There’s something truly special about photographing families on the Oregon Coast, especially at a local beach with such a relaxing environment. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing an extended family portrait session in Manzanita. A beautiful beach with sweeping ocean views, gentle dunes, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
This session included the grandparents, their two adult children with spouses, and four grandchildren—two from each family. It was a simple but beautiful arrangement: three generations together, enjoying a rare week at the beach. The grandparents had gifted the session as part of a family reunion, and it was clear how meaningful the time together was.
We scheduled the session for about an hour before sunset to take full advantage of the golden hour. Manzanita Beach has this wide, open feel, with Neahkahnie Mountain to the north and plenty of room to spread out. When I met the family at the beach access, the light was just beginning to mellow, casting a warm glow across the sand.
We started with a few more traditional poses up by the dunes. I positioned the grandparents in the center, with their children’s families on either side. The goal was to create balance while still keeping it natural and relaxed. Everyone was barefoot, wearing soft tones & neutrals that perfectly matched the coastal landscape.
Once we had the main group photo, we broke off into smaller combinations. I photographed each immediate family individually, with parents hugging their kids, walking hand-in-hand along the surf, and simply playing together. The kids, all under the age of ten, brought so much energy to the session—racing each other, chasing waves, playing in the sand and looking for sea shells.
Photographing extended families like this in Manzanita is always a meaningful experience. The beauty of the coast sets the stage, but it’s the bonds between people that bring the portraits to life. This session was a reminder of how precious it is to gather, to slow down, and to capture a moment of togetherness that will be cherished for generations.