Lifestyle Photographer in Portland, Oregon | Beacon Rock Family Photos

Families

August 17, 2022

photography education
client tips
families
follow along
 I'm a Portland family photographer. I create timeless family photos for old souls and sentimental hearts. With an eye for connection, sweet details, and soft light, I've been serving the Portland area since 2011.
Best of Portland
Columbia River Gorge
Maternity
Personal
Photography Business
more categories
I'm Samantha

family of three walking in front of Beacon Rock for a lifestyle photography session near Portland, Oregon

As a lifestyle photographer in Portland, Oregon, I get the incredible opportunity to create art out of my client’s lives. On the very best days, that includes some travel to beautiful PNW locations like the Columbia River Gorge! This summer session was at Beacon Rock, a location filled with some great family memories for these sweet clients.

family of three seated in a field in front of Beacon Rock for lifestyle family photos near Portland, Oregon

 

We set out to create relaxed, natural family photos that felt like candid memories of their adventures together. With the summer sun setting over Beacon Rock, we spent our session time soaking in the classic Pacific Northwest skyline.

candid family photos by lifestyle photographer in portland oregon Samantha Shannon

In lifestyle family photography, the focus is almost always on more candid moments. I’ve talked before about how I love to set up families in great light and then let the moment unfold with some gentle direction. But one thing always on my list of must-have family photos, no matter what? The holiday card photo. Even if it’s not your top priority, we’re going to make it happen. Everyone has a family member who will cherish a photo like this–grandma, a far-off aunt…the classic portrait is timeless, and after a session full of fun exploring, everyone’s nice and relaxed, making this type of photo feel as natural as possible!

 

Outdoor family picture in front of Beacon Rock near Portland Oregon

I love that this location is really only about an hour from Portland, making it a perfect little daytrip. If you’re visiting Beacon Rock or Cascade Locks, what about making it a family photo opportunity? Columbia River Gorge sessions are my favorites, and we always come away with classic PNW photography that showcases your family enjoying the landscape.

 

 

Looking for a lifestyle photographer in Portland, Oregon?

First, check out these family photos at Columbia River Gorge, or these Rowena Crest wildflower maternity photos. And if you’re ready to book with a lifestyle photographer in Portland, Oregon, well…head over to my main website and let’s chat!

 

PS, if you’ve been following along with my weekly shares of my favorite photographers, you’ll want to check out my friend Rachel’s sunset maternity session she just posted. She’s a Franklin maternity photographer that I just adore, and those images are my favorites this week!

Comments +

  1. Jasmyn says:

    I love the way that dad is looking at mom in the second photo! You truly caught a candid moment and that’s what I love SO much about lifestyle photography.

  2. Donna says:

    Oh your photos always make Portland seem like such a peaceful magical place! Such. a naturally beautiful family- you really captured their love.

  3. Wow Samantha, these family portraits are breathtaking! They definitely got their family Christmas card photo here! I love how natural they all look too, so fun.

  4. Nicole says:

    This is such a beautiful location! I love all of these, especially how you captured the detail of the son holding moms hand.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

family portrait guide

Portland families,
get my best tips for creating the family portraits of your dreams

Make sure your next session is the best ever with my favorite locations, what to wear, and mistakes to avoid.

    request detailed information

    I'm currently booking family sessions for 2025. I'd love to hear more about your family's story and see if we'd be a good fit for each other.