As a Vancouver Washington native the Oregon Coast and I are in a love affair, I absolutely love visiting any of the beaches from May-October. So naturally as a photographer I love to encourage my clients to use it as their location for either family photos or engagement photos. Over the years I have cultivated 4 main tips that help improve your experience  there during your family photos.

First and foremost, encourage your kids to play! The way you do that is that you play with them! Run towards the water and then try to race the waves, build a sand castle, fly a kite, do something together. The goal is to capture the feelings the Oregon coast brings to you while also getting photos done. Keep in mind that playing = getting wet, so bring a change of clothes, towels and even water bottles to clean your feet and legs off when you get back to your car.

Second, the weather in Vancouver Wa is unpredictable, but the weather at the Oregon coast is even more so. I strongly suggest when planning your outfits to have cardigans and sweaters planned with it, pick stuff that will compliment your outfits and bring them, because as the sun goes down at the coast it can get pretty chilly.

Third, every once in a while I get a family who has a kid who is not a fan of the feeling of sand on their toes. Truly I cannot relate, I LOVE the feeling of sand but it happens! I always say to be barefoot on the beach because it gives that cozy feel and it’s easy, but if you think your kid might be sensitive to the sensation of sand, plan proper footwear for them. Tennis shoes, or sandals, this will save your arms during your session, because normally that kid won’t let their parents set them down the whole session. 

Lastly, this tip is for your family photos no matter where you’re getting them done. Don’t put pressure on your kids. Have zero expectations for how the shoot is going to go. Kids can feel our anxiety, and for some reason it makes them act the exact way you don’t want them to act. I always tell my clients to mention the photo shoot once on the way there, bribe them with a toy or treat if they are nice during photos and then just let fate do its thing… or let me do my thing. I have always been able to get the moodiest toddler to warm up to photos, and the wild ones I capture them, well, being wild. It will all work out, so no need to stress.

I am always booking family photos at the Oregon Coast so reach out through my website to book yours!