Portland FAMILY Photographer
Vibrant, Playful, & Connected Family Photos That Feel Like YOU
Childhood (and parenthood tbh) is constantly changing. Sometimes slowly, and sometimes all at once. Let’s hold onto the wonder, the silliness, the missing teeth, the inside jokes, the eye rolls from your tween, the way your teenager suddenly seems so grown up, and all of the little things that make your family uniquely yours.
Whether we’re exploring one of your favorite Portland neighborhoods, hanging out at home, or simply giving your kids space to play, move, and be themselves… these fun, colorful, and relaxed family photo sessions are designed to feel easy, low stress, and true to your family.
The best photos happen when
children feel safe enough to be THEMSELVES.
YOUR Portland Family
Photography Session
Whether they ham it up for the camera or start your session by hiding behind mom’s legs, we’ll bring out their genuine personalities and get them having FUN with you (promise).
Sometimes, that means I tell your two-year-old a rainbow is inside the camera. Sometimes, it means we let them watch their parents take photos together and see how much fun it is before they feel ready to jump in.
By the end, they’ll want to know when they get to do it again. (And honestly? So will you.)
What Does a Family Photo Session Actually FEEL Like?
A lot of laughing.
A lot of exploring.
Very little standing still.
And plenty of moments you'll want to remember later.
The photos are important. But how your family feels during the session matters too.
Press play for a glimpse behind the scenes.
Let’s capture WHO and WHERE you are
at this time in your lives
Family photos
at your Portland HOME
can help you hold onto snuggles on the couch, the way they play in the backyard, and how they light up in their childhood rooms.
Like this…
Family photos
around PORTLAND
are a way to remember this slice of life in the PNW. We can pick a park, a bookstore, a (safe) city block, or your kids’ favorite ice cream shop, and get photos that look like this…
location guide
Not Sure WHERE To Have Your Family Photos?
You don't have to figure it out alone.
I've photographed families all over Portland and created a comprehensive guide to help you find a location that fits your family's personality, style, and season of life.
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS About Family Photography
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A lifestyle family photographer creates images that feel natural, connected, and true to your family. Rather than focusing on stiff poses and perfect smiles, lifestyle photography encourages interaction, movement, and genuine moments while still providing gentle guidance when needed.
To learn more, check out this blog post about lifestyle photography.
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There is no wrong age for family photos. Every stage of childhood offers something worth remembering, from newborn snuggles and toddler curiosity to tweens, teenagers, and even adult children. Family photos are great at any age!
Of course I approach a session with different ages of children in a few different ways, but there is no bad age. From newborns, to toddlers, school age, tweens, and teens, all family photo sessions are amazing. Also, many families will stop having photos done as the family members become adults…but some of my most favorite family photo sessions are with grown children, as the love an appreciation is so strong.
You can learn more about family sessions at different family milestones HERE.
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Both in-home and outdoor family photo sessions can be wonderful options, and the best choice depends on your family's personality, goals, and season of life.
Benefits of an in home family photo session:
When you have your session at your home, you are able to photograph any pets you have, since not all pets can go out on an adventure. Also, home is typically where all family members are the most comfortable and warm up the quickest. At your home you can also incorporate some of your kids favorite things, bedroom, and favorite activities. Weather is not a factor for a session at your home, and is a great location for winter and rainy days.
Benefits of an outdoor family photo session:
When you select to have your family session at an outdoor location, it becomes a fun adventure for your family. Your kids can be adventurous with room to roam and explore, which is captured with photos that exhibit the true nature of your kids as they are right now. You don’t need to worry about getting your home ready, just your kids.
Here are some blog posts that you may find helpful:
When is the best time for family photos at home
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We are so lucky here in the Portland metro area to have so many awesome areas for family photo sessions. Weather you select a local park, an urban neighborhood, or an iconic Portland backdrop we have everything close by. And, between 1-2 hours away you can visit the Oregon Coast too. To learn more and see some of the best locations for family photos in Portland, check out this comprehensive photo session location guide.
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In all honesty, you can update your family photos as often as you would like. I have worked with some families who do photo sessions annually, some bi-annually, and some multiple times a year. This is up to you and your family. I do find that when your kids are in times of fast growth and change, that having more frequent sessions captures these quickly changing stages. Check out this blog post about the benefits of annual family photos with the same photographer.
A few other blog posts you may enjoy:
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Yes, teenagers can definitely enjoy your family photo session. One of the most important aspects for me when working with teens is showing them respect, and getting them involved in the planning process…including outfits, location selection, and even an activity they would enjoy. Going downtown for a coffee and exploring may be just what they would enjoy most and lead to natural expressions during your family photos. To learn more, read this blog post about successful family photo sessions with teens.
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The goal of a ‘natural’ or lifestyle family photo session isn't to eliminate posing entirely. Instead, I use prompts, movement, conversation, and activities to create opportunities for genuine connection, movement, and natural expressions. This results in photos that feel relaxed and authentic while still looking polished and intentional.
Here’s some tips to help kids to not hate taking family photos.
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Family photo sessions can happen any time of the year, particularly with the option for in home family sessions during poor weather. Each season has it’s benefits, and I particularly love the late spring and summer here in Portland with our beautiful, warm, and typically drier weather.
