Golden light. Fiery autumn leaves. A crystal-clear lake so still it could be a mirror. If I could bottle up the absolute magic of an October afternoon in the Oregon mountains, it would look exactly like Pyper’s senior session at Clear Lake near Sisters.
This fall senior session was something special—the kind of day that makes you pause, breathe in the crisp air, and just soak in the beauty around you.
A Perfect October Day at Clear Lake
Senior sessions in the fall always have my heart, but this one? This one was next level. We arrived at Clear Lake to find the vine maple along the shore in peak color—deep reds, glowing oranges, set against the deep green of the evergreens, it looked like it was straight from a dream. The water? A shade of turquoise blue so rich and pure it felt unreal. And Pyper, in her effortlessly cool green sweater, fit right into this scene like it was made just for her. (Seriously, if you ever wonder what to wear for fall senior photos, take notes from Pyper—green is chef’s kiss perfect against the turquoise water and autumn colors!)
Rowing into the Magic
To really capture the serene, adventurous feel of the lake, we rented a rowboat and paddled out onto the water. Let me tell you—there’s something so peaceful about floating in the middle of Clear Lake, completely surrounded by towering evergreens and bursts of autumn color. Pyper was an absolute natural, balancing and even changing clothes on the boat, her laughter carrying across the water as the afternoon sun glowed around her. These were the kinds of moments that felt effortless—just her, the lake, and a whole lot of joy.
A Quick Stop at the Lava Fields
On the way to our next stop from Clear Lake, we couldn’t resist pulling off the road for a quick stop at some nearby lava fields. Talk about a wild contrast—just moments ago, we were surrounded by a dreamy, fairytale forest, and now we were stepping onto rugged, black volcanic rock that felt almost otherworldly. Pyper totally embraced the shift, effortlessly posing against the striking landscape of fiery vine maples with her red sweater. There’s something so cool about adding a little variety to a senior session, and this was the perfect unexpected touch.
Ending in the Aspen Grove & Grass Field
As the sun started to dip lower, we headed to my favorite hidden gem—a golden grass field with a stunning grove of aspens. If you’ve ever seen an aspen grove in autumn, you know the magic. The leaves shimmered in the breeze, catching the light in a way that made everything feel extra dreamy. Pyper twirled, laughed, and soaked in the final moments of her session, completely at ease in the golden hour glow.
As I snapped the last few shots, I couldn’t help but smile. This fall senior session was pure magic from start to finish. The perfect blend of adventure, elegance, and those effortlessly beautiful in-between moments that make senior portraits feel so special.
Ready for Your Own Senior Adventure?
Your senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime season, and your senior photos should be just as unforgettable. Whether it’s exploring mountain lakes, wandering through golden fields, or finding that perfect spot that feels so you, I’m here to make it happen. Let’s create something beautiful together! Reach out today to book your own dream senior session—I can’t wait to capture your story.
