Photographing a family photo session in Gearhart on the Oregon Coast is always a rewarding experience, and this particular session was no exception. With a bright midday sun overhead and the kind of clear blue sky that only coastal Oregon can offer, we began our session in the quiet park just off the beach, beneath a stand of tall evergreens. The family—mom, dad, and their lively little girl—greeted me with warm smiles and an easygoing energy that set the tone for the entire shoot. Gearhart is a quiet, picturesque town nestled along the North Coast of Oregon, known for its wide, sandy beaches and peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere
Starting under the trees was a perfect choice. The dappled sunlight filtering through the branches added a soft, natural glow to the photos, balancing out the harsher midday light. The little girl, dressed in a breezy white sundress, darted between her parents, laughing and skipping over patches of moss and pine needles. I focused on capturing those playful, candid moments—the way her parents looked at her with joy, the way she reached for their hands, the way they all moved together with such natural affection. We paused occasionally for some more composed portraits, with the trees framing them in soft green and golden tones.
After about 15 minutes in the park, we made our way down the short path to the beach. The sun was high and bright, casting strong light and crisp shadows across the wide expanse of sand. While this kind of lighting can be challenging, the natural reflectiveness of the sand helped to soften the contrast, and I adjusted my angles to work with the light rather than against it. Gearhart’s beach is beautifully open and relatively quiet, making it ideal for relaxed, meaningful family photography.
Once we reached the shore, the session shifted into a new rhythm. The little girl had brought along a small plastic bucket, ready for one of her favorite beach activities: seashell hunting. With the tide out, we had plenty of room to explore. She immediately set to work, running ahead with delight as her parents followed, occasionally kneeling beside her to examine her discoveries. This is where some of my favorite images came from—the little girl holding up a shell with pride, her parents kneeling in the sand beside her, all three faces lit with sun and joy.
The interactions were genuine and full of love. We paused often for quick family portraits, using the natural curve of the shoreline and the shimmering wet sand to create soft, natural compositions. The little girl was full of energy, skipping along the waterline, dipping her toes in the cool surf, and stopping to dig in the sand. Her laughter and curiosity filled the session with life and spontaneity.
As we wrapped up, I captured one final shot of the family walking hand-in-hand along the beach, their footprints trailing behind them in the sand. It was a beautiful, sunlit moment—simple, joyful, and real. Photographing this session reminded me once again how powerful it is to document families just being together, especially in such a naturally beautiful setting.