Johnson Family Session at Hug Point | Oregon Coast Family Photographer

There’s something really special about being completely trusted as a photographer. When a family gives you full creative freedom, from location to wardrobe to how the session unfolds, it creates space to make something truly honest and beautiful. That’s exactly what happened with the Johnson family.

Kimberly, Daniel, and their one-and-a-half-year-old son Cohen met me at Hug Point on the Oregon Coast for a relaxed family session by the water. From the very beginning, they trusted me to guide the experience, and because of that, we were able to create the kind of photos that feel natural, emotional, and full of joy.

It was one of those Oregon Coast evenings that felt like summer and adventure all at once, with soft light, playful waves, and a toddler who was more than ready to explore.

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Why Hug Point is One of My Favorite Oregon Coast Photo Locations

If you’re planning a family session on the Oregon Coast and looking for a location that feels both adventurous and peaceful, Hug Point is hard to beat. Located just south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point has it all, dramatic rock formations, caves, tide pools, and a waterfall when the season is right.

It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly terrain. You can run barefoot in the sand, climb around on the rocks, and find quiet little pockets away from the crowds. For families with young kids, it’s a dream. There’s so much to explore without needing to walk far or hike in.

For the Johnsons, Hug Point offered the perfect mix of play space for Cohen and scenic backdrops that captured their connection as a family. It felt wild and free, but still grounded in real, everyday moments.

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Meeting the Johnson Family

From the moment we met, Kimberly and Daniel were warm and open. Their little boy, Cohen, peeked at me from behind their legs, curious but cautious in that way toddlers often are when something new is happening. It didn’t take long, though, before he was off running toward the driftwood, and just like that, the session began.

We didn’t stick to any rigid plan. Instead, we followed Cohen’s lead. That’s the magic of photographing little ones on the beach. You let them set the pace, and in doing so, you get moments that are far more real than anything posed or scripted.

Cohen chased seagulls, picked up tiny rocks, tossed sand, and stared down the waves with big, curious eyes. He was a little unsure of the water at first, but the second he touched it, everything changed. After that, he was hooked. All he wanted to do was splash, run along the edge, and laugh every time the tide crept up toward his toes.

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Trusting the Process

What stood out the most about this session was how fully Kimberly and Daniel leaned into the process. They trusted me to choose Hug Point as the location, to help guide their wardrobe choices, and to move through the session in whatever way felt most natural. That level of trust allows me to focus completely on the story unfolding in front of me.

And their trust didn’t just make things easier, it made the experience richer. Because when a family shows up with open hearts and a willingness to embrace the chaos and joy of real life, we can create something that feels more like art than just pictures.

Kimberly looked absolutely beautiful in her dress, which complimented the soft coastal tones perfectly. The way it caught the wind and the light, especially as she held Cohen close, added a quiet grace to every frame. Daniel was gentle and steady, watching his son play, reaching down to scoop him up, and smiling through every wave-soaked moment.

Together, the three of them radiated warmth. You could feel how deeply Cohen is loved, not just in the way his parents held him, but in the way they watched him discover the beach like it was magic.

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What Makes Oregon Coast Family Sessions So Special

As a photographer, I love sessions like this because they go beyond the surface. They’re not about perfect smiles or posed portraits. They’re about connection. About creating space for a family to just be—to move, to play, to laugh, and to soak in a season of life that changes so quickly.

The Oregon Coast offers the perfect backdrop for that kind of storytelling. With its open beaches, rugged cliffs, and soft skies, it invites presence. It invites families to slow down, explore, and interact in a way that feels completely true to them.

If you’re planning a family trip to Cannon Beach or looking for a photographer for your Oregon Coast vacation, choosing a session at Hug Point is a beautiful way to preserve your memories. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, there’s something grounding and freeing about being at the edge of the ocean together.

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Planning Your Own Hug Point or Cannon Beach Family Session?

Whether you’re visiting the Oregon Coast for vacation or looking to capture a season of life in a location that feels both scenic and relaxed, I’d love to document it for you. I photograph family sessions at beaches like Hug Point, Cannon Beach, and other quiet coastal gems all throughout the region.

My approach is gentle, kid-led, and focused on connection. I’ll guide you through outfit choices, locations, and timing so that you can simply show up and enjoy your people.

Want photos that feel like your family—playful, connected, and true to life? Get in touch below to book your Oregon Coast family session.