Cannon Beach has always been one of those magical places where ocean breeze, shifting skies, and soft sand set the stage for beautiful memories. On this particular day, the scene was even more special. A family of six, filled with energy and joy, had traveled here on vacation with the hope of capturing moments that truly reflected their connection. I had the honor of being their photographer, and I could feel right away that this session was going to be something unique.
What made this family session stand out from the beginning was not just the beach location or even the lively energy of the kids, but the fact that the mother herself is also a photographer. When you’re working with another creative, there’s an instant spark of shared understanding. She knew the importance of these moments—not just as photographs, but as pieces of a family story frozen in time. With four kids ranging from pre-teen to teenage years, this session was filled with movement, laughter, and heartfelt connection.
The weather that day seemed to align perfectly with our plans. It had rained earlier and would rain again later, but right in the middle, when we needed a pocket of golden light, the clouds opened and the sun cast a warm glow over the beach. That small window gave us the perfect conditions: soft, flattering light, vibrant skies, and the kind of air that feels fresh and full of possibility.
We met at the north end of Cannon Beach, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful and underrated parts of the coast. While Haystack Rock tends to draw the biggest crowds, the northern side offers a quieter, more natural setting. It’s the kind of location that gives you everything: sweeping ocean views, rock formations that look dramatic in photos, beach grass that dances in the wind, and even a touch of forest greenery nearby. It’s a place where kids can run free, where parents can breathe in deep, and where we can capture both wild laughter and soft cuddles in the same frame.
As a photographer who specializes in Oregon Coast sessions, I love sharing my curated location guide with families. It helps take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect spot. Whether you're looking for something iconic or off-the-beaten-path, we can tailor your session to your vibe. I’ve spent years exploring these beaches and finding places where the light hits just right, the sand is smooth, and the background tells a story of its own. But I'm also always open to adventures. If you have a specific vision, I’ll happily help you bring it to life.
On this day, the family arrived full of energy and excitement. The teenagers and pre-teens had that unique mix of playful and cool. They gave piggyback rides, raced each other along the water’s edge, and were constantly finding new ways to make each other laugh. Their bond was obvious from the start. Some siblings are quieter, more reserved, but this group leaned in to every silly prompt I gave. And the results were beautiful.
There were moments when the whole family danced together in the sand, their feet sinking into the wet shoreline as the waves rolled in behind them. Then there were times when each parent took a moment to connect one-on-one with the kids. The dad and daughter shared a belly laugh that felt completely unposed and real. The mom pulled her daughters in close, arms wrapped around them in a moment of stillness that said everything without a word. These are the in-between moments that often become the most meaningful in the gallery.
When I photograph families with teenagers, one of my goals is to make the session feel effortless. Teens, especially, can feel a bit unsure in front of the camera. They might not be used to being photographed unless it’s a quick phone snap or a social media post. My job is to help them relax into the moment, to remind them that this isn’t about forced smiles or stiff poses. It’s about them being themselves, whatever that looks like. Whether they’re climbing on rocks, tossing a sibling over their shoulder, or simply watching the waves with their parents, every action becomes a brushstroke in the painting of this moment in their family’s life.
There’s also something incredibly rewarding about seeing how older kids interact during a session. Unlike toddlers or young children, teens can reflect on what these moments mean. They know these photos will last. They know this time—this exact stage of life—is fleeting. And while they might not always say it out loud, there’s a depth to their connection that comes through in the way they lean on each other, the way they laugh at inside jokes, and the way they instinctively show up for one another.
As the waves crept higher, the whole family found themselves dodging the ocean’s playful reach. The kids ran ahead while the parents watched, laughing and shouting after them. It’s those scenes—the energy of a family moving together, each person with their rhythm but all part of the same dance—that make these sessions so memorable. There’s beauty in chaos, joy in spontaneity, and connection in the messy, sandy, slightly damp moments that only a beach session can deliver.
Toward the end of the shoot, as the light softened and turned golden, we slowed things down. I asked the parents to take a moment just for themselves. They stood close, arms wrapped around each other, looking out at the ocean. In the background, their kids were chasing the waves and skipping stones. It was a moment of peace, of reflection, of seeing everything they’ve built together. A family, growing and evolving, right here on the edge of the world.
