It was fire season in Oregon, which is not the romantic opening anyone wants for a story about engagement photos. But it's real, and if you're planning anything outdoors in Central Oregon between July and September, it is probably on your mind too. I spent the days before Macy and Warren's session watching air quality and ready for a backup plan, which is a thing every Central Oregon engagement photographer does all summer.
Then a rainy cold front (okay, climate change...) blew through the night before and took the smoke with it. It also took the temperature down to 38 degrees at sunrise. We were all standing there in jeans and light layers, entirely underdressed but also there for it.
We Started at the Campground
Macy and Warren stayed the night before at Soda Creek Campground, about ten minutes from the lake. I recommend this to anyone doing a sunrise - or really any - session out here, for a reason that isn't romantic at all: it's more sleep and a guarantee of finding each other at 5AM.
They got ready in their car at the campsite, which I mention because honestly what a vibe and way to keep it simple. You could just tell this couple does not overcomplicate things and wanted to prioritize what mattered to them: being themselves in their engagement photos. And spoiler: they are such fun people, so we had a great time.
The Meadow, and the Second Proposal
We walked the meadows first and watched the sun come up over a little river running through them, the whole thing reflecting back. The fog was thick enough that everything more than about thirty feet away was a mystery.
Then Macy surprised Warren with a proposal, which was so cute. He had already proposed to her — this was her turn, and she brought two rings for him to choose between, because, in his words, he knows he's indecisive. Obviously it was a super cute moment, and she did this right at the beginning of the session - which I always recommend to get the nerves out of the way!
Then We Drove to the Lake and There Was No Mountain
Sparks Lake sits under South Sister and Broken Top, and the view of them off the water is the reason most people come here. We arrived, looked out, and saw fog. Just fog. "But is there actually a mountain here?" became the running joke of the morning.
One thing I love about Macy and Warren is they literally said they don't need a full Pinterest vision because that's not real life. I think it kept their mindset flexible and in the moment with each other, and also helped embrace the fog (not Pinterest maybe, but pretty stunning). We wandered into the forest along the shore, they danced in the trees, they ran across the shallows together. The fog made it feel like the lake was about eight feet wide and belonged entirely to them. We were actually the only ones there, which is another perk of sunrise.
And then, slowly, the fog burned off. The mountain turned up after all, about two hours past sunrise, and we got the wide open lake shots too. So we ended up with both mornings in one gallery.
Questions I Get as a Sparks Lake Engagement Photographer
Do we need a photography permit? No — but you do need a Northwest Forest Pass. It's a recreation pass for the national forest, and you can buy one on the way in or at the park. They're $5 and don't require timed entry, which keeps it simple to plan.
Do we need a four-wheel-drive vehicle? High clearance is recommended for the road to the lake. It isn't strictly required — a regular car can make it if you're relaxed about some bumps — but know that going in rather than finding out. My rental car probably had the thrill of its life, and if you're reading this Avis I trust all is forgiven…
What time of day is best? Go before sunrise. Seeing the sunrise and the moments just before are so magical. We had the entire lake to ourselves, and by mid-morning that stops being true.
Where should we stay the night before? As close as you can. Soda Creek Campground is ten minutes out, and it's directly at the meadows. There are other options around Bend, but proximity buys you sleep and no logistical stress on session day.
What should we wear? Warmer than the forecast suggests, or at least in layers. Thirty-eight degrees in August is not what anybody packs for. Bring the extra layer even if you're only going to wear it between shots.
What happens if there's wildfire smoke? I watch the air quality all through fire season. I do this for every Central Oregon session in summer, and I'll always tell you honestly if we should move the date or location. Shifting a plan is fine, and everyone's health is my priority.
How long should our session be? Longer than you think you'll want. Macy and Warren opted for a 2 hour session, which made the morning very relaxed and encouraged wandering around the park. It also helped us get different light, climate, and views all in one session.
Why This One Stuck With Me
Macy and Warren laughed the entire morning. You could just feel their love and goofiness. They were also completely comfortable being quiet together, standing in a meadow at sunrise not saying anything, just taking in how still it was. Both things at once, and it's an honor to document both of those parts of a relationship.
It's genuinely one of my favorite sessions I've photographed, thanks to their energy and Sparks Lake.
I'm a queer-owned wedding and engagement photographer moving to Portland early next year, and Central Oregon is one of my favorite places to photograph. If you're planning an engagement session at Sparks Lake, or anything else in the Pacific Northwest, here's where I work up here — or just send me a note and tell me what you're picturing. I'd love to hear from you!