Looking to spend some time this spring getting out and exploring photography in Portland? Whether you’re looking for a photography class, a stellar photography exhibition, or a date night idea, these are my favorite choices for Portland’s photography exhibits and events this spring.
Portland Photography Exhibits to See This Spring
Main Streets: Wesley Andrews Photo Postcards
From the Oregon Historical Society: “Through photo postcards from the Wesley Andrews postcard collection preserved in OHS’s research library, this exhibit captures both the homogeneity and uniqueness of main streets across Oregon during the 1920s.” PS, if you’re interested in more historical photographs of historical Oregon, the OHS has a vast library of online exhibits you can peruse at home. I loved the Lost Portland exhibit, which features some of the grandest architecture that once existed in Portland.
ADDRESS: Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, Oregon 97205
DATES: Through April 30, 2023
Pas de trois by Jingzi Zhao
Perfect for fans of the ballet and photography! Portland Center Stage at the Armory shares that “the photography series Pas de trois will feature Jingzi Zhao‘s ongoing collaboration with Xuan Cheng and Brian Simcoe, two principals from Oregon Ballet Theater. These images celebrate motivation, artistry, and creative alchemy created over the last three years.”
ADDRESS: The Armory: Ellyn Bye Studio Lobby, 128 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
DATES: February 4 through March 31, 2023
Oregon Society of Artists Photography Showcase, in partnership with the Portland Photographers Forum
A juried show open to all Portland photographers, the submitted works will be shown throughout the month of April at the Oregon Society of Artists in SW Portland. Landscape photographer Gary Randall will serve as the juror.
ADDRESS: Oregon Society of Artists, 2185 S.W. Park Place, Portland, Oregon 97205
DATES: April 6-27, 2023
Portland Photography Classes | Spring 2023
ProPhoto Presents Kate Hailey
Pro Photo always hosts some of the best photography education in Portland. This February, they’re hosting Kate Hailey, a Seattle portrait photographer. Grab tickets to either or both of her classes: One Light Portraits with Kate Hailey or Creative Portraits Using Light & Gels on Saturday. If you’re free, swing by the Portland Photography Social with Kate Hailey & Pro Photo Supply at McMenamins the night before.
DATES: February 24th-25th, 2023
Address: Pro Photo Supply – Event Center 1801 NW Northrup Street Portland, OR 97209
David Cobb: The Art of Garden and Flower Photography
This two-day intermediate-level workshop is perfect for spring, with portions of it held at both Portland’s International Rose Test Garden and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Hosted by the Oregon Society of Artists, who says: “In this weekend workshop you’ll learn the finer points of photographing the garden landscape, which include critical composition skills, an introduction to exposure strategies, techniques for photographing the garden landscape, and lens approaches. In addition, David will present techniques for composition and exposure of flora macros, choosing your background, and photographing plants and flowers creatively. “
DATES: May 6-7, 2023
OPPA Presents: The Art of Black and White with Alisha Cline, M.Photog.Cr, CPP
This is a virtual course, hosted by the Oregon Professional Photographers Association, but it’s sure to be an incredible educational experience. From lighting basics of ratios and lighting patterns to creating impact, this is a full day of learning. Alisha Cline owns a studio outside of Atlanta and specializes in black and white portraits. Her work is a part of the PPA Loan Collection.
DATE: March 5, 2023
ADDRESS: Virtual
Did you find the perfect Portland photography exhibit or class?
Let me know about it! If you haven’t decided yet, which one are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more photography resources in Portland, check out my list of Portland camera stores here, or my list of places to develop film in Portland here.
Save this list for later by pinning the image below!
PS: Looking for the next installment of features of my favorite international family photographers? Today’s the day! I’m excited to share Karla’s beautiful milestone session with a 6-month old. Her all white studio provides a lovely neutral & bright backdrop for this indoor session.
[…] very much inspires me. Check out Samantha Shannon Photography and her most recent blog post about Portland photography exhibits to visit this spring. You can even sign up for photography […]
Wow, there are so many great options!
Every time I land on your blog, I want to make travel plans to your neck of the woods. How fun are these exhibits?
You’ll have to come out here sometime! Portland has a pretty incredible photography community!
This is such a great list of local photography exhibits. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a helpful resource for Portland Photographers! You’ve inspired me to look this up for my area too!
Such a great resource for Portland area events! Thank you for sharing
Ha this makes me realise that I never checked out exhibits and events in my area. What a great list of photography events!