A Filmy engagement at Smith Rock State Park on a balmy summer evening. M + D were a joy to spend time with at Smith Rock, and we had the best time!
Smith Rock State Park is open year round, though it gets extremely popular in the summer months for tourists visiting from around the world. It is also a well loved by rock climbers everywhere so keep an eye on the rocks a million feet in the air and you’ll probably see a tiny person scaling the wall.
I take some much inspiration from old photographs, old movies, and i love a soft earthy color palette. Smith Rock state park has lovely tones especially with the sagebrush and dead growth. Although I shoot exclusively digital at this time (check back in the future I want to learn film!) I love to edit for a filmy romantic feeling. If you’re doing your engagement at Smith Rock, i’ll help you plan specific spots for best lighting and variety of views!
The horizon line at Smith Rock is much higher than just regular valley or flat location. So I always keep in mind the sunset time is actually not when you’ll see the last light of the day! Especially if you’re wanting to go down into the canyon on the river. Check sunset time, and plan to start shooting 1 and half hours before that. I ALWAYS plan to have things take longer than expected; like traffic, finding parking, getting parking pass, walking to exact shooting spot, changing outfits, waiting on foot traffic to move out of the way, etc etc
Not pictured— all the tourists we avoided on this July evening. Always plan for a week day for the least amount of tourists if you are shooting your engagement photos in the summer! <3
I love every opportunity I get to photograph an engagement at Smith Rock. Contact me here to book with me!