And that’s the power of sessions like this. They’re more than just photos. They’re time capsules. They’re reminders that even as the kids grow older, even as life becomes busier, even as everyone starts to go in different directions, there are still moments where everyone comes together in joy. Where the ocean becomes a backdrop for love. Where the camera captures something honest and lasting.
This is what I love most about being a photographer on the Oregon Coast. Every family brings a different energy. Every session tells a new story. And when I get to document a family with teenagers who are all in—who show up with open hearts and ready smiles—it’s something truly special.
I’ll never forget the sound of their laughter echoing over the surf. I’ll never forget how the light hit just right at the exact moment we needed it to. And I’ll never forget the look in the mom’s eyes as she hugged her kids close and knew, without a doubt, that this day would live in their hearts for years to come.
The Beauty of Teen Years Captured at the Coast
There’s something uniquely meaningful about capturing families during the teen years. Childhood photos often get the spotlight, filled with chubby cheeks, tiny shoes, and sticky hands. But the teenage years bring a different kind of beauty—one that’s deeper, more complex, and often overlooked. These are the years of growth, independence, subtle shifts in personality, and learning how to hold on while letting go. That’s why I find it so rewarding when families make the intentional choice to photograph this season of life.
When I met this family of six at Cannon Beach, it was clear they understood the value of pressing pause. Their vacation wasn’t just about getting away—it was about being present with one another. It was about saying, “This moment matters.” And for teenagers, that message resonates powerfully. The kids were old enough to understand why this session was important. They knew the photos would be treasured, but they also knew that this was about more than just posing for the camera. It was about having fun together. It was about making space for connection.
The teenage years often come with a mix of confidence and caution. One minute you’re cracking a joke and running barefoot through the surf, the next you’re holding back a bit, unsure how to smile naturally when someone points a lens your way. As a photographer, my job is to read that rhythm and move with it. I don’t rush it. I let the moments unfold. I speak to each person individually, making them feel seen and safe, and I allow space for their personalities to shine through.
With this family, that meant encouraging the kids to interact in ways that felt natural. For one set of siblings, that looked like playful teasing and inside jokes. For another, it was more subtle—gentle nudges, shared smiles, and standing close when the wind got cold. The parents, too, brought their warmth and energy. They didn’t just stand back and let the kids be the stars. They jumped in. They played. They danced on the beach. They gave piggyback rides and joined in every spontaneous splash. That full participation created a space where everyone felt connected and alive.
One of my favorite moments came when the siblings climbed up on a large rock that jutted out from the sand. With the ocean behind them and the wind tossing their hair, they looked strong, united, and full of personality. Each one had a different stance, a different style, and yet they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. It was a portrait of family strength—not in perfect poses or polished smiles, but in the unspoken bond that ties people together through every stage of life.
Later, we moved into the beach grass for a few quiet moments. The sun had started to dip lower, casting a golden glow across the landscape. The family gathered close, barefoot and happy, and I asked them to simply be still. There was something peaceful about that moment. The laughter had faded into soft smiles. The wind had calmed. And there they stood—parents and teenagers, all at different phases of life, but sharing the same space, the same light, the same story.
As a photographer, those shifts in energy are everything. It’s one thing to capture high-energy play and another to hold space for softness. Both are valuable. Both are real. And both deserve to be documented. Teenagers are often caught between these two modes—still kids in so many ways, but also emerging into their own identities. The beauty is in honoring all of it. Letting them be silly one moment and serious the next. Letting them run wild and then leaning in close to the ones they love.
There’s also a deeper layer to photographing teens: respect. When you approach a session with teenagers, you can’t talk down to them or treat them like little kids. They notice. They feel it. They’ll shut down if they sense that they’re being forced into something they didn’t choose. But when you approach them as equals—as young people with real voices, real opinions, and real feelings—you open a door. You build trust. And with trust comes authenticity.
