Portland boudoir photoshoot in Forest Park with Maryssa

I love collaborating with my girl Maryssa on these creative boudoir photoshoots. She had the idea of doing an abstract boudoir shoot in a forest so we immediately took our ginger booties to Forest Park.

Lower Macleay was the perfect place to start this private forest boudoir shoot in Portland. With the creek running alongside the trail, there are tons of options for places to shoot within a 10 minute walk from the parking. Although it's a popular area and there were definitely plenty of hikers out and about while we were shooting, there are plenty of secluded areas right off the side of the trail, which makes it a really easy photoshoot location in the woods that's still accessible.

I love working with models like Maryssa who come with a concept in mind and are willing to fully commit (aka lay down in the freezing cold creek water as the sun is going down). The light was so beautiful coming in through the trees right before sunset. Maryssa switched between a silky lavender slip and a black lace dress (styled with orange Crocs).

Once the sun fully set, we played around with Maryssa's old film camera which has a built-in flash. The flash only went off on a couple of the shots but they turned out so fire it was worth all the duds. (And honestly the duds are a vibe too). And look at this body!! Snatched!!

I love shooting boudoir outside, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you're interested in an outdoor boudoir session.

Choose the right location for your outdoor boudoir session

Your comfort and confidence are everything, and location plays a huge part in that. For an outdoor boudoir shoot, privacy is key, so you'll want to choose a spot where you can feel comfortable without too many prying eyes. A few of my favorite locations are Forest Park, Sellwood Park, Sauvie Island, and Hood River. Check out your desired location before the shoot day to see how crowded it is, and what visibility is like from any nearby trails.

Dress for the setting (and the weather)

Outdoor boudoir shoots offer endless possibilities for wardrobe inspiration. Flowy fabrics, lace robes, and neutral tones often pair beautifully with nature’s backdrop. Don’t be afraid to bring layers, options to change into, and some cozy clothes for between shots. A robe or a blanket can also be a great option for a winter boudoir shoot - don't let the cold scare you away!

Bring sustenance

Honestly what are you doing if you're not snacking? If it's going to be cold out, pack a thermos with hot chocolate, coffee, or your favorite hot beverage to warm you up. Need a little liquid courage to get into the vibe of the shoot? Bring a bottle of champagne, rosé or Fireball and incorporate the drinks into the photos as props. Bring cute drink glasses - but make sure they're not fragile. For snacks, bring options that will keep you full and add something interesting to the photos - think chocolate covered strawberries, cherries on the stem, or cupcakes.

Looking for a Portland boudoir photographer?

I'm booking creative boudoir photoshoots for 2025 in Portland and Missoula and would love to make some magic with you. Whether it's cozy, studio session like this New Wave Studio boudoir session, or a more personal lifestyle boudoir shoot in your home - we'll collaborate to make the perfect boudoir experience for you.

Curious about what goes into a Portland boudoir photoshoot? Explore more of my articles to get an idea for what to expect, and reach out with any other questions.

If you're looking for a Portland photographer for your upcoming boudoir, wedding, or brand shoot - let's chat.