We appreciate that you chose Oregon's state parks as the backdrop for your professional and creative work. Our landscapes and historical sites offer stunning opportunities for portrait photography, but they're also fragile and require proper care.
As the professional guiding each session, you can reverse that trend by following the best practice checklist below, so these iconic views stay open and pristine for everyone.
Best practices for photographers
Stay on marked trails: Resist the temptation to wander off-trail, even for that “perfect” shot. Off-trail foot traffic can erode soil, harm plants, disturb wildlife habitats, and could disturb hidden historical sites and artifact areas.
Mind your props: If you use items like flower petals or confetti, make sure to remove them completely. Remember to leave no trace of your shoot behind. If you use equipment or gear other than your camera, check if a special use permit may be required.
Schedule wisely: Consider visiting during non-peak times to reduce crowding and give your clients a more relaxed session. Early mornings or weekdays may also give you better light and quieter surroundings.
Respect park regulations and staff: Always follow posted signs, and if a ranger or park staff asks you to move or adjust your activities, please do so promptly. They’re here to protect both you and the park.
Choose your spots responsibly: If you sense that a particular area is too sensitive or heavily impacted already, opt for a different location. Often, many other hidden gems in each park are just as photogenic.
Leave room for other visitors: Avoid monopolizing a scenic overlook or popular photo spot for extended periods. Setting time limits or rotating locations can help you get your shots without unduly impacting other park guests.
Mind personal safety: Check the area before you start, and keep your clients far from cliffs, unstable ground, fast-moving water, and changing tides. Use a zoom lens instead of getting too close. Look up the weather, tides, and river conditions ahead of time, show everyone where it's safe to go, and bring basic emergency gear. Do these simple things to ensure your photo shoot stays safe and doesn't become a rescue.
Park-specific guidance
Different parks may have unique rules, require special use permits, or guidelines—particularly for commercial photography. Please check the information provided by individual parks before you arrive. It might include details about restricted areas, specific trail hazards or closures, and any localized concerns.
The parks listed below have known restrictions. Please check the restrictions before visiting:
If you're a portrait photographer who regularly visits one or more state parks, please check with park staff to see if there are any additional guidelines to follow when taking photos.
How you can help keep these spaces open
By staying on trails, reducing congestion, cleaning up after your shoots, and showing respect for nature and history, you ensure these landscapes remain thriving and accessible. The small choices you make during each session greatly impact the future of photography in these parks. Thank you for being a partner in conservation and helping us preserve these cherished places. If you have questions or need more information, please reach out to park staff
Each of our state parks is an individual place where people play,
picnic, camp, explore, hike, rest, and renew. They are an everyday
reminder of the things that make Oregon great. We recognize that
Oregon's resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse
communities. Our commitment is to serve everyone by striving to
provide safe and equitable access to state parks and agency
programs.