That’s why I take the time to get to know each teen I photograph. I ask them questions. I joke with them. I give them the freedom to move, to explore, to choose how they want to be seen. And often, that freedom leads to the most surprising and beautiful images. A spontaneous leap into the waves. A hand reaching for a sibling’s. A quiet moment of reflection as they stare out to sea. These are the images that hold power. These are the images that stay with you.
One thing I always tell families with teenagers is this: you’ll never regret documenting this time. Yes, life gets busy. Yes, coordinating schedules is hard. But when your kids are older, off to college, working full-time, starting families of their own, these photos will be priceless. They’ll show not just what you looked like, but how you loved. How you laughed. How you showed up for each other, even during the whirlwind of growing up.
This session reminded me again why I do what I do. The connection. The honesty. The realness. Watching this family come together on the coast, I saw so much more than just a series of poses. I saw a story. I saw strength. I saw the beauty of a mother who knew how fleeting these years could be. I saw the joy of teenagers who still wanted to be close, who still made space for family even as they stood taller, dreamed bigger, and looked further ahead.
After the sun dipped below the horizon and the light faded into soft blue, we walked back together toward the cars. The kids were sandy and windblown. The parents were smiling. I could tell they knew they’d done something important—not just for themselves, but for their children. They had given them a memory. A moment. A reminder that in this vast, beautiful world, they belong to something strong and loving and safe.
These are the kinds of sessions that stay with me. Not because of perfect lighting or magazine-worthy outfits, but because of the emotion, the connection, and the quiet in-between moments that speak louder than words. Teenagers might not always say how much these photos mean. But they’ll know. Deep down, they’ll carry this day with them. And years from now, when they look back, they’ll see more than just their younger selves. They’ll see home.
Capturing Meaningful Connection in the Teenage Years
Photographing teenagers is one of the most underappreciated yet deeply rewarding experiences in family photography. There’s a special kind of depth that exists between parents and teens. It may not always look like holding hands or nonstop smiles, but the bond runs deep, and the emotional currents are real. During this Cannon Beach family session, it was obvious that the connection within this family was grounded in love, mutual respect, and years of growing up together. As each moment unfolded on the beach, I began to understand how special it was to be allowed into such an intimate season of their lives.
Teenagers don’t always arrive at photo sessions excited. That wasn’t the case here. These four siblings showed up with positive energy, full participation, and the kind of affection toward one another that comes from years of shared stories, shared bedrooms, shared memories, and the occasional shared annoyance. Their laughter wasn’t forced. It bubbled out naturally, echoing across the sand as they chased each other, splashed in the surf, and gave piggyback rides. The parents weren’t off to the side; they were right there with them, joining in every step, laugh, and sprint.
One of the most memorable aspects of this session was the openness of the parents to let their kids be who they are. There was no pressure for perfect smiles or poses. They weren’t focused on getting the holiday card shot or checking off a list of poses. Instead, they trusted the moment and trusted me to document it honestly. That trust allowed me to photograph what mattered: the sibling teasing that turned into hugs, the way a teenage son reached for his mom's hand without prompting, the daughter who leaned into her father with a quiet smile, and the way each family member knew when to speak up and when to listen.
In between moments of movement and laughter were the pauses. The deep breaths. The quiet interactions that carry so much weight. Like when the mom wrapped both arms around her daughters, her face lit up not just by the sun, but by joy. Or the father sitting on a piece of driftwood with his youngest son, both of them gazing toward the horizon without needing to say anything. These aren’t the kinds of things you can force or fake. They’re the raw, real, everyday gestures of a family that knows and loves one another.
As the sun began to lower and the colors of the sky shifted from soft gold to blush pink and lavender, we moved closer to the water. The teens kicked off their shoes and ran along the edge of the waves, their reflections dancing in the wet sand. They were loud and joyful, but also grounded. They were not small children anymore; their steps were firm, their personalities clear. Watching them, I was struck again by how this stage of life is so often skipped in family storytelling. It’s as if childhood and adulthood are the only moments worth photographing. But in reality, these teenage years are the bridge. This is where so much of who we become is shaped, and when families make space to honor that, it’s incredibly powerful.
