About Waterfall Portraits

At Waterfall Portraits, our passion is about immortalizing life's beautiful moments. Our specialty lies in crafting stunning, evocative images set against breathtaking landscapes, each photo a narrative of emotion and time. As California's leading natural light, open-air photography studio, we pride ourselves on our idyllic location, featuring a lush natural forest and an enchanting private waterfall, offering the perfect backdrop for every picture.

Nestled within the seclusion of private property, our exclusive creek and waterfall location, gardens, and rope swings offer a serene and picturesque setting perfect for a variety of photo sessions. 

Whether you're capturing the glow of maternity, the romance of an engagement, the intimacy of an elopement, or the joy of family, this setting adds a touch of magic to your moments. With every season bringing its unique touch, the location promises fresh beauty year-round. A session here isn't just a photo opportunity; it's an experience, one that will leave you with both stunning photographs and cherished memories.

At Waterfall Portraits, our philosophy is rooted in simplicity and authenticity. We are convinced that the most beautiful photographs arise from moments of genuine ease and spontaneity. Steering clear of overly staged or forced poses, we focus on capturing the natural grace and unique essence of each individual in their most relaxed state.

At Waterfall Portraits, we provide a diverse array of services to capture life's special moments. From wedding photography to engagement sessions, maternity shoots, and family portraits, our offerings are designed to cater to your unique occasions. We also craft custom sessions tailored specifically to meet the individual preferences and requirements of our clients.

As a photographer Nate Feldman will travel for portrait sessions and weddings.  On our property we host portrait sessions and the occasional elopement.  

Waterfall Portraits was born from a unique concept: blending the wild allure of nature with the art of portraiture. Here, we transform breathtaking landscapes into perfect settings for photography, making each portrait a piece of art in its own right. Our aim is to transcend traditional portraits, creating images that are not just photographs, but artworks worthy of gracing any wall. Drawing inspiration from the painterly charm of Victorian-era art, we infuse each portrait with a sense of timeless beauty.

The journey of Waterfall Portraits began with a vision to move beyond public spaces for portraiture. In 2013, this vision took physical form when we acquired a 10-acre property, crafting it into a sanctuary for exclusive, private photography. Our inaugural project on this land was the creation of trails to a unique waterfall, a one-of-a-kind private feature on the west coast exclusively dedicated to open-air studio photography. Over time, we've lovingly curated additional spots, including enchanting rope swings and vibrant flower gardens that change with the seasons, adding to the charm of this special venue.

Nate Feldman, the heart and soul behind Waterfall Portraits, and a seasoned photographer, extended an invitation in 2020 to a select group of fellow photographers to share this exclusive space. This decision opened a new chapter for Waterfall Portraits, allowing more artists to experience and contribute to the unique beauty of our location.

The land that Waterfall Portraits calls home is deeply rooted in the rich history in California's gold country. The property is traversed by two branches of Weber Creek, which, up until the 1990s, was a site for gold mining activities. However, the discovery of California Red-legged frogs in the adjacent lands in the late 1990s led to a significant shift. Now, 65 acres of neighboring land are designated as a nature preserve, under the stewardship of the American River Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management, highlighting the area's ecological importance.

When Nate Feldman took ownership of the property, he embarked on the ongoing mission to rejuvenate and restore the land to its natural splendor. A century of fire suppression had left the forests dense and cluttered, with many older trees succumbing to disease and competition. The commitment to environmental stewardship involved thinning out the excess growth of crowded smaller trees to reveal and nurture the majestic old-growth trees that tell the story of the land.

In 2013, the forest was nearly impenetrable, with visibility limited to a mere 15 feet in any direction, resembling a dense thicket rather than a healthy woodland. Through persistent and careful management, Nate gradually transformed the area. Each year, more sections of the property are revitalized, evolving into open, airy forests where the grandeur of the larger, healthier trees is rightfully showcased. This ongoing work not only enhances the beauty and diversity of the landscape but also creates a series of natural backdrops, each telling its own story of resilience and renewal.

The enchanting waterfall at Waterfall Portraits is nestled along a segment of the North Fork of Weber Creek, flowing gracefully through the property. This natural feature is a perennial waterfall, with water cascading throughout the year. The optimal period for capturing its serene beauty in photographs is from late spring to autumn, when the conditions are ideal and the scenery is lush.

Accessing the waterfall involves a brief journey: a walk along a rustic dirt road, descending a set of stairs, and then a short trek down a gentle slope leading right to the water's edge. 

This idyllic spot is perfectly suited for couples and small families seeking a picturesque backdrop. It's also an intimate setting for small, nature-infused elopements, offering a tranquil alternative for those who prefer to celebrate their love in a more personal, understated manner amid the beauty of the natural world.

More about our waterfall.

Crafted for portrait sessions, our gardens offer a fleeting yet unforgettable chapter each year, where every photograph becomes a work of art, framed by the sheer diversity of these elegant blooms. With each visit, you're not just stepping into a garden; you're entering a world where every path is lined with flowers and every moment is ripe for capturing.

More about out Iris Garden