5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Family Photoshoot at Cannon Beach & the Oregon Coast
Planning a family photoshoot at the Oregon Coast—especially at iconic destinations like Cannon Beach—is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. As local photographers who specialize in Cannon Beach family photos, we’ve seen how a few small choices can make the difference between a stressful experience and one that feels effortless and joyful.
Here are five common mistakes families make—and how to avoid them so your photoshoot becomