A great photographer, who understands light and color, can make great portfolio pictures just about anywhere. Alleyways, open windows, arcades, even the parking lot of the local Starbucks. (I know this because I once shot a portfolio in the parking lot of the local Starbucks. The pictures were great. So was the coffee.)
Some places are better than others, of course, and in Portland there are a few neighborhoods that have become my favorites. Here are 3 Great Portfolio Places in Portland:
The Pearl
The Pearl is one of my favorites because of its diversity. The north end has a slicker more contemporary vibe while the south side is a bit edgier. There’s a good variety of color and you can generally find great light even at high noon. There are some nice parks for shooting kids (like Tanner Springs) and plenty of low traffic areas where you can take your time and get great images. Extra credit: if you’re a dog lover, The Fields is unequaled for spotting beautiful breeds of all kinds.
SE Division
Another of my favorite places to shoot portfolios is on SE Division, in the neighborhood of Pine State Biscuits. There are easily accessible, beautifully lit alleyways with a diversity of color. If you walk a few blocks east, you find a nice neighborhood vibe that works well for photographing kids. It’s also a good place to headshots. Extra credit: did I mention Pine State Biscuits?
Downtown Vancouver
It’s not technically Portland but it’s not Siberia, either. It’s just over the river and you don’t need a passport to get there.
The newly rebuilt waterfront has a ton on nicely lit spots that work super well for portfolios. There are several green spaces, good for athletic shots, and a beautiful promenade along the river that shoots well on the occasional day when it’s not sunny in the Northwest.
And there are a dozen great restaurants in the neighborhood for your post-portfolio provisions. Hint: some of the best Mexican street tacos in the area can be found at Little Conejo at the corner of 6th and Washington.
What’s your favorite spot in Portland to shoot a portfolio? We’ll join you there and make some amazing pictures. And then we’ll have lunch.
Top Photo: Carson Verity (Brilliant Talent, LA; Option Talent, Portland; Big Fish, Seattle). Bottom Photo: Piper Evenhus (Zuri Agency)