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SAMANTHA SHANNON PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re hoping to sign your children up for swim lessons in Portland this year, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children may start swim classes as early as age 1, and in a city as family-friendly as Portland, that’s a whole lot of kids looking for a great pool this […]

mom and baby in field

LWhether you’re vacationing in Portland or a local parent in need of a break, a trip to one of the many spas in Portland is a must-do! A massage or other wellness service at a day spa can be an excellent opportunity to unwind and relax. If you’re pregnant, many of the spas offer prenatal […]

family of three light and airy family portrait

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

While you’ll often find me over on Instagram, sharing recent work and connecting with my favorite local businesses, I’ve been spending more and more time reading local mom blogs! I don’t know about you, but I find it so much more informative to read a whole blog post with all the links right there in […]

lavender field photoshoot portland oregon family photographer

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to hire a professional makeup artist for your family photo session, my answer is always YES! This question comes up a lot in my pre-session consultations as clients decide what sort of experience they’d like. I wanted to take a minute to round up my favorite resources about […]

headshot of samantha shannon with makeup by portland makeup artist allelu beauty

  If kids haircuts are on your list before family photos or the start of the school year, I’ve rounded up the best children’s hair salons in the Portland area. These are salons that are made for children: they can play with toys while they wait for their appointment, sit in an airplane haircut chair, […]

Girl in lavender field - Milestone photographer in Portland

If you’re on the search for the perfect outfit for your child to wear during your family photo session, or maybe just some quality playclothes that don’t look like everyone else’s, it’s worth checking out these children and baby clothes stores in Portland. Each one has a different vibe: some geared more towards organic and […]

Mom and toddler daughter look at a flower

If you’re looking for the best toy stores in Portland, Oregon to find a gift or explore with the family in, this list will keep you busy! From classic toys to educational toys to fidget toys, these PDX toy shops have it covered. These are seven of my favorite Portland toy stores: Mudpuddles Toy Store […]

fall family photos in portland oregon

The Best Fruit and Berry Picking in Portland We’re lucky here in the Willamette Valley to have access to so many farms, and with those farms comes one of my favorite family-friendly outdoor activities: berry picking in Portland! U-pick season in Oregon offers berries of all kinds, peaches, apples, pears, and more. I love to […]

berry picking in portland at smith berry barn

Follow along for all the pretty on the daily: what I'm working on, my current favorite hikes around Portland, and what I'm reading!

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@samanthashannonphotography