folks on adventure engagements and elopements in the PNW, I was leading folks through the wilderness as an outdoor educator and guide. I absolutely love connecting folks with nature on a deep level, and I am honored to continue that work in conjunction with people’s epic love stories.
From scouting locations and building a custom timeline to helping navigate permits and logistics, I’ve got your back every step of the way.
Get in touch here to get started.
