The Best Photo Shoot Locations in Bend, Oregon
Bend, oregon Location Guide {2025}
Here’s everything you need to know
Bend sits nestled between the peaks of the Cascade Mountains and the High Desert. An outdoor enthusiast’s playground, with lakes, endless trails, and rivers to float or fish, it’s located at the center of Oregon. With Mt. Bachelor ski resort a 30 minute drive from town and the Deschutes River running right though downtown, Bend is surrounded by nature.
Bend is a town of about 100,000 people and has so much to offer. One of the top industries in Bend is tourism which means it may be the perfect place for your family reunion or summer vacation which may include a family portrait session. Other leading industries include the medical field, technology or startups, all industries that can utilize a up-to-date professional headshot.
The beauty of Bend makes it easy to plan any type of photo session outdoors such as a family portrait session, branding session or senior photos. Here are my favorite, easy to access outdoor locations in and around Bend that are ideal for a photo session.
What is the Best time for an outdoor session?
When planning an outdoor photo session it is important to consider the weather. The weather changes quickly in Central Oregon, so it is always smart to be prepared with a backup location in mind or the flexibility to reschedule if needed. The wonderful thing about Bend is the ability to plan an outdoor session year round. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular seasons with summer a very busy season for family portraits and reunions.
Some top locations for summer portraits include Dillon Falls, Mt Bachelor and Sparks Lake as these locations are all impassable during winter. These locations all involve a little drive as they are outside of Bend.
Fall is also a picture perfect season with fall foliage at Drake Park and Hollinshead Park.
If you are up for some wintery weather, Shevlin, Rockridge and Sawyer Park are great year round accessible options to chose from.
Portrait Locations in Bend, Oregon
Drake Park
Located in the heart of Bend, Oregon, this iconic park is a popular outdoor gathering space which offers a great backdrop for photos. Riverfront views along the Deschutes River, open shade throughout the many large trees, and a favorite location for fall color.
Drake Park Website
Address: 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701
Rockridge Park
Located in NE Bend this park is great for families with a nature play area, “log forest”, skatepark and great open space area with the high desert terrain (juniper trees, golden grasses and shrubs).
Rockridge Website
Address: 20885 Egypt Dr, Bend, OR 97701
Sawyer Park
Located on the north side of Bend, I consider this community park an underrated gem. The park runs along both sides of the Deschutes River and features large rock walls, interesting rock features by the river, large trees, paved and unpaved paths and a foot bridge across the river. It’s a great spot for outdoor headshots, personal branding and senior sessions.
Sawyer Park Website
Address: 62999 O. B. Riley Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Skyliners Lodge
Along the road to Tumalo Falls, Skyliner Lodge is a quiet space day use area; intended for conservation, outdoor and natural resource education.
Skyliner Website
Address: 16125 Skyliners Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Shevlin Park
A local favorite. Highly popular for a reason. Shevlin Park is easily accessible within minutes from downtown Bend. The park has acres of trails, a foot bridge, old trees, sage brush, and a rambling creek that runs through it. A great choice for headshots or family sessions.
Shevlin Park Website
Address: 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Portrait Locations Near Bend
Smith Rock
An iconic state park to the north of Bend. Smith Rock State Park is a climbers paradise, offers hiking trails throughout the rocky river canyons. The park has camping, day use areas and an amphitheater which can be rented for intimate weddings. You can’t go wrong with planning a photo shoot at Smith Rock.
Smith Rock Website
Address: Terrebonne, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor
With Mt. Bachelor ski resort a 30 minute drive from town and the Deschutes River running right though downtown, Bend is surrounded by nature.
Mt. Bachelor Website
Address: Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR 97703
Sparks Lake
With Mt. Bachelor ski resort a 30 minute drive from town and the Deschutes River running right though downtown, Bend is surrounded by nature.
Sparks Lake Website
Address: Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR 97703
Sisters, Oregon
With Mt. Bachelor ski resort a 30 minute drive from town and the Deschutes River running right though downtown, Bend is surrounded by nature.
Visit Sisters Website
Address:520 East Cascade, Sisters, OR 97759
Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver, Oregon is a popular destination resort for weddings, family vacations and staycations alike. You’ll feel like you’re miles away from any city but Sunriver is a short drive from Bend (20 minutes) and not much further to the Redmond Airport (40 minutes). Sunriver provides access to unbeatable outdoor recreation through horseback riding, golfing, bike riding and it’s close proximity to Mt. Bachelor ski resort.
Sunriver Resort Website
Address: 17600 Center Drive, Sunriver, Oregon
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for a photographer and you connect with my work, I would love to hear from you!
Gwen Shoemaker is a personal branding and portrait photographer based in Bend, Oregon. Servicing the local area of Bend and the surrounding area of Central Oregon. Providing services for photography across the country and worldwide. Specialties include authentic personal brand photography, bold portraiture and joyful family photos. Forever searching for the best gluten-free pizza. Read more on the blog here.
