A Second Birthday at Trillium Lake | Mt. Hood Family Photographer
Two years old and completely in charge. That was sweet Lachlan at Trillium Lake this summer, marching down the rocky shoreline in denim overalls while the rest of us tried to keep up. His mom booked this session to celebrate his second birthday, and his cousin, visiting from out of state, jumped into the frames too. I am Becky Chambers of Studio 623 Photography in Sandy, Oregon, and sessions like this one are why I keep coming back to this lake.
Where is Trillium Lake?
Trillium Lake sits just off Highway 26 about two miles past Government Camp, roughly 90 minutes from Portland and under an hour up the mountain from my studio in Sandy. The lake is famous for its postcard reflection of Mt. Hood, and an easy two mile loop trail circles the water. Big flat rocks line the day use shoreline, and toddlers treat them like a personal playground.
What is a family photo session at Trillium Lake like?
Relaxed, playful, and timed for that soft evening light on the mountain. We meet near the day use area, wander the shoreline, and let the littlest family members set the pace. I keep posing light and let the games do the work. Chasing, splashing, airplane rides, duck watching. The best frames happen when everyone forgets the camera is there.
What is a 2nd birthday milestone photo session like?
Pure two year old joy from the first minute. This guy climbed the big rock next to his white number two, wrapped his cousin in a hug, held his mom’s hand at the water’s edge, and laughed his way through an airplane toss with Mt. Hood standing behind him. A pair of ducks paddled over to supervise. He loved the ducks. His cousin was visiting from out of state, which made these frames extra sweet for the whole family.
Then came the finale. With a growing interest in the lake, pretty soon the overalls off, and he was straight into the shallows in nothing but a diaper, splashing until the ripples reached the far rocks. Just as we wrapped up, a man stepped onto the opposite shore and played a song on a long horn that looked like a didgeridoo. The melody was so beautiful as it carried across the water, and the whole lake and campground cheered. Core memory activated.
Why book a Trillium Lake session for family photos?
Because you get mountain, forest, and still water in one spot, with no long hike required. The shoreline is a short walk from parking, so it works for toddlers and grandparents alike. Summer evenings bring calm water and glowing light on Mt. Hood. It is also one of my favorite places for couples, and if a mountain ceremony is on your mind, my guide to eloping near Mt. Hood covers this exact area. I only offer a few of these sessions per year, and I am a bit strict on timing. In order to get this result it’s key to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight.
Looking for a family photographer near Sandy, Oregon?
I would love to meet your family at this lake, or any number of great locations around Mt Hood. I have photographed families in Sandy, Mt. Hood, Gresham and Portland for more than 20 years, and I keep sessions easy, playful, and full of the real, organic moments. Reach out through my contact page and we will pick a time when the mountain shows off.