Moving my Photography Business from Oahu to Oregon

With 27 boxes packed, taped and delivered to the post office, all that was left to do was say goodbye to our beautiful home. When moving to Oahu in 2021, I never would have guessed what lay ahead of me: building a 6 figure photography business, photographing hundreds of clients, making dozens of photographer friends and working with some of the most talented mentors that the islands have to offer. But when 2025 rolled around, my husband and I knew that we were ready for our next chapter. It was time to settle down and return to the mainland. So we loaded up our car for the last time, sent our luggage (and our dog, yikes!) through baggage claim and headed to our next adventure! And just like that, we were unpacking boxes in Hillsboro, Oregon. I am now, officially, a Portland, Oregon family and wedding photographer!

Why I moved my Photography Business to Hillsboro, Oregon

While it is hard to condense this decision into just a few points, I’ll try my best. 

1. We wanted to be closer to family. Celebrating life’s biggest moments–a wedding here and a newborn there–has been much more doable for us since returning to the mainland!
2. We wanted to buy a home. We had been saving since before we were married, and Hawaii was just not a realistic place for us to do so.

When we left, I cried the entire flight to Seattle, WA. Six hours of non-stop tears. But slowly, over the first few months in Oregon, I realized that there was more in common between my previous home and my new home than I first thought! 

Oregon is green, green, green! With the frequent rains (often flooding the wetlands behind my house), Oregon has proved to be just as green as our island home. The Pacific Northwest is absolutely bursting with wildlife and greenery! And while birdwatching is quite different from snorkeling, I have found just as much joy learning about the creatures that fill our skies as I did with the sea life of Oahu. And capturing this beautiful landscape has been an absolute joy! From the weddings on Oregon lakes to the engagement sessions at Cannon Beach, I cannot get enough of the PNW!

The need for photography is just as great in Portland as it was in Hawaii. Did you know that Oregon has roughly 5,000 more weddings per year than Hawaii? And with Oregon leading the nation in Christmas Tree production, our calendars are filled with Christmas family photoshoots every year!

And last, but certainly not least, the Portland photography community here has been just as welcoming as Hawaii’s, if not more. I have already found many other photographers who have needed my extra support in their business, and have also been willing to help me on my journey to rebuild Hannah Beal Photography here. It has been such an incredible blessing!

So, what took me so long to make the big announcement?

But Hannah, it is 2026 already! You moved to Hillsboro, OR over a year ago!!

I know, I know. Thank you for your patience! We have had some pretty exciting developments over here! Firstly, I ended up starting another business… I opened an in-home music studio! I currently teach 16 incredible students, and I offer both piano and voice lessons! 

The most important (and the cutest) update I have to share is that I had a baby!!! Starting my family was quite a crazy journey, with a tough pregnancy, multiple hospital stays and several weeks on bedrest. Luckily our daughter arrived at 37 weeks, healthy and happy. She is just the BEST thing ever!! Now, being 5 months postpartum, I finally have some of my energy and drive back and am excited to be jumping head on into the upcoming wedding season in Portland, Oregon!

(Photos from the amazing Elizabeth Hite Photography!)

Favorite Oregon Photography Locations so far:

Wow, could I even choose a favorite? Never. There are just TOO many gorgeous places here for Oregon photoshoots! But let me try to share a few:

Cannon Beach

The perfect for surprise proposal photoshoots! Just one hour from Hillsboro, I often spend my weekends on the coast of Cannon, helping clients to celebrate their new engagement!

Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro

A beautiful choice for Oregon bridal photos or a Hillsboro family photoshoot, especially in the fall! With winding trails, wetlands (more like a lake!), and a stunning bridge, there is so much variety in just one spot!

Lincoln City

If I were eloping in Oregon, I’d do it here! There are dozens of gorgeous locations in this tourist town, from a hike up to God’s Thumb to the stunning views of proposal rock, I cannot get enough of the gorgeous photography spots here!

U-Pick Farms

A U-Pick photoshoot is perfect if you want a more casual, lifestyle vibe in your family photos this year. Blueberries, strawberries, peaches and apples, just choose your favorite and I’ll see you there!

Places on my Portland, Oregon Photography Bucket list:

Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton

With designated photography spots, Cooper Mt Nature Park will be the perfect spot to enjoy a morning among the trees for your next Oregon Family Photoshoot.

Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro

Okay, I know it sounds crazy, but wouldn’t it be a fun couples photoshoot spot?? Flashing lights, colorful pinball games, and maybe even some air hockey? If you love to game and want a unique spot for your engagement photos, this might be the perfect spot for you!

Forest Park in Portland

There’s really nothing better than Forest Park, is there? With miles of trails, it is a hiker’s paradise. Why not have your next Portland couples photoshoot here?

Orchard Park in Hillsboro

I am definitely a little biased here, because this is where I had my own maternity photoshoot!! I loved spending the last few weeks of my pregnancy walking along the trails here, admiring the cherry blossoms.

And the list goes on! I cannot wait to explore more Oregon destinations with you at your next Pacific Northwest photoshoot!

Moving forward as a Portland Wedding Photographer:

The time is now! Getting your 2027 wedding photographer booked is probably the first thing on your todo list. Not to mention the fall leaves this month will make for the PERFECT Pacific Northwest engagement session. Or, if you’re more of a coastal couple, let’s meet up at Cannon Beach for your engagement session! And of course, I am always up for a Portland surprise proposal photoshoot.  When it comes to Oregon wedding photography, I’m ready for whatever you want to throw at me!

What does this mean for Hillsboro Family Photography?

Oh, don’t you worry. I have big plans here as well!! While my ultimate goal is to open up for quarterly mini sessions to help you get your holiday cards ready, I will slowly ease into that model with 25-minute, 45-minute and 75-minute family photoshoot session options, to fit whatever your needs might be. Want to check out Cooper Mountain Nature Park for a sunrise family session? Ready to celebrate your senior with some Downtown Hillsboro senior photos? Time to meet at Rood Bridge Park for your yearly extended-family photoshoot? I’M THERE.

Let’s Book your Portland, Oregon Photoshoot!

Whether you’re planning a Portland elopement, a full wedding weekend on the Oregon coast, or a relaxed family session at Hoyt Arboretum, I’m here to help you feel seen and celebrated. Peek through my website, get to know me, and submit that inquiry form and we’ll be right on our way to filling your next photo album!