Photographing a sunset family photo session at Manzanita Beach on the Oregon Coast is an unforgettable experience for both the photographer and the family. Known for its expansive shoreline, dramatic mountain backdrop, and ethereal light, this serene location provides the ideal setting to capture the essence of togetherness and natural beauty. While on a summer vacation in Manzanita this family was looking to capture memories with a family photo session on the beach.
As a local to the Manzanita Beach area I helped with suggesting the perfect backdrop to maximize the beauty of the area and provide amazing lighting. The beach offers endless possibilities—rugged driftwood scattered across the sand, the silhouette of Neahkahnie Mountain towering in the background, and tide pools glistening under the fading sunlight. The challenge lies in choosing angles that not only highlight the stunning surroundings but also emphasize the family’s unique dynamic.
This session began with some warm-up shots to help the kiddos have fun and enjoy the session. Children are often the easiest to photograph at the start, their curiosity and energy unrestrained. Capturing them as they play in the dune grass and enjoy the time together as a family. Photographs of the family running along the surf and playfully splashing in the shallow water provide natural, candid moments. The parents, interacting and having fun with the children creating joyful and beautiful photos.
As the golden hour progresses, the light softens, bathing everything in a warm glow. Positioning the family with Neahkahnie Mountain or the vibrant sunset behind them, creating a variety of lighting. Along with laughter and joy and capturing family's energy, ensuring the composition feels harmonious. I direct the group for a variety of images both posed and candid that feel authentic and full of emotion, whether it’s shared laughter or a heartfelt embrace or saying “yay!” to help creat natural smiles.
Individual portraits add variety to the session along with a variety of group photos. Mom with the kids, dad with the kids, the kids together and some walking hand in hand along the shoreline, or siblings giggling as they sit on a piece of driftwood or splash in the water—all of these moments tell their own stories. While these shots often appear effortless, they require attentiveness to detail. Adjusting the angle to capture the light hitting a child’s face just right or waiting for a wave to crash in the background adds artistry to these images.
As the sun sinks lower, the sky transitions to hues of orange along with the coastal fog, creating a striking backdrop. The evening concluded as the light fades to twilight, the family’s laughter still echoing in the salty air. Photography sessions at Manzanita Beach are more than just a series of photographs; yet more about capturing the spirit of a family in a moment suspended in time, framed by the extraordinary beauty of the Oregon Coast.
