Looking for a Portland Family Photographer Who’s Great with Kids?
Most families tell me right away that their kids won’t sit still for photos. And that’s perfect, because I actually don’t want them to! I’m Becca, a Portland family photographer who’s great with kids who have a lot of energy (bring it on). I photograph families all over Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon Coast, and my sessions are relaxed, playful, and full of personality. I’ve been doing this since 2010, and I’ve learned that when kids are allowed to play and be themselves, that’s when the best photos are created.
This post is here to answer a few of the most common questions I get from parents looking for a relaxed, stress-free photo experience. Especially those with young kids. It’s interview-style so you can picture my smiling face saying it, k?😉 That’s me below:
What do you want families to feel when they arrive for their session?
Prepared and ready for a fun adventure. I give you plenty of info ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect. By the time you show up, all you need to do is have fun and enjoy your family.
My kids never cooperate for photos. What should I do?
That’s great, I don’t want them to “cooperate!”
You get much better, more authentic photos when kids are allowed to play and be themselves. If your child wants to run, play, or cling to your neck, that’s totally fine. I work with it, not against it.
Do you also offer video?
Yes! I offer family films as an optional add-on to photo sessions. It feels pretty much the same as a regular photo session, the only difference is that I might ask you to repeat a fun moment so I can capture it on both photo and video.
You won’t have to prepare any differently, and you’ll barely notice me switching between photo and video (other than when my movements start to look a little like a dance so the footage is smooth 😂).
The final film is about 3-5 minutes long, set to licensed music, and edited in slow motion to give it a dreamy, emotional feel. The vibe depends on your family. Sometimes it’s playful and lighthearted, other times it’s nostalgic and soft. I ask if you have a preference ahead of time, though.
When clients see their films for the first time, I often get messages like:
“I can’t love this more. Watched it so many times and too many tears.”
“Stop it. I’m crying 😭😭😍😍 My family in a nutshell.”
“Thank you for this gift that I’ll cherish forever.”
If a mom asked me why she should add a family film, I’d tell her this:
It’s a time capsule of your family as they are right now. Photos show the love and emotion, but video shows the bigger story. The way your son’s eyes light up when his dad lifts him in the air, or how your daughter dances when her favorite song comes on. Kids grow and change so quickly, and one day you won’t be able to pick them up anymore, but your film lets you keep that moment forever.
What are you looking for when you’re photographing families?
I’m looking for connection points and authentic facial expressions. I notice movement, light, and those little moments that happen in between poses. the way your child looks up at you, how you all laugh together, or when your kid wrinkles their nose during a big hug.
This is also why I love creating family films. Video lets me capture those moments exactly as they happened. A slow-motion spin, a hand squeeze, a burst of laughter. The emotion hits differently when you can see and feel the movement again later.
What do families love most about working with you?
Most people say their session was way more fun and relaxed than they expected. I think that’s because I create a no-pressure environment. I have games and prompts ready to help everyone loosen up, but I’ll also step back when I see you’re in your groove. When you need direction again, I’ll jump right in. My goal is for the whole experience to feel easy and natural.
I’ve been told that I’m like an anti-anxiety pill, which I find funny because most of my closest friends actually have anxiety, maybe I’m balancing the energy!
What makes you different from other photographers in Portland or the Gorge?
I think it’s the mix of my personality and my process. I give a lot of prep information ahead of time so families feel ready, I bring a calm energy to every session, and I’m amazing with energetic kids. I don’t expect kids to sit still. Actually, I’d rather they don’t. Playing, exploring, and laughing together is how we get genuine photos.
What kind of locations do you photograph in?
I live in the PNW, where we’re surrounded by incredible landscapes. The Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast are two of my favorites because the light and landscapes there are just incredible. You can go to a local Portland park and find some nice greenery, but if you’re willing to drive a bit farther, you’ll find sweeping mountain views, cliffs, rivers, and ocean scenes that feel epic.
I send families a location guide with my favorite spots if you don’t already have a place in mind. Each one has been scouted for beautiful light, great scenery, and fun, interactive elements like logs to climb, boulders to jump off, or rocks to toss in the water.
These kinds of places also make family films even more magical. Flowing dresses in the wind, kids running through tall grass, light bouncing off water… it all comes together to create something that feels cinematic and full of life.
Why do you love shooting at golden hour?
That’s when the light is soft, golden, and flattering. I love using the sun in creative ways, sometimes putting it behind my subjects so it peeks through and creates a dreamy burst or flare. I’m not afraid of full sun or dramatic light either. And if we get an overcast day, I lean into that classic PNW look. There’s something beautiful about both.
What has your experience since 2010 taught you about photographing families?
It’s taught me to be calm and patient with kids. If a child doesn’t want to do one of my ideas, I don’t force it. I redirect, give them choices, and let things flow. My main goal is to make sure everyone has a good time… that’s what leads to the happiest photos.
And with films, I get to see those personalities evolve over time. I’ve filmed some families multiple times, and watching how their kids change each year (and hearing how much they love rewatching their films) is one of the best parts of my job.
How do you help parents relax?
A lot of it happens before the session even starts. I send prep emails that explain how the day will go and what they can do to make it fun. During the session, I chat with them, keep things light, and make sure they know I’m not judging their kids for anything. Whatever happens, it’s all okay.
How would you describe your editing and color style?
Warm, natural, and rich. Skin tones stay true, colors are cohesive, and the vibe feels timeless. My editing enhances the emotion without taking away from what was real.
What three words describe your photos?
Connection, warmth, and joy.
What would you want someone searching for a Portland family photographer to know?
That I’m not just taking a quick portrait. This is an experience that creates real memories. When you look back at your photos, you’ll remember how fun and relaxed it felt, not how hard it was to get your kids to smile. You’ll play, laugh, and explore together, and I’ll capture your family dynamic exactly as it is. If your child needs a break or takes time to warm up, we have that space. My sessions typically last 45-90 minutes depending on the location, family, and if you’ve added on a video or not.
What do you hope families take away from their photos?
I want families to feel supported and genuinely enjoy the experience. I want the kids and the parents to have a good time because those feelings stay attached to the photos forever. The best compliment I ever hear is, “That was actually so fun!”
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, or along the Oregon Coast who’s calm, playful, and great with kids who don’t like sitting still, I’d love to plan something together. You can book me directly online, or send a message if you need something different.
