My First Oregon Coast Styled Shoot: Growing as a Portland Wedding Photographer

Earlier this year, a couple I’d done an engagement session for in Portland asked if I’d shoot their wedding. I was so touched—and honestly, a little nervous! I only officially started my Portland photography business in July 2024, and I had no idea what I was doing when it came to Oregon weddings.

I had seen a few posts floating around about styled shoots. These are creative sessions (usually organized by other photographers) that bring vendors and creatives together to practice, build portfolio work, and experiment. It’s a chance to shoot real couples, but in a low-pressure, beautifully curated setting. Usually, there are florals, dresses, stationery, and other details that help bring a wedding or elopement vibe to life.

Since I don’t have any Oregon wedding content in my portfolio yet, I figured—what better way to start than a styled elopement on the Oregon coast?

Why Cannon Beach for My First Styled Shoot?

My husband and I were married in Pacific City on the Oregon coast, so this coastline is a really special place for me. I’d love to shoot your Oregon coast elopement out there someday, and the best way to get better at that is to actually start shooting in that setting.

Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most iconic wedding and elopement destinations. With Haystack Rock as a backdrop and those dramatic Pacific Northwest coastlines, it’s the perfect place for couples who want something truly spectacular for their wedding photos.

I’m really excited to be attending this styled shoot through The Styled Collective Co.—especially because it includes two different concepts: a golden hour elopement and a couples session. That means I’ll walk away with a variety of images and plenty of experience in a location I already love.

What I’m Hoping to Get Out of This Oregon Coast Experience

Even though I’ve done several couples sessions now across Portland and the metro area, I’m looking forward to getting some wedding/elopement-style photos to add to my Oregon wedding photography portfolio. That’s the next big step for my business, and I want to do it well.

This is also a great space for me to practice new posing and prompting techniques, figure out what feels good to my clients, and try different creative ideas without the pressure of a real wedding timeline.

Styled shoots give me a little more freedom to try new things—whether that’s something technical with my camera or a new way of directing couples on the Oregon coast. It’s all part of growing and finding my own style as a Pacific Northwest wedding photographer.

Why Continued Education Matters for My Portland Photography Clients

Even though I’ve been shooting for years, I really value continued education and preparation. There’s always something to improve on as a Portland wedding photographer. Styled shoots are a great way to stretch creatively, practice storytelling, and refine my approach—without the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.

And while styled shoots are different from the real thing, they still show you what it’s like to work with me. You’ll see how I guide you, how I prompt instead of pose, and how I help you feel comfortable in front of the camera—whether we’re at Peninsula Park in Portland or on the dramatic Oregon coastline—so your photos feel like you.

Oregon Coast Elopements: A Dream Setting

After this styled shoot, I’ll be even better prepared to photograph Oregon coast elopements and intimate weddings. Whether you’re dreaming of:

• Cannon Beach with iconic Haystack Rock
• Pacific City for dramatic dunes and coastline
• Oregon Dunes for an adventure elopement
• Coastal forest locations for an intimate ceremony

I want to be your Oregon coast wedding photographer who captures your love story authentically.

Ready to Book Your Portland or Oregon Coast Session?

If you’ve been thinking about booking a couples session—now’s the time! I’m still offering $75 off all couples sessions through the end of September, whether you’re in the Portland area or dreaming of a shoot at the Oregon coast.

Inquire About Your Portland or Oregon Coast Photography Session →

And be sure to check back in two weeks—I’ll be announcing a special giveaway to celebrate one year of my Portland photography business and a brand new name launch.

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Planning an Oregon coast elopement or Portland area wedding? I’d love to capture your love story with the same authentic, connection-focused approach I bring to all my sessions.