Dearest Flower-Lovers,
I hope you are doing well! If you’re anything like me, you’re more than ready to see the crocuses, camellias, and cherry blossoms come back to life. For us portrait photographers, our cameras tend to collect a bit of dust over the winter. That’s why I’m so excited to share some helpful tips on getting back outside and capturing the natural beauty we Oregonians love so much.
Here’s a list of the best times and locations to book a session to experience all of those colorful and fragrant beauties.
If you are wondering about my current rates, here they are:
P.S. Please note that the location fees mentioned below are subject to change. They are based on the information provided by the locations as of April 3rd, 2025.
Sincerely,
Megan
Blossoms At-A-Glance
MONTH | FLOWER TYPE
Late March - Early April | Cherry Blossoms, Plum Trees, Magnolias, Daffodils
April - May | Trillium, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Wisteria
Late April - Mid June | Peonies
Early May - Early June | Irises
Late May - End of June | Wildflowers
June - October | Roses
Late June - Early August | Lavender
Late July - September | Sunflowers, Dahlias
Blossoms | Late March - Early April
Recommended locations: Portland Waterfront, Capitol in Salem, Orchard Park in Hillsboro, Hoyt Arboretum, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Cherry blossoms are gorgeous, but they often bloom during our “second winter” period—right after we’ve been tricked into thinking warmer weather has arrived during “false spring.” Even if it’s a bit rainy and gray, we can still enjoy the beauty of the blossoms together. We could even do some cute umbrella and rainboot photos.
Fees: Crystal Springs requires a payment of $75-$250 per hour, depending on the number of people.
Tulips | March 21st - April 27th
Recommended location: Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
The best place to see tulips is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. Please keep in mind that there is an entry fee, and the farm can get pretty muddy if it has been raining.
Fees:
- Weekends: $21 (Regular), $26 (Sunrise)
- Weekdays: $16 (Regular), $21 (Sunrise)
Rhododendrons, Magnolias, and Azaleas | Late April - June
If you haven’t been to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, it’s a must-see! It’s a fantastic spot for family or couple photos while taking a stroll through the park. This location does require a payment of $75–$250 per hour, depending on the group size.
Other great places for smaller rhododendron gardens include Summerlake Park in Tigard, Jenkins Estate in Beaverton, and the International Rose Test Garden.
Fees: $75–$250 per hour
Wisteria | April - May
Recommended location: Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem
The cascading purple blooms of wisteria create a dreamy, romantic backdrop. These locations are perfect for an elegant springtime session.
Fees: Varies by location
Peonies | April 26th - June 15th
Recommended location: Adelman Peony Gardens
One of the best places to see big, beautiful peonies is Adelman Peony Gardens in Salem. They have row upon row of peonies. Admission is free, and they’re even pet-friendly!
Fee: None
Irises | May - June
Recommended location: Schreiner’s Gardens in Salem is another wonderful option.
This garden is great not only for its incredible irises but also for its shaded areas and diverse plant life, making for a beautiful backdrop.
Fees:
Weekdays: $6 (Regular), $8 (Earlybird)
Weekends: $10 (Regular), $12 (Earlybird)
Wildflowers | Late May - June
Recommended locations: Mary’s Peak
If you are up for an adventure or you are located near Philomath, Mary’s Peak is an epic view of rolling hills and wildflowers.
Fee: None
Lavender | Late June - Early August
Recommended locations: Wayward Winds, Bates Lavender Farm, Hood River Lavender Farm, Hope Ranch Lavender
The best time to visit lavender fields is in July, when the weather is ideal for a morning session. One important thing to note: Bees love lavender! While they’re usually harmless, there is a chance of getting stung. If you or your child is allergic or afraid of bees, this may not be the best location for you. Bees are less active in the early morning and evening, and some farms allow entry during these times.
There are several locations in the Portland area. Here’s some quick information on a few:
Wayward Winds (Newberg): $75 per session
Bates Lavender Farm (Corbett): Free during business hours, $50/hr outside business hours
- Hood River Lavender Farms: No cost
- Hope Ranch Lavender (Hood River): $100 for 1.5 hrs
Sunflowers | Late July - September
Recommended locations: Lee Farms (Tualatin), West Union Gardens (Hillsboro), Packer Orchards (Hood River)
Sunflowers are perfect for bright, bold summer portraits. Many of these farms offer stunning golden fields for a warm, cheerful aesthetic.
Fees: Varies by location, Packer ~$20/person
Dahlias | Late July - September
Recommended location: Swan Island Dahlias (Canby)
Home to one of the largest dahlia farms in the U.S., Swan Island Dahlias offers stunning fields of colorful flowers, perfect for late-summer photography sessions.
Fees: $50/hour for a single session (ex., senior session, engagement, or family portraits) and $25 per additional family (max of 4 families per hour.) One bunch of dahlias will be included in the Single Photographer Session.
HONORABLE MENTION
Recommended location: Chateau de Michellia
This is a beautiful French-style venue with a gorgeous garden all year round, but with flowers from spring to fall.
Fees: $375 /1.5 hours - Weekday (Mon - Thur), $395 / 1.5 hours - Weekend (Fri - Sun), Each additional 30 minutes: $95 (all days)
I hope this guide helps you plan your next dreamy flower-filled session! Let’s create some beautiful memories together. 🌸
Family session
at the International Rose Test Garden
