Top 5 Outdoor Photoshoot Locations around Salem, Oregon
I know that finding the perfect location for your photoshoot is just as important as choosing the right photographer. So if you're looking for stunning backdrops in Salem, Oregon, you're in luck! As a Newborn, Baby, Maternity, & Family photographer specializing in capturing lifestyle moments, I’ve explored the best local Willamette Valley spots for dreamy, timeless portraits. Finding new photoshoot locations can be really tricky. So to help you out, here are my top five locations for an outdoor photoshoot in Salem, Oregon.
1. Minto-Brown Island Park
Minto-Brown Island Park is a favorite of mine for photography in Salem, Oregon. I love that it offers a variety of natural backdrops, including open fields, towering trees, and scenic river views. So I can provide something for everyone! Whether you're looking for a golden-hour glow in the grassy meadows or getting closer down to the Willamette River, this park is one of my favorites. I especially love to use it during the fall months when the trees come to life! It can be packed on the weekends, but it is usually pretty calm during the week, so my recommendation is to go Monday through Friday.
Perfect For:
Those who want a dreamy outdoor spot with green trees in the summer, colors in the fall, meadows, and golden light. It is ideal for boho maternity photos and sweet family moments where the kids can run around safely.
The sweetest mom and daughter duo! I met them as clients and now are dear friends of mine. This area is right by the new parking lot at Minto Brown! It is just gorgeous during both summer and fall.
Minto is also perfect for Baby Milestone Sessions! There is plenty of areas right around the parking lots, so you can sneak back over to your cars for a goldfish or milk break.
Beautiful Mama at 34 weeks along at her Maternity Session at Minto Brown Island Park. How gorgeous is this fall colored burnt orange dress?
It is also perfect for Family Sessions! There is not too much walking, and so families with littles will appreciate it!
2. The Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge
While technically not right in Salem, this is still one of my favorite new places to visit is Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. This area is a photographers favorite, but I didn’t start utilizing it until this last year as it is a bit of a drive for me. But this beautiful wildlife refuge features open fields, hills that overlook an incredible view, that truly make for stunning natural backdrops. If you’re up for a 5-10 minute walk, there is stunning location at the top of the hill. There are also gorgeous areas right around the parking lot that are easy to include. I do a lot of Family Sessions here as well! It’s especially breathtaking at sunset which is when I am normally scheduling my clients.
Perfect For:
Families with older kiddos who don’t mind a little walk. And those who love rustic open fields, dirt roads, greenery, wide open skies, and gorgeous views of the valley.
Isn’t this mama and her two girls precious? They adore each other and they are so much fun to photograph. I have yet to do a Maternity Session at this location, so wanted to share this family photoshoot at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.
And if you have a Family with older kiddos, make sure you walk all the way to the top! The view from up there is incredible and well worth the 10 minute hike.
3. Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Most people in Salem know about the Deepwood Museum & Gardens. It is typically used for events like weddings, but works well for portrait photography too. You do need to check their website to find out if they have any events scheduled the day you are looking at. (They don’t allow visitors during those times) This historic estate features lush gardens, charming pathways, and classic architecture that add a sophisticated feel to your maternity session. It typically has gorgeous flowers in bloom as well. It has a dark green, forest vibe which might be what your clients is looking for. Whether you love the look of beautifully landscaped gardens or ivy-covered walls, Deepwood offers me a unique setting to photos.
Perfect For:
Those who dream of dramatic and timeless elegance with lush green gardens, darker greens, blooming flowers, and a romantic, storybook backdrop.
This is a great spot for Maternity photos, along with Family! It does get pretty dark the farther you go back, so keep that in mind and bring your flash if you are comfortable using it.
4. Willamette Mission State Park
If you're willing to take a short drive from Salem, Willamette Mission State Park is worth it! I use this location many times throughout the year because it provides so many options for maternity sessions. There are stunning fall leaves here as well during October, and it has golden fields and horse paths as well. This is one of my favorite locations, and is just incredible. I use this for Maternity, Family Sessions as well as One Year Baby Milestone Sessions!
Perfect For: Expectant mamas who want golden fields, leafy trails, and warm fall colors. It offers the sweetest rustic charm with logs and fences, and glowing maternity portraits.
Typical magical fall in Oregon, but especially so at Willamette Mission State Park. Fall REALLY shows off here!
One of my return clients at Willamette Mission State Park for her 3rd Maternity Photoshoot with me! She was around 33 weeks along because she was due January 1st, and the colors in Oregon are just much prettier in October verses December!
This darling area at Willamette Mission State Park is right by the tiny gravel parking near Filbert Grove Parking. It also has a darling fence to use which is usually hard to come by.
These late afternoon fall sessions just hit different! The glow is just magical, and if you get lucky to time your sessions around the rain and clouds, it is well worth it!
5. Bush Pasture Park
This historic location of 90.5 acres of walking/running paths, wooded areas, and open meadows is right near Salem Hospital and is an easy meetup for clients! Plus it is well maintained the entire year, and the colors are just stunning! There is a little field right by the soap box derby road, that I love to use as well. Easy access and not too far from the playground if you need to bribe kiddos! :)
Perfect For:
Families with littles, and older kiddos. Perfect for fall colors, and beautiful greens. If you can hit it right, there are also purple camas that bloom around May that are gorgeous!
The fall colors at Bush Park are ridiculous! It makes for some stunning photos.
This darling area is near the soap box derby path. It’s just so sweet, and I love taking clients here! How cute is this mama and her babies?
Secret Bonus Location: LIVEJOY PHOTOGRAPHY’S STUDIO :)
If outdoors isn’t an option, don’t forget I also offer in-studio maternity, Baby One Year Cake Smashes, and of course newborn sessions at my Salem, Oregon photography studio to provide a comfortable and private space to capture this special time in your life. I also have offer beautiful dresses for mama to borrow.
Depending on your preferences and the time of year, an indoor maternity session can be the perfect way to document your pregnancy without worrying about unpredictable weather. If you're looking for a photographer in Salem, Oregon, who specializes in capturing moms-to-be, or your sweetest little One year old, I'd love to help you create stunning portraits to cherish forever.
Perfect For:
Those mamas & babies who seek comfort and warmth in a cozy Salem photography studio designed for clean, elegant, and timeless portraits.
And of course, I specialize in Newborn Photography, and sibling, parent, and family images are always included!
I have darling backdrops for your ONE year old to use for their session along with all the other items at my studio. I also have a Baby Wardrobe, but you are welcome to bring outfits for your littles as well.
I tried to get this mama in for an outdoor Maternity Session in December, in OREGON.. but in December, it’s just really tricky to work around the weather. So we did a Studio Maternity Photoshoot at my home studio in Salem Oregon I’m so glad because they turned out stunning!
Book Your Family, Maternity, Newborn or BabyPhotoshoot Now!
Choosing the right location is just the first step in creating beautiful photos. If you live in Portland or Salem, and are expecting and want to capture this special moment of pregnancy, along with your beautiful baby when they arrive, I’d love to help!
~ Lindsay Blackman