This session also brought out the beauty of letting go of control. The weather had been unpredictable, the wind had a mind of its own, and we had a short window of time before the tide came in. Instead of trying to manage everything into a perfect schedule, we let the moment lead. That kind of flexibility often results in the most stunning, emotionally rich photographs. The teenagers laughed harder because they weren’t being told to stand still. The parents looked more relaxed because they weren’t worried about clothes getting sandy or hair staying in place. In the end, the imperfection was what made everything feel so real.
Another important part of photographing families with older kids is understanding their pace. Teenagers often take longer to warm up, and they may not respond to direction the same way younger children do. It’s not about being louder or more animated—it’s about being respectful, observant, and willing to give space. I try not to direct too much, especially in the first twenty minutes of a session. Instead, I guide gently, offering prompts that encourage connection without telling anyone how to feel. The result is a flow of movement and emotion that feels authentic, not staged.
For example, I might ask siblings to walk together and tell each other something that made them laugh recently. I might suggest they race to a rock and see who gets there first. With parents, I often ask them to look at their kids—not at the camera—because those glances hold a world of love. In this session, those prompts led to moments like a spontaneous dance circle in the sand, a group huddle as the wind picked up, and a playful game of chicken with the rising tide. None of those things were on a shot list. All of them became favorite images.
As the session moved into its final half hour, something shifted again. The family grew quieter. The colors in the sky deepened. Everyone gathered close. I stepped back to let them have a moment on their own. No direction, no posing, no camera clicks—just silence. And when I did lift my camera again, I captured a scene that felt sacred. Six people, all in sync, all part of something bigger than themselves, standing on a beach that had just given them a memory they would carry for life.
What stood out most to me after this session was how gracefully this family moved through each stage of emotion. From playful to peaceful. From energetic to reflective. From laughter to stillness. Teenagers can move through emotions quickly, but when they feel safe and supported, they let you in. They let you see their light and their complexity. And when that happens, the camera becomes more than a tool—it becomes a mirror, reflecting the richness of their inner world.
It’s also worth noting how meaningful this session was because of who the mother is. As a photographer herself, she knows what it means to create lasting images. She understands the technical side, the light, the angles, and the composition. But beyond that, she values the emotional depth. She knows what it’s like to see a photograph and feel time stand still. To look at an image and be transported back into that moment, not just seeing what happened, but remembering how it felt. It was an honor to create that experience for her.
Every family session is different, but this one reminded me of something I always carry with me: Photography is not about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about witnessing and honoring the season you’re in, no matter how busy or messy or transitional it feels. The teenage years come with so much movement—internally and externally. But when a family chooses to be fully present in the moment, the photographs reflect that. And those images become some of the most meaningful ones they will ever have.
As we wrapped up, I knew the gallery from this session would be full of variety—portraits, candid moments, quiet interactions, and bursts of laughter. But more than that, I knew it would be full of truth. The truth of a family that had shown up with open hearts. The truth of kids who still loved being close, even as they stood taller and braver. The truth of parents who saw their children, honored their individuality, and weren’t afraid to step into the frame alongside them.
Some families leave an impression, and this was one of them. I drove away from Cannon Beach that evening feeling grateful, inspired, and deeply moved. Not because everything had gone perfectly, but because everything had been real. These are the sessions I hold close. These are the moments that make me love what I do.
Why Photographing Teenagers at the Beach Matters
Photographing families during the teenage years is something that more people are beginning to appreciate. For a long time, family photos were reserved for early childhood milestones—first steps, birthdays, and chubby smiles that filled albums and frames. But as children grow into young adults, the focus often shifts to school portraits, sports teams, or senior photos. While those are valuable in their own right, they rarely capture the full experience of being part of a family during adolescence. That’s why sessions like the one I had at Cannon Beach are so important. They remind us that teenagers are not just passing through some awkward in-between phase—they are present, vibrant, evolving individuals with deep connections to their families.
There is something especially poetic about placing teenagers in a natural setting like the beach. The wide-open space, the constantly changing tides, the wind that shifts direction without warning—these elements mirror the emotional landscape of adolescence. This is a time of becoming, of testing boundaries, of forming identity. And what better place to explore than by the ocean, where nothing stays the same and yet everything is connected?
