A Beach Day in Lincoln City, OR Family Photos
Who would have guessed that three years after I photographed their wedding two states away, we’d be doing family photos on the beach in Oregon, where we both live now??? A foggy morning turned into a misty, magical day on the coast in Lincoln City and the most perfect full-circle moment for a photoshoot.
Lo + Coop live in Portland, and since I’m now a Lincoln City local, they took an easy two-hour drive west for some laid-back family photos to celebrate the first birthday of their girl, Romee. They didn’t have a specific location in mind, so I got to choose and I knew the perfect spot—close to me, dog-friendly so they could bring their pup along, and full of gorgeous, underrated little gems that don’t get nearly as much love as they should.
Why Lincoln City is a Hidden Gem for Oregon Coast Family Photos
When people think about Oregon Coast photos, they usually picture Cannon Beach. And I get it, she’s iconic!! But Oregon has plenty of gorgeous beaches that are way less traveled by tourists and locals alike, making them perfect for a chill photo session with enough privacy to roam around however you please.
And Lincoln City is one of them! I might be biased as I can literally see the ocean from my house, but it’s got so much to offer. First of all, it’s the longest beach city in Oregon, which means there’s plenty of space to run and explore, so you can let your kids be kids without any stress. And that goes for your dog, too!
Yep, it’s also one of the Oregon beaches where dogs can be off-leash, as long as they’re well-mannered enough to come when you call them. So naturally, Lo + Coop brought their very cute (and very excited) pup, and it made the whole session feel like a little family beach day.
Family Photos with a Baby on the Beach? Yes Please.
We started out by the water, just letting Romee do her thing (aka squeal, toddle around, and do whatever she pleases, which is key to sessions like these). The light was super soft and glowy in that weird, coastal-weather way where you never really know what you’re going to get. Earlier that morning, there was a full-on marine layer that made the weather feel so gloomy. By the time we started shooting? That glorious sun popped out a bit, but with a misty coastal vibe.
That’s the beauty of shooting family photos on the Oregon Coast! You kind of get every mood in one day, but the light somehow always works. Usually, shooting mid-day is a big no-no for photographer lighting wise, but the coastal weather never gives too harsh of light. And as a bonus it means you don’t have to rearrange your whole day around golden hour or worry if your baby’s nap schedule doesn’t line up!
After playing by the shoreline, Lo + Coop did a quick outfit change and we walked a few steps over to a grassy bluff that looked like a totally different location. Still just two minutes from where we started, but suddenly it felt like late summer in the Pacific Northwest. That’s another thing I loooove about Lincoln City family photos, it gives you plenty of scenery to work with! One short shoot can give you two completely different vibes.
We had already done a dreamy engagement session in a field at golden hour and some epic lake house wedding photos together (linked here if you’re a creeper like me), so adding in this whole new coastal vibe felt full-circle, like a new era for the sweetest fam. It felt like fate that we all ended up out here in Oregon!!! So it was just as special for them as it was for me!
Looking for a Lincoln City photographer for your family photos or couples session??
Whether you’ve got a home nearby or you’re planning a trip to the coast with your crew, Lincoln City is one of my favorite locations for beach photos in Oregon. I’ve scoured every little nook and cranny for the perfect spots, so just show up with your favorite people and be ready for a laid-back day on the Oregon Coast, making some memories and documenting everything along the way!!!
→ Reach out and we’ll get to planning!!!
