Exploring the Pacific Coast | Oregon Travel Senior Session
Class of 2025 Senior Photos in the Pacific Northwest
There’s one major reason I recommend gifting experiences, like travel, to seniors: experiencing new cultures. Yes, there are obvious perks to traveling together, like fun adventures, trying out new restaurants, and seeing beautiful landscapes. Seeing different parts of the country and getting out of your comfort zone together creates amazing memories too! My mom (and second shooter) and I headed to the Pacific Northwest with two of my closest friends, Brandy & Billie, along with their daughters, Sam & Miah, to celebrate their upcoming senior year. Let me tell you, Oregon is a different world compared to the Midwest! We had a blast capturing their senior photos and exploring the coastal beaches and downtown Portland.
Cape Kiwanda
Day one of our trip was windy to say the least! We ventured out of our AirBNB to Cape Kiwanda for the first shoot of the trip. You’d never know it by looking at the sunshine in the photos, but we were up against it. You guys, we battled whipping wind and chilly temps from the whipping wind, but it was a beautiful location. The views of the Pacific and the sandstone landscape were a photographer’s dream! Aren’t their wardrobes perfect? Miah’s green dress contrasted beautifully against the sandstone and Sam’s cream dress was beyond flattering. We took in the sights before heading to lunch at Pelican Brewing Company and snuck in naps for everyone back at the house. We were fortunate in that the house had a large window with great light, so we took advantage of the property and its features.
Hundred Stairs Beach
Our next stop was Hundred Stair Beach, more commonly known as Short Beach, in Tillamook County and it was well worth the hike. Coastal views, swirling tide pools, and even a small waterfall made up the scenery at this local hidden gem. The bluffs and rocky shoreline were otherworldly and we had so much fun exploring. From a photography standpoint, the possibilities were endless because of the different landscapes just in this one area. We incorporated multiple outfits at this spot to incorporate as much of this location as possible. It was unforgettable, much like the caramel drizzled bundt cake we had at a local restaurant afterward!
The Clyde Hotel
The second leg of our trip was spent in downtown Portland and we stayed at the coolest hotel! The Clyde Hotel is a historic hotel built in 1912 and some of its original features are still in use. We had the option of communal bathrooms, the original option for the earliest guests to stay, but went with the more modern rooms. The entire place has such a cool ’70s vibe and their decor matches! There’s a phonebooth in the lobby, vinyls on the walls, and tons of funky touches that made for such cool senior photos for the girls. After photographing Sam & Miah for a bit, we headed into town for some shopping and more photos!
Downtown Portland Senior Photos
Something to note about Portland: come prepared with your own grocery bags or be ready to buy them when you stop in any store. Also be aware that the parking situation is less than ideal, but we managed in our massive SUV! Those things aside, we found some great stores including Powell’s bookstore that literally took up the whole block & spent probably an hour browsing the stacks. It’s a different world in Portland compared to North Dakota and I absolutely loved the cool architecture we saw while we were out & about!
Portland Waterfall Photos
On our last day of our trip, we made the trek to one of the parks for senior photos near the Oregon waterfalls. To our surprise, there weren’t many people so we walked along the path and took photos until sunset. The scenery here is just unbelievable! The girls chose some pieces from my client closet and I love how the vibrant colors of the dresses pop against the mossy background. On our way out of the city, I noticed some great buildings and locations I’d love to shoot the next time I’m in the area. The options are endless in Oregon!
North Dakota Travel Photographer
Hey, I’m Kellie, a family, senior, and brand photographer serving Williston, ND and beyond! I provide my clients authentic, heartfelt, inspirational photos that tell their stories through my lens. Are you envisioning photos that celebrate a special occasion in a unique way? Let’s make it happen! Take a look at my portfolio and let’s chat about how we can make your dream photos a reality. Want some inspiration in the meantime? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest or come say hi on IG, FB, and TikTok!
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