9 Instagram Photo Ideas to Explore in Portland

Hoping to encounter some exciting Instagram photo ideas to explore in Portland? Then Peerspace has you covered with our list below! When posting on Instagram, it’s easy to get burnt out posting every couple of days while at the same time bringing in new ideas to challenge yourself. However, finding things to inspire the next photoshoot can also be simple by looking toward a person, a prop, or a location.

Peerspace is your go-to resource for locating the most inspiring spaces for creative projects. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace makes it easy to find and rent unique spaces in cities across the globe. That said, here are several gorgeous Instagram photo ideas to explore in Portland. Enjoy.

1. Immerse yourself in a multi-set wonderland

Looking for Instagram photo ideas to explore in Portland that offers you multiple unique looks and styles? Then check out this seven unique, handcrafted photography set studio in Northeast Portland. Each set has its own distinct style, color, and vibe. Since each set also has its own custom lighting set up, you can simply walk in and start shooting. It’s a truly unique space that lets you easily create a slew of Instgrammable images, all in one space.

Before you book a venue on Peerspace, you can read reviews from past renters to help inform your decision. Here is one for this unique studio as an example: “This space was AMAZING for fun, charismatic studio portraits. I shot senior photos here and we had a blast trying out the different sets. The lighting on site worked great for our needs, and I highly recommend adding on the green room/dressing room. Eric was a fantastic host, super attentive to anything we needed. I wish I had another reason to shoot here!”

2. Get physical in a fully equipped fitness center

Perhaps your personal savviness is focused on fitness. In this case, that’s a great opportunity to share your fitness routine or maybe find a local fitness brand that would love to shoot with a skilled photographer.

This brightly lit, private gym in the Northwest District is a perfect location to shoot without worrying about the crowd in more public gyms. It’s equipped with all the gear you might need. Plus, it has private rooms with large windows that can create beautiful lighting for portraits.

And just check out what a photographer shared in a Peerspace review after hosting a shoot here: “This space is so clean and beautiful. They have so many different looks throughout. Was perfect for our photoshoot and would be amazing place to work out.”

3. Embrace Mediterranean vibes in this luxury home

Hoping to create a shoot that will transport your viewers to a faraway paradise? Then you need to see this luxury modern Mediterranean home in Cedar Mill! This gorgeous space more than 2,000 square feet of warm colors, open space, arched windows, and marble floors.

We especially love the Greek-style pool in the backyard. The white stone deck resembles the white sands of Santorini. It’s one of those Instagram photo ideas to explore in Portland that look like you’re exploring that #beachlife.

Interested in shooting boudoir? Then you need to see our boudoir photoshoot ideas in Portland next!

4. Explore the nomad at heart with a vintage Airstream

Curious about van life? Try shooting in this remodeled Airstream from the 1970s. Create a whole adventure through your photography. This cozy space is well-lit and impeccably interior designed — ideal for family portraits, couples portraits, or even portraits of your furry, four-legged friend.

Get creative and try collaging some of your best landscape photography along with the photos taken in this Airstream. You can go anywhere with a little help from Photoshop. 

5. Discover sleek futurism in a modern, Scandinavian-inspired home

Get out of your comfort zone of photo studios and bohemian lofts. This Scandinavian-style modern home feels like stepping into a watercolored Tim Burton film. It’s a bright home with strong lines and angles that can create a lot of interest in composition, especially with a model willing to match the quirky interior of the home.

It’s a charming location with uniquely shaped windows all around. You’ll also have access to a central green space that gives you a lovely view of downtown Portland. If you are willing to try it out, you might just come out with the most unique Instagram photo ideas yet. 

A blogger who booked a shoot here shared the following Peerspace review: “Great, beautiful space with respectful hosts! The lighting is amazing”

6. Say hello to elegance and refinement at a versatile creative space

If you’re looking for something with elegance, perhaps for a professional portrait session or a group photo session, try this spacious Parisian-inspired flex space. The large window creates optimal lighting that is gently diffused by the white walls. The lovely tile floor and high ceilings create an air of royalty and importance. This location is the perfect blank canvas to develop an intimate portrait of your subject. 

“Amazing experience using this space,” shares a Peerspace reviewer, “Perfect natural light and beautiful furniture for a photoshoot. The host was very friendly and awesome too!! 10/10 recommend. :)”

7. Take a coffee break in a chic coffee and tea cafe

Create an image of everyday life in this chic, modern-industrial cafe in downtown Beaverton. It’s a female owned cafe that boasts concrete floors, black and white walls, several murals, and concrete columns covered in grafitti. The huge windows let in plenty of natural light, while the pale wood furnishings add visual interest and contrast the industrial accents. All in all, it’s a beautiful space that can make a perfect seeting for a contemporary lifestyle shoot.

These unique photoshoot rooms in Portland help you uplevel your content with ease. Check them out!

8. Romanticize the past in a vintage 20th-century residence

There is something quite charming about shaggy carpeting, floral wallpaper, and pastel yellow, or maybe we’re just romanticizing the past. Regardless, lean into the vintage look in this historic 1912 Dutch Colonial mansion.

Bring your model in either outfits that match the look or create a jarring contrast against the background. Create a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere, like a Petra Collins photo, by bringing in a haze machine or even by shooting on film. There are plenty of rooms to shoot, all with different wallpaper and furniture.

9. Get cozy in a charming, mid-century A-frame home

You can’t go wrong with unique architecture. Check out this dreamy A-frame home in West Portland Park. This location’s slanted, high ceilings give a different dimension to your photos. With its large windows facing Mt. Hood, you get a lovely backdrop, especially on foggy mornings in Portland. Its mid-century modern design creates a cozy feeling that you won’t want to ever leave.

In the words of a Peerspace reviewer: “Amazing and unique location for a photoshoot and hosts are friendly, communicative and accommodating. Highly recommended and would book again!”

Instagram photo ideas to explore in Portland: conclusion

We hope these Instagram photo ideas to explore in Portland have you itching to get out there and create. And once you do, be sure to come back here to Peerspace and book some of these amazing hidden gems. All spaces are owned by local creatives, many of whom offer additional services, like gear rentals and catering.

And keep an eye on Peerspace to discover all the new Insta-worthy spaces that pop up every day.

Find unique production venues in Portland on Peerspace