Oregon Coast Photographer Retreat

Something about getting together with other Portland family photographers and building community feeds the soul! There were about 15 of us all sharing a gorgeous beach house in Pacific City for three nights, cooking meals together, playing games, editing and of course, photographing!!

We all photographed the same family at Cape Kiwanda while on this retreat. It was so interesting and fun to see how different each photographer's work came out in the end - same family - same location - different photographers. It's just a reminder that photography truly is a form of art - we work with families and tell their story but through our own lens (no pun intended). We all see the world differently and interpret things differently. So here's my interpretation of the family session.

But first, can we just talk briefly about how much of a power couple this mom and dad are? I would think it very overwhelming to have 15 photographers crowding around my family, trying to get us to act "natural," driving from Portland and starting the shoot around dinnertime, let alone with four kids, including a set of twins, and budgeting time for outfit changes. I'm sure it had to have been overwhelming, but this mama was relaxed and held it together the whole time.

Sometimes her children cried during the shoot and sought comfort - and I remind parents that it's completely okay and normal if their child needs a moment to recoup - we might even get amazing cuddling, comfort shots (which we did!). We just roll with it and sure enough, a few minutes later, they were back to playing and interacting with the family.

It was a challenge as a photographer, too, to navigate the other photographers, not get in their way, figure out who directs the next shot, etc. We all have our own normal session "flow" to get the shots we need & want for each family, but that doesn't happen when there are so many other photographers shooting the same family and trying to also get their shots! So I had to take my own advice I give to parents before the session - let go of expectations and have fun. And fun indeed - Happy with the shots I got, even if it wasn't a typical session flow or what I would consider a "full" gallery.

If you want your very own Oregon Coast photography session (with just 1 photographer - not 15 lol!), click here for pricing and availability.