Photographing a family session at Cannon Beach is always an experience I look forward to. With its iconic Haystack Rock, wide sandy stretches, and then beautiful coastal backdrop, Cannon Beach offers a truly stunning setting for family portraits. When I arrived at the beach to meet the family—a mom, dad, and their three kids—the sky during golden hour was a perfect blend of clouds and sun, giving the beach a soft, even light that made the whole place feel like it was wrapped in a gentle haze. I knew immediately that we were set for a memorable sunset session.
We began our session in the dune grass overlooking the ocean and Haystack Rock. The kids were already excited, and it didn’t take much encouragement for them to run straight toward the ocean. I love capturing these first moments when the family is fresh and full of energy. The kids' natural reactions to the beach—their laughter, their curiosity, and their excitement—are exactly the moments I strive to capture. I followed along at a distance, snapping shots as the kids played in the surf, letting them get comfortable in front of the camera without asking them to pose. Sometimes, the most beautiful photos happen in those unscripted moments.
As I moved around to capture different angles, I could see the parents relaxing into the session, too. They were holding hands, watching their kids with joy, and occasionally joining them in the water’s edge for impromptu splashes. I directed them into some gentle poses, like standing together with the ocean behind them, but I also wanted to leave room for spontaneity. I always try to create a blend of posed and candid shots so that the family has a variety of images that feel both polished and personal.
One of my favorite moments was when the kids were playing in the sand and driftwood. Helping to create organic and naturally candid photographs that express happiness and the love for the beach. As the sun dipped lower, I encouraged the family to walk along the shoreline together. Cannon Beach at sunset is simply magical, with a golden light that softens everything. I photographed the family as silhouettes against the vibrant sky, framing them against the grandeur of the beach and the towering Haystack Rock. I loved capturing the kids holding hands with their parents, their footprints marking their path along the sand, the waves curling in behind them.
At the end of the session, I felt incredibly grateful to have witnessed and captured these moments. Photographing a family in Cannon Beach is about so much more than taking pictures; it’s about preserving memories of a shared experience, each photograph a small testament to their love, joy, and connection. As I packed up my camera, I knew these images would serve as a lasting reminder of a beautiful day spent together in one of the most breathtaking places.