Bend Photography Tours — Waterfalls, Lakes, Rivers & Epic Light in Central Oregon
Within 30 Minutes of Bend
Lakes-Rivers-Waterfalls-Epic Light
Sunrise & Sunset Vantages
Explore iconic locations within 30–60 minutes of Bend.
Bend sits in the middle of one of the most diverse photography landscapes in the western United States. Within about an hour of town, you can photograph alpine lakes, volcanic mountain peaks, powerful waterfalls, winding rivers, and wide open high desert light — often all in the same day.
What makes Bend truly special is access. You don’t need multi-day backcountry trips to reach incredible locations. Many of Central Oregon’s most photogenic landscapes are within 30–60 minutes of town, making it possible to chase light, weather, and seasonal conditions without long travel days.
From moody waterfall forests in spring, to glassy alpine lakes in summer, to dramatic desert skies in fall and winter, Bend offers year-round photography opportunities for every skill level.
This isn’t just about visiting beautiful places — it’s about knowing when conditions line up to create moments most people never see.
Iconic Photo Locations Within Easy Reach Of Bend
30 - 40 Minutes from Bend
These photography tours explore iconic landscapes within 30–45 minutes of Bend. With minimal travel time, we focus on chasing the best light across rivers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and high desert terrain — often visiting multiple locations in a single session.
Perfect for sunrise or sunset outings, these tours offer incredible variety without long drives, making them ideal for photographers who want maximum shooting time and flexibility.
Within 1- 1.5 Hours from Bend
These full-experience photography tours travel 1 to 1.5 hours from Bend to reach some of Central Oregon’s most dramatic and iconic landscapes. From towering volcanic peaks and remote alpine basins to expansive desert vistas and rugged canyon terrain, these destinations offer powerful compositions you simply can’t access closer to town.
With more time on location and fewer people, these tours are designed for photographers who want immersive shooting experiences and truly unforgettable scenery.
Cascade Photo Tours
Iconic Bend
Landscapes
Within 30–45 minutes of town
Waterfalls • Rivers • Forests • Light
Perfect for half-day photography adventurese
Cascade Mountain
& Alpine Tours
45–90 minutes from Bend
Alpine lakes • Volcanoes • Peaks
Dramatic elevation and epic scale
High Desert &
Geological Wonders
45–90 minutes from Bend
Badlands • Rock formations • Big skies
Sculpted earth and dramatic light
Signature Full Day
Photo Tours
Curated immersive photography experiences
Multiple landscapes in one epic day
Sunrise to sunset photography
The Experience Beyond the Photography
From the moment we pick you up to the final image you refine at home, every detail of your experience is thoughtfully designed.
You’ll travel in comfort, move efficiently between locations, and receive expert guidance throughout the day — so your energy stays focused on light, composition, and the moments unfolding around you.
This is more than transportation and instruction — it’s a fully supported photography experience from start to finish.
✔ Door-to-door pickup in Bend, Sun River, Sisters & Redmond
We begin your day relaxed and ready — no logistics to manage.
✔ Coffee, snacks, and bottled water provided
Stay energized and comfortable throughout the experience.
✔ Premium Toyota Land Cruiser transport
Spacious, smooth, and capable — ideal for accessing remote locations safely.
✔ Intimate small-group experience
Seats up to 4 guests, but most tours are designed for 2–3 participants for maximum flexibility and personal attention.
✔ Larger vehicle available by request
Additional group capacity can be arranged with advance notice (additional fee applies).
✔ Professional tripods provided
Leave yours at home — we supply stable, high-quality support for every shoot.
✔ Expert instruction throughout the day
All tours are personally led by wildlife and landscape photographer Lee Andelson.
✔ Continued education after your tour
Receive guidance after the experience to refine your images and elevate your final edits.
Every tour is designed to feel seamless, personal, and deeply immersive — not rushed, crowded, or scripted.
Private tours can be customized around specific photography goals, locations, or conditions.
✔ Flexible pace based on skill level
✔ Help with camera settings in the field
✔ Location planning based on conditions
✔ Real-time composition coaching
✔ Access to lesser-known photo locations
✔ Weather and light strategy planning
✔ Personal shooting feedback
✔ Help carrying gear when needed
✔ Safety and terrain guidance
✔ Custom itinerary based on interests
✔ Sunrise / sunset timing optimization
Welcome to the World
of Wake Up To Adventure
Many guests first discover Wake Up To Adventure through our Central Oregon landscape tours — but what we offer extends far beyond Bend.
Wake Up To Adventure is built around immersive photography experiences in wild places. From local waterfalls and alpine lakes… to killer whales in the Pacific Northwest… to remote wildlife destinations around the world — every experience is designed to deepen your connection to nature and elevate your photography.
Whether you're exploring close to town or traveling across oceans, you're stepping into the same philosophy:
Small groups. Real moments. Meaningful encounters.
📸 Bend Landscape Portrait Sessions
Couples and families photographed in Central Oregon’s most beautiful wild places.
🐋 Wildlife Photography Expeditions
Rare encounters in wild places — guided with patience, timing, and intention.
🌄 Additional Landscape Photography Tours
Season-driven photography experiences across the Pacific Northwest.
👕 Wake Up To Adventure Apparel & Gear
Wear the mindset — outdoor-inspired gear built for everyday adventure.
🖼 Fine Art Prints & Collector Pieces
Museum-quality wildlife and landscape imagery captured in real field moments.
🤝 The WUTA Collective
Field stories, shared knowledge, and the people behind the experiences.