Happy 2018 ya'll! We've had a big year already around here. I was in the newspaper, my husband was in a musical(4 shows in one weekend!), we announced the launch of our original card game For Better or First and I spent a week in Portland learning from some of the best photographers in the world at Mystic Seminars. All in the first two weeks of the year. Soo... I haven't quite gotten to compiling my Best of 2017 yet, I'm aiming to get them up before the end of January. 

BUT, I have pulled together a few of my favorite locations around the Salem area to do engagement sessions. Many of these locations offer a variety of looks and colors no matter the time of year. I've outlined why I love each spot below! Where are your favorite spots?  

River Front Park/ Wallace Marine

This location has all sorts of great areas, all within walking distance, there's of course the river and walking bridge, but also lots of different trees and areas that haven't been landscaped to death. Visit this link to see more of Melissa and Garrett's Fall Engagement Session. 

Downtown Salem

I love looking for new little nooks and funky areas downtown. The alley's offer great light and texture and there's lots of great little park like areas mixed in too so it's not all walls. Visit this link to see more of Katherine and Josh's December Engagement Session. 

You can also pop inside some of the great businesses downtown like we did with Kirstie and Ryan's engagement session. 

Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge

If you want to get out away from the city a bit, the Baskett Slough is a gorgeous area and one of my favorites for both sessions and family hikes. It offers beautiful tall grassy areas and beautiful trees as well as some epic overlooks as well. Visit this link to see more of Carley and James' Fall Engagement Session. 

Click this link to see more of David and Natalia's Summer engagement session.

Champoeg State Park

I love Champoeg for so many reason. There's a cool old barn and funky wooden fences, a river, giant open fields and gorgeous forests. It's a huge park with lots to explore. Click this link to see more of Annie and Zach's engagement session. 

Spencer's Butte in Eugene, Oregon

This spot is a bit out of town, in fact about an hour drive south, but a worth while trek for the amazing view from the top. It's a relatively short hike to the top and you're rewarded with a 360 degree view that on a clear night is nothing short of epic. Plus the hike up has lots of beautiful areas for photos. Warning, the top can get a bit crowded on summer nights but worth it still! Click this link to see more of  Blane and Rachel's Engagement Session. 

Little ZigZag Falls in Portland, Oregon 

And if you're dying for snow in your engagement pictures, well here's a great spot for that! Head up towards Mt. Hood to Little ZigZag Falls. The hike to the falls is not long and there's snow galore to be found. Visit this link to see more of Lauren and Alex's Snowy engagement Session. 

One final note: As much as I love these locations and the beauty there, my main goal with engagement session is to show off the beauty of your relationship. The excitement of being engaged, the things you love about each other, the fun and unique ways you interact with each other, and for that I don't need an epic location, just some good light and a happy couple. Choosing a location is important, but not the most important. A good photographer can create beautiful images no matter where they are. I aim to be that type of photographer.