A lot of Asian families around Portland (including us!) live near Beaverton, Bethany, and Tigard, so I’ve been on a mission to find photo spots that are both convenient and beautiful—especially when you’ve got little kids in tow.
After visiting quite a few places, these are two of my go-to locations for family photos that I keep coming back to:
Downtown Beaverton
If you’re like me and don’t want to drive too far (because… naps, snacks, and everything in between), Downtown Beaverton is such a good option.
It has that cozy fall/winter vibe without needing to go all the way into Portland. And honestly, compared to Old Town, it just feels a lot more comfortable and family-friendly, which makes a big difference when you’re juggling kids during a photoshoot.
There are lots of cute little shops, restaurants, and charming older buildings, so it’s super easy to get those candid, lifestyle-type photos just by walking around. I love using storefronts as backgrounds—it instantly makes the photos feel more warm and story-like.
Bonus: After the photos, you can just grab a meal nearby and call it a day. No extra planning needed.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park
When I want more of a “nature” look, this is always at the top of my list.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park has the prettiest open fields, especially when the grass turns that golden color—it just glows in photos. And the space! Kids can run around freely, which makes everything feel way more relaxed (and we all know relaxed kids = better photos ).
Commonwealth Lake Park (Cedar Hills)
This is another hidden gem that’s super popular with local families—and for good reason.
Located in the Cedar Hills area, Commonwealth Lake Park has a really nice mix of scenery: a peaceful lake, little wooden bridges, walking paths, and plenty of greenery. It’s perfect if you want a softer, more relaxed park vibe without needing to hike or walk too far.
I especially love it for younger kids, because everything is pretty close together and easy to navigate. You can get a variety of looks (water, trees, open space) without moving around too much—which is a huge win when little ones start losing patience
It’s also great year-round, since even when the colors are more muted, the lake and trees still make the photos feel calm and natural. Definitely one of those easy, reliable spots that works every time.
