A couple sits on the ground during their Smith Rock engagement photos.

Edgy boho engagement session at Smith Rock State Park

I had been ITCHING to take some updated Smith Rock engagement photos, as it had been years. This August, I was in the Bend area for a wedding and knew I had to shoot there again. Kaylea and Beau were an absolute dream to photograph. We chose an edgy bohemian vibe to match the raw, rugged beauty of Smith Rock, and they completely nailed it. Their energy, style, and connection made this session so much fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to collaborate with.

We shot just before golden hour, and the light was incredible. It cast a soft, warm glow over the canyon walls and made every frame feel cinematic. The wind picked up just enough to give her dress movement and their hair that perfectly effortless look. Between the desert tones, the jagged cliffs, and their laid-back chemistry, every moment felt natural and unposed.

Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. When the location, the couple, and the overall vibe all align, it creates something really special.

Why I chose Smith Rock

Every time I visit Smith Rock, I’m blown away that this place is actually in Oregon. Located only thirty minutes from Bend, in Terrebone, I always joke that I’m just waiting for a pterodactyl to fly through the scene because it has such an ancient, otherworldly feel. It honestly gives off more of a Utah vibe, with its muted earth tones and desert textures creating the perfect romantic backdrop. I love incorporating scenic locations that bring a sense of adventure to a session, and this one absolutely delivers. It had been years since I last photographed an engagement session at Smith Rock, but the moment I arrived, I remembered exactly why I loved it so much.

Tips for Taking Engagement Photos at Smith Rock

Taking engagement photos at Smith Rock can be tricky if you don’t time it right. The direct, harsh sunlight and summer heat make shooting around sunset the best choice. The park is massive, and different areas look totally different depending on the time of day, so having a rough game plan beforehand really helps. This was actually my first time using this particular spot, and starting about 30 minutes before sunset worked perfectly for us. We also made the most of the blue hour light afterward, which is one of my personal favorites.

You can learn more about Smith Rock State Park to start planning your visit at stateparks.oregon.gov

  • A couple walks hand in hand.
  • A man and woman look back at the camera.
  • An engaged couple embrace and kiss at their Smith Rock photos.
  • A couple embraces and smiles while taking their engagement photos.
  • A couple looks seriously and intensely straight ahead.
  • A man and woman embrace at Smith Rock State Park.
  • An engaged couple kisses at their engagement session.
  • A man dips his fiancé with Smith rock in the backdrop.
  • An engaged couple walk towards the sunset.
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  • A man embraces his fiancee from behind.
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  • Edgy Boho inspired engagement photos at Smith Rock in Oregon.
  • An engaged couple looks straight ahead intensely.
  • A man and woman walk through a field while gazing into the distance.
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  • A couple laughs and walk together at their engagement photos.
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  • Boho inspired engagement photos in Central Oregon.
  • A man stands behind his fiancee and extends her arms.
  • A close up of a man whispering into his finacee's ear.
  • A man picks up his fiancee and they kiss.
  • A couple sits on the ground during their Smith Rock engagement photos.
  • A man rests his chin on his fiance's shoulder.
  • A man and woman sit closely together at Smith Rock State Park.
  • A couple looks straight ahead at their engagement photos.
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  • Close up of a woman's face as her fiance kisses her neck.
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  • An engaged couple interlocks hands and kiss during engagement photos.
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  • A close up of an engaged couple kissing outdoors.
  • A man runs his fingers through his finacee's hair.
  • A close up of a woman embracing a man and smiling.
  • A couple embraces in the desert and their faces are close together.
  • A man and women smiling during their engagement photos.
  • A wide view of a couple walking away in the desert.
  • A man and woman embrace at sunset in the desert.
  • A close of of a man and woman wrapped around each other in the desert.
  • An engaged couple embraces at dusk in the desert.
  • A man and woman pose for an engagement photo.
  • A woman jumps on her fiance's back in the distance of Smith Rock State Park.
  • A woman rides on the back of her fiance.
  • A man walks around the desert with his finacee on his back.
  • A man playfully pretends to throw his fiancee off his back.
  • A man gives his fiancee a piggy back ride during blue hour.
  • A man and woman hold each other close at dusk in the desert.
  • A man hugs his fiancee and whispers in her ear.
  • An engaged couple hugs in the middle of the desert at dusk.

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