I’LL focus on lines, framing, & composition.
You just focus on LOVING your KIDS.
Your kids? They can focus on…
→ the treasures they find in the backyard
→ the colors they see
→ the way dad makes them feel when he plays with them
→ finding a good rock to jump off of
Kids are little explorers. The best way to create a stress-free experience (and to get photos of their personalities at this age) is to let them follow their curiosities.
Want to hear more about the photography session experience and what it’s like to work with me?
“Rebecca helps you keep it SIMPLE”
“Rebecca helps you keep it simple and still get the results you want. She captures moments we weren’t really posing for, and she works really well with the kids. My 4-year-old is obsessed with her now.”
-Brittany
Natural Expressions, Bold Colors, and Happy Memories to Hang on Your Walls
How FAMILY Photo Sessions Work
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You might not know where you want to do your photos yet or what to wear, but I will help you figure that out.
Once you fill out my contact form, I want to know what you hope to have photographed and will reach out within 24 hours.
We’ll chat via phone or zoom to get to know each other, and review more questions, details, pricing, etc.If you decide to book, $350 reserves your date and covers your session time.
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Prior to your photo session, you will receive a session prep guide, and we’ll plan the final details for your session.
The day of your session will just be fun and relaxed. Whether we spend time exploring Portland, or hanging out in your home, you’ll be surprised by how quickly the photo session passes (and by how much everyone enjoys it).
When we wrap up, you’ll leave knowing we got great photos because your kids were able to be themselves. -
About 2 weeks after your photo session, I’ll email you with a link to your photo gallery slideshow.
Seeing your photos is the best part. You don’t need to choose your collection until after you view the images, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
When you look at your photos and see your kids’ personalities shining bright, you can then choose your collection, which starts at $975. $1450 gets you all of your digital files and a $700 store credit towards print products.
PRICING
+ Session Fee of $350 is due at the time of booking to reserve your photo session date on my calendar.
+ Collections start at $975. This collection includes 20 digital files, and a $150 store credit to use towards print products.
+ Most families spend an average of $1500
Let’s make this EASY
I know how hard it can be to get photos of everyone in the family together. Especially because you (mom or dad) are usually the one taking them. You’re also usually the one trying to get everyone to cooperate, picking those outfits that look planned but not too planned, choosing a location, and keeping it all on schedule.
The beauty of working with a professional photographer is that you get support with all of that (and you get to be in the photos!).
FAMILY Photo Session Guides
FAvorite portland photo session locations
HOW TO SELECT A LOCATION FOR YOUR PHOTO SESSION
“Rebecca’s really good at getting kids to look NATURAL and feel comfortable…
“I take photographs of my kids all the time, so I know the challenge of getting kids to do what you want them to do. Rebecca’s really good at getting kids to look natural and feel comfortable.
She's really good at coming up with the right things to say. Even to my husband who hates photos.”
-Kate
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
When Planning Your Family Photo Session
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Not much really! Prior to finalizing your session location and start time I'll send you a client intake questionnaire. Based on this feedback we'll determine the best location/s, activities, and time for your session. I'll also share my favorite tips for what to bring to your session and how to prepare your family a few weeks before your session date.
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I absolutely LOVE working with children and enjoy our time together during your fun family photo session, and like you I want it to be a success.
If you ever start to feel stressed about their behavior before or during the session I encourage you to relax, and just let me do my thing. I very rarely ask any family member to look directly into my camera, and often just let kids be kids, and lead the session.So, please just relax and have fun! You'll thank me later, I'm sure!
Here are some additional tips about how to help younger kids have fun at the photo session, and how I work with teens for a successful session.
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What to wear for your family photos is the biggest question on everyones mind. When taking family photographs I feel that it's really important for everyone to feel comfortable.
You have everything that you need already in your wardrobe! Dress comfortably and in your usual style. -
In the unfortunate event of poor weather on your session date we will work together to change the session location or reschedule for another date. Another option is shooting indoors at your home, or under a covered urban area.
I will add that the idea of a shoot in light rain is dreamy. The colors outside are always beautiful and umbrellas are a great touch. Of course, I'm unable to shoot in a downpour, or unhealthy air pollution.
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If any member of your family is sick leading up to the session date, please just reach out and we'll make the best plan to ensure that everyone is healthy and at their best for your family photos.
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YES! Families and couples often bring their family pets to their session. I love to incorporate this important member of your family into your photos. (I do recommend having a helper along who is not in the photos to help with the pup when possible depending on age and behavior). Here are some tips on preparing your dog for your family photo session.
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If we are shooting an in-home lifestyle session for your family, incorporating your pets is always a bonus, and purely dependent on their cooperation. Some pets are into it, and others get shy, so we would take our time to see if we can include them as much as you wish in your photos.
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You are under no obligation to use your Print Credit, but I am not able to give you a discount on your selected Collection if you don't want to use it. Your Print Credit is baked into the price of your Collection and has no cash value. If you're not in the mood for printed products, you can always purchase your slideshow, more digital images, or prints as gifts for family members.
FAMILY Sessions On The BLOG…
Forget the awkward SMILES
Instead, let’s get genuine laughs out of your kids, so you can remember the joy in them at this age.