Some thank you’s deserve more than a card. One dark, cold night I dropped my debit card somewhere in the Sandy Safeway parking lot and never noticed. Abbey and Tim found it, took the time to track me down, and returned it to me. Who does that? These two do. I wanted to thank them the best way I know how, with a couple's portrait session, and when we realized it lined up with their first anniversary, the plan was set.
Where is Trillium Lake?
Trillium Lake sits in the Mt. Hood National Forest just south of Government Camp, about 40 minutes up Highway 26 from Sandy. It is a small lake of roughly 63 acres, famous for the way Mt. Hood reflects across the water on a calm day. An easy loop trail of about two miles circles the shore, with long stretches of boardwalk through the meadows, and there is a day use area with a fee, so check the Forest Service page before you go.
What was their Trillium Lake anniversary session like?
It was a quiet, misty fall evening, and it was just the perfect thing. The mountain played hide and seek in the clouds, the lake was glassy enough to hold the whole tree line in its reflection, and the golden larch trees lit up the far shore. Abbey wore a white tiered skirt with her denim jacket and boots, Tim wore his brown work jacket and flannel, and the two of them looked right at home by the water. We hopped across the stepping stones, Tim lifted Abbey off her feet for a kiss, and a pair of ducks paddled over to see what all the fuss was about.
Did we do senior portraits too?
Yes, we tucked a mini senior portrait session into the evening for Abbey. A few frames on the big flat rock at the water's edge, with Mt. Hood rising behind her, and one very curious duck who swam right into a shot. Senior photos and anniversary photos in one trip up the mountain felt like a pretty great way to spend an afternoon.
What makes Trillium Lake a good spot for couples photos?
Trillium Lake gives you the mountain, the water, and the forest in one easy walk from the parking area. Fall brings golden color along the shoreline, cloudy days turn the light soft and even, and the shallow rocks along the edge make natural places to stand, sit, and play. Weekday evenings tend to be calmer than summer weekends, which helps when you want the lake to yourselves.
"Congrats on your first anniversary you guys! It was lovely to spend an afternoon with you and I hope you love your photos!"
Looking for a Trillium Lake couples photographer?
I'm Becky Chambers, the photographer behind Studio 623 in Sandy, Oregon, and Trillium Lake is one of my favorite places to photograph couples, anniversaries, and seniors. If you are thinking about something bigger, my guide to eloping on Mt. Hood is a great place to start. When you are ready, send me a note and let's find your evening on the mountain.
