Allison Van Zanten Photography
Allison Van Zanten, Central Oregon portrait photographer, smiling in a floral dress

Hello there

I'm Allison

I'm a wife, a mom, a retired registered nurse and a natural light photographer who enjoys spending some of her evenings behind the camera across Central Oregon. My camera has taken me from ranch pastures outside Tumalo to the rim above the Crooked River, and I still can't quite believe this is the job.

My husband and I have also photographed over 85 weddings together — a front-row seat to some of the best days of people's lives. That experience taught me how to move quickly, read light, and catch the real stuff as it happens.

Our family has walked a long road through chronic illness and hard seasons with our own kids — years of searching for answers. Jesus carried us through every one of them, and He gave us hope when nothing else did. That shapes how I photograph people: with patience, with honesty, and with the belief that every person in front of me is made in God's image and deeply loved.

Off the clock you'll find me strolling through the park with my husband, homeschooling my kids, or serving in youth ministry at our church. I love Jesus, Biblical counseling, neuroscience, and the way it all intersects with faith. I also love coffee, slow mornings, sunrises and sunsets, golden hour, and pretty much any beautiful light.

Say hello

Based in

Bend, Oregon

Shooting since

2008

Favorite hour

The last one before sunset