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We’re smack in the middle of Portland’s cold, rainy season, which means the kids are itching to get out and burn off some energy. What to do? When your kids need more than a living room fort or Legos can offer, head to one of Portland’s indoor playgrounds! I’ve rounded up the top 8 indoor […]

portland indoor playgrounds to visit in 2023

Learning how to use my camera in manual mode was the single most impactful thing I ever did for my photography career. The great thing about digital cameras is that you can test out different things and immediately see the results: so why not? When you take your camera off of auto, you’re the one […]

Kelvin white balance cheat sheet

Welcome to part two of my series on my favorite places to see flowers in Oregon! Today I’m sharing the best flower fields near Portland: farms, gardens, and festivals all make up some of my favorite floral adventures in the PNW. If you’d like a more natural approach, head over to my last post on […]

family at a lavender field, a best location for family photos in portland oregon

I don’t know about you, but once the dark winter days start to turn into spring, I’m ready for some outdoor adventures. At the top of my list? The best places to see wildflowers near Portland! If you have dreams of wandering meadows and wildflower fields near Portland, read on for my favorite hidden gems. […]

two girls hug at a sisters photoshoot

In parenting, there’s a whole lot of in-between moments.  Sure, there are the recitals, the big games, the annual family photo sessions.  But in-between?  Thousands of little magical moments of childhood are unfolding in your home every day. Goofy, adorable little things they’ll do for a week before moving on and then never again.  I’d […]

Girl in lavender field - Milestone photographer in Portland

When is the best time for maternity photos? Whether you’ve landed here because you’re wondering when is too early for maternity photos (or too late!) or if you’re just looking for maternity photo ideas, the first step is figuring out when to take maternity photos during your pregnancy. Generally speaking, photographers recommend taking your maternity […]

spring family pictures in the wildflowers at the columbia river gorge

Ahh, fall portrait season. The weather turns, the kids go back to school, and you realize…it’s time to start thinking about fall family photos! Maybe you do it to have a photo for your holiday card, or it’s just your favorite season, either way: if you’re considering outdoor fall family photos this year, let’s talk […]

Gingham dress, neutral colors, and straw hat in cottagecore family photos by Albany Oregon photographer Samantha Shannon

Ever wonder what’s in my camera bag? It’s been awhile since I shared one of these types of posts, and I thought I’d answer the question that often makes its way into my DMs: what is the best lens for family portraits?     First, I’d say that this can totally differ depending on the […]

The four best lenses for family photographers: what's in my camera bag!

We’re in the thick of fall photo season over here, and that means a LOT of you are pulling together outfits for your family portraits! While I help my clients with this, if you’re shopping on your own I thought I’d share my favorite fall dresses for family photos that stores have in stock TODAY. […]

Three Nordstrom Dresses for Family Photos

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@samanthashannonphotography