When I think back on this particular session, I remember how the family allowed the beach to shape their experience. They didn’t try to control the environment or fight the weather. Instead, they surrendered to it. They let the wind tangle their hair. They let the cold waves soak their jeans. They let the sand stick to their skin. And in doing so, they allowed something real to emerge. They didn’t show up just for a portrait. They showed up for the presence. And that made all the difference.
Teenagers bring something beautifully complex to the frame. They bring the last traces of childhood alongside the first signs of adulthood. They bring self-awareness, sarcasm, wit, vulnerability, and strength. They bring hesitation and courage. And when a family shows up willing to meet them in that space—without trying to rush them through it or shrink them back into childhood—something powerful happens. The images become more than photos. They become reflections of a relationship that is growing and changing in real time.
The Cannon Beach session showed me how much teenagers appreciate being seen, truly seen, for who they are. Not as someone’s little kid, not as a moody adolescent, but as a human being with emotions, thoughts, and a desire for belonging. When I gave the siblings room to express themselves, they leaned into it. They laughed at inside jokes, posed in creative ways, and supported each other in front of the camera. They weren’t afraid to be goofy one moment and completely serious the next. They gave everything they had to the experience, and the results speak for themselves.
The parents, too, modeled something incredibly important. They gave their teenagers the gift of presence without pressure. They showed up ready to play, ready to listen, and ready to be photographed not as perfect role models, but as real, loving, evolving parents. They didn’t shy away from affection. They didn’t try to control how the session unfolded. Instead, they trusted their family dynamic to carry the day, and it did. Their kids noticed. Their kids felt it. And it’s visible in every image we captured.
One of the most touching parts of the session came near the end, when I asked each family member to pair off with someone they felt especially connected to in that moment. No instructions, no posing—just a chance to hold onto each other and breathe. One sibling hugged another tightly and whispered something I couldn’t hear. A parent placed a kiss on the forehead of their teenager, who smiled and let the gesture linger longer than expected. These were not grand statements of emotion, but quiet recognitions of love and belonging. And those quiet recognitions are the foundation of strong family bonds.
So many families tell me they waited too long to book a photo session. They say they were waiting for the perfect moment, or for braces to come off, or for life to slow down. But the truth is, there’s no perfect moment. There’s only now. The teenage years, with all their chaos and beauty, are fleeting. One day, you look up and your pre-teen is packing for college. And when that day comes, the photos from sessions like this will hold even more value. Not just because they show how everyone looked, but because they show how everyone felt. They show what it meant to be part of this family, in this season, on this beach.
As the sky darkened and the last bit of golden light disappeared, I put my camera down and thanked the family for trusting me. We stood there for a moment, watching the waves pull in and roll back out. No one was in a rush to leave. No one was checking their phones. We were all present. We were all quiet. And we were all holding onto something special that had been created—not just images, but memories.
There’s a reason I believe so deeply in documenting teenagers. It’s not just because they deserve to be remembered—it’s because they’re still becoming. And when we take the time to see them, to honor their presence within the family story, we give them something that words can’t offer. We give them belongings. We give them evidence of joy. We give them a visual legacy of who they were and how they were loved.
Conclusion
Cannon Beach gave us the perfect backdrop, but it was the family’s openness that made this session unforgettable. Their willingness to be real, to be present, and to embrace every part of who they are created a space where genuine connection could shine through. From start to finish, this session was about more than just photography. It was about honoring the journey of a family growing together through one of life’s most dynamic stages.
If you’re a parent of teenagers, don’t wait. Don’t assume you’ve missed your window for beautiful family photos. The teenage years are filled with meaning, connection, and depth. They are full of stories waiting to be told. And when you capture those stories, you’re doing more than preserving a memory—you’re building a bridge between who your family was, who it is now, and who it’s becoming.
There’s magic in letting your family be seen exactly as they are—laughing, messy, growing, imperfect, and entirely beautiful. That’s what we captured at Cannon Beach. That’s what I hope every family session becomes. A celebration of the now. A record of the in-between. A tribute to love in all its stages.
And that’s the heart of it all. That’s the story we told that day. And that’s the story I’ll never forget.