If your a photographer in Vancouver, Washington, most of your business will likely be in Portland. But with 400,000+ (and counting) living in Vancouver, it’s time to start finding the best areas to shoot that are close to home. There are many parks, trails and historic elements that lead to beautiful photos. Having lived in Vancouver, WA most of my life, I’ve ventured across many areas and have a list of the best shooting locations in every area of Vancouver!
My best advice is to take note of the location, and scout it on Instagram before visiting.
Photo Shoot Locations in the Salmon Creek / Felida / Hazel Dell / Lakeshore Area
Whipple Creek Regional Park – Technically in Ridgefield, it’s minutes from the Salmon Creek / Felida area. Perfect location for a portrait shoot in a lush forest.
Salmon Creek Greenway Trail – Probably my favorite in the area, check it out on Instagram and see the many different types of shots you can get.
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HB Fuller Park – Mostly an open field, but you can enter the adjacent forest, ideal for solo portrait sessions.
Vancouver Lake – Mostly open, good for simple family photos, but I prefer the Frenchman’s Bar just across the street.
Frenchman’s Bar – Actually my favorite spot is the nearby Blurock Landing and it’s located at the small parking lot right before Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park. And bonus, no parking fees there.
Felida Community Park – Nice community park, could walk over to the shops (where Mt Tabor Brewing is) on 36th and 119th for a few urban shots as well.
Photo Locations Around Downtown Vancouver, Fort Vancouver, Minnehaha Area
Downtown Vancouver – Esther Short Park, plenty of beautiful murals, lot of homeless people though. The Vancouver Waterfront is the newest, and in my opinion the best area downtown.
Fort Vancouver – A national historic site, perfect for portraits where you want that old school feel. And when it’s cherry blossom season, they have the perfect area for portraits.
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Burnt Bridge Creek Trail
David Douglas Park
Photo Shoot Locations in Mill Plain and Camas
Cascade Park
Pacific Community Park
Fallen Leaf Lake Park
Harmony Ridge Neighborhood Park – A small, but great spot for portraits. The small stage area could lead to some fun photos like this:
And the sloped walkway can lead to other fun shots such as this:
Photo Shoot Locations in Battle Ground and Ridgefield
Battle Ground State Park
Sternwheeler Park – The park stairs/bench area could make for some interesting group shots.
Fairgrounds Community Park – They have a bridge that is often covered with leaves, a great spot for portraits with children.