If you’re thinking about traditional engagement photos and kind of not feeling them, I totally get you! Strictly posed photos in front of a backdrop that doesn’t feel like you aren’t the only way to tell your love story. 

Adventure engagement photography is all about bringing out the real you – your passions, your quirks, and your love for all things adventurous. Instead of standing in front of a static background, you’ll be exploring breathtaking landscapes, participating in activities you love, and creating even more fun memories together!

Ready to plan your adventure engagement photos? I’ve got ALL the tips for you!

Why Choose an Adventure Engagement Session?

Having an adventure for your engagement session is so much fun and brings out the playfulness and real emotion between you two. Doing an activity together not only makes you more comfortable in front of the camera but also allows for those genuine, candid moments that truly reflect your relationship. Imagine laughing together as you hike up a trail, or the joy of reaching a stunning viewpoint and sharing a kiss as the sun sets behind you.

An adventure session, same as your elopement, also lets you incorporate activities you love. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, skiing, or something else entirely, we can plan your session around it! Plus, did I mention how much I love dogs?!? I definitely encourage you to bring your 4 legged friends along if you want them to be a part of your adventure!

Activities for Your PNW Adventure Engagement Photos

Your adventure can really be as chill or wild as you’d like! You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do – even having a cozy picnic with epic views is an adventure. There are so many awesome things to do in the Pacific Northwest for your adventure engagement photos! Here are some ideas:

• Hike To A Waterfall 
• Climb A Volcano
• Beach Comb Along Washington’s Coast
• Fly Fish At Yakima River
• Have A Picnic At Long Beach 
• Visit A National Park
• Enjoy Wine Tastings In The Columbia Valley Wine Region
• Soak In A Hot Spring In Olympic National Park
• Go On A Scenic Trek Along One Of Bend’s Many Hiking Trails 
• Learn To Rock Climb At Smith Rock
• Spend An Evening Camping Under The Stars
• Paddleboard, Kayak, Or Float Around Bend With Tumalo Creek 
• Take A Stroll Through Downtown Bend
• Have A Picnic At Cape Perpetua Overlook
• Build A Beach Bonfire And Roast Marshmallows 

And so much more! If you book me for your adventure session, I’ll help you with all the recommendations!

Tips for Planning Your Adventure Session

• Choose a Meaningful Location: Pick a place that’s special to you both. It could be a favorite hiking trail, a lake where you love to paddleboard or a scenic spot you’ve always wanted to explore together.
• Dress Comfortably and Appropriately: Wear outfits that you can move in and that suit the activity you’ve chosen. Layers are great for changing weather conditions, and don’t forget comfortable shoes! It’s great to look cohesive, but you don’t have to look too matchy-matchy!
• Pack snacks, water, and any other essentials you might need for your adventure. If you’re bringing your pup, don’t forget their leash, water bowl, and some treats!
• Be Flexible: Nature can be unpredictable, so be prepared to go with the flow. Sometimes the unexpected moments turn out to be the best ones!
• Leave No Trace! Be sure to respect the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace so that the natural beauty can stay wild and pristine for generations to come.
• The most important tip – have fun! The more you enjoy yourselves, the more your love and connection will shine through in the photos.

Ready to Capture Some Adventure Engagement Photos Too?!

Choosing an adventure engagement session with me isn’t just about getting beautiful photos—it’s about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience you both will treasure forever. With up to four hours of continuous coverage, this session allows you to dive deep into the activities and locations that mean the most to you. Imagine going on a 4-mile hike to a breathtaking overlook, and getting the most beautiful golden hour shots! Or perhaps you’d prefer exploring multiple stunning locations, from the rugged coastline to a forest, all within the same day. This session is all about allowing your adventurous spirit to shine through.

Whether it’s climbing a mountain, exploring hidden trails, or simply soaking in the beauty of the natural world, the adventure engagement session is designed to tell your story in the most authentic, and exciting way possible. You’ll definitely remember this adventure for the rest of your lives, especially with beautiful photos that show for it!

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon and PNW elopement photographer! And I freaking love working with couples like you that are foregoing tradition and choosing a day that is about you and your love! So, if you’re ready to ditch the stiff poses and stuffy studios, and embrace the adventure, let’s start planning your dream session! You can check out my packages and contact me via my inquiry form here!

Also if you’d like to see more adventure engagement photos for inspiration, check them out Alex & Jeremy’s Sparks Lake Oregon Engagement Session and Faith & James’ Engagement Photos at Smith Rock, as well as many more photo examples below. Most of the sessions I do are the standard 1.5-hour sessions, but a few are a true adventure session which is up to 4 hours of coverage. This gives us plenty of time to explore, have fun, and get those epic shots!