Oregon Wedding & Portrait Photographer

 Bobby and Sabrina: Full Circle

A few years ago, I posted a request on Facebook asking if anyone knew someone who rode dirt bikes and would be open to a photo session. It turned out that my friend Luke from the fire department knew Bobby and Sabrina and connected us through Messenger. We started chatting and soon arranged a photo shoot at an OHV park near Madras, Oregon. I brought a friend along for the ride, and we both ended up with some incredible shots from the day.

Fast forward a couple of years, and Bobby and Sabrina are now engaged and ready for engagement photos. When they reached out to me, I knew I wanted to incorporate something special and meaningful to them into the shoot. Since dirt biking is such a big part of their lives, I immediately knew the bikes had to be involved. Given their adventurous spirit and openness to my ideas, I started crafting a plan.

Our first stop was Little Crater Lake, a beautiful spring-fed lake just south of Government Camp. Known for its stunningly calm, blue waters, it was the perfect location to start. The session was relaxed and easy, allowing us to ease into the day and have some fun. I got to see a different side of Bobby and Sabrina, as they showed up in cowboy boots, hats, and western wear. I simply told them to be themselves and enjoy the moment, which led to some great, candid shots.

From there, we headed to Cooks Camp OHV park, about 30 minutes east of Little Crater Lake. Bobby’s truck—his beloved square-body Chevy—was the perfect vehicle to take us into the trees and narrow trails. This location felt like the real heart of their adventure, and the session quickly became one of my favorites. I had done my homework on motorcycle and couples photography, and while I didn’t have tons of examples, I had just enough inspiration to get started. To help Bobby and Sabrina understand the vision I had in mind, I either printed out ideas or showed them on my tablet. I always make sure they feel comfortable to adapt and make the shots their own.

Two photos were at the top of my list. The first was a shot with their bikes leaning against each other, and Bobby and Sabrina leaning in for a kiss. I wasn’t sure if the bikes would stay up without kickstands, but they nailed it on the first try. It was a perfect, genuine moment that wouldn’t have had the same feel if I’d asked them to lean against a tree or log. The second shot I had in mind was Bobby riding away in his western wear, with Sabrina looking back at the camera and giving me a playful middle finger. The angle of her hat and the intensity in her eyes made it a moment I’ll never forget—it was pure, unfiltered fun.

We spent some more time around the truck and captured candid moments, like Sabrina trying on different hats that belonged to Bobby. It was in these quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that I really felt the authenticity of their relationship.

The next part of the session was the big one—the crux of the shoot, where all the planning would come together, and we’d need a little help from Mother Nature. We drove out to White River West Sno-Park, hoping to capture some stunning sunset shots with Mount Hood in the background. Timing was critical: too early and we’d be waiting around; too late and we’d be rushing to capture anything worthwhile. We made it to the spot at the perfect moment, and the hike to the location was short but just enough to get our hearts racing. The view from the mound I’d scouted was breathtaking, offering a perfect frame for Bobby and Sabrina against the mountain. I used my flash and diffuser to light them just right, and though it was a bit tricky, we made it work. To get them feeling natural, I encouraged them to dance and throw in a dip. The result was an incredible shot that captured both the beauty of the moment and their easygoing energy.

Though the sunset didn’t fully cooperate, we still managed to get some magical shots, and the whole process felt so rewarding. Little did I know, this would be just the beginning of a journey that would lead to an unforgettable wedding day.

Chnaces were high they would ask me to photograph their wedding after all of this. And sure enough, they invited me to capture their big day. On August 22, 2023, I found myself in the small town of Sumpter, Oregon, ready to embark on what would turn out to be one of the most memorable weddings I’ve ever had the honor of documenting.

The day started cold and foggy as I met Bobby and Sabrina at his parents’ trailer, located off a gravel road. After loading up the dirt bikes, we set off up a logging road, joined by Sabrina’s sister and mom in a Jeep. The road was rough, and after a couple of washouts, I opted to leave my truck behind and ride with Bobby. It was a rough, steep road, but Bobby knew how to handle it. Eventually, we made our way to the wedding venue—a remote spot deep in the wilderness that was worth every bit of the adventure.

The ceremony location was a stunning lake, one that Bobby and Sabrina had visited countless times before. It was the kind of place that felt like it belonged in a painting—quiet, remote, and completely serene. With the group of eight—plus two dogs—we hiked to the lake and prepared for the ceremony. The rain began to fall lightly as everyone changed clothes and prepared for the walk down to the field. The ceremony itself was simple, just as they wanted it, and it was perfect in its simplicity.

As the rain picked up, we found shelter in the trees and shared stories, passed around a bottle, and truly connected. I didn’t know everyone well, but in that moment, it felt like I had known them for years. It was a raw, honest experience that only deepened the meaning of the day.

The hike back was longer than expected, and I stayed with Sabrina’s mom, helping her back to the trailhead. Bobby gave me a ride back to my truck, and we faced a bit of an obstacle getting Tiffany’s Jeep out of another washout. But that was part of the adventure.

By the time I left the venue, I had a decision to make. My original plan was to camp for the night, but after a long day, I opted for a hotel in Baker City. On my way out, I stopped to make a sandwich at a small rest area. As the sun began to set, the clouds parted just enough to cast a golden light over the meadow. I felt overwhelmed by the beauty of the day and the connections made, and for a moment, I couldn’t hold back my emotions. It had been a long and beautiful day, spent with new friends in one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited.

The next morning, after a hot shower and a beer to reflect, I hit the road back home, filled with special memories from this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But the story didn’t end there. In September, Bobby and Sabrina invited my wife and me to their reception, where we joined them for more celebration, laughter, and connection. It was a perfect way to close the loop on this journey, surrounded by the same warm, welcoming people who had made the wedding day so unforgettable. We ate, drank, and danced, reliving the memories from the mountains, and creating new ones.

This experience truly came full circle. The moments shared between all of us—eight people and two dogs—will forever be a part of Bobby and Sabrina’s wedding story. Reflecting on the whole adventure, I realized how lucky I was to be part of something so special. The friendships formed, the stories shared, and the unforgettable moments are something I will carry with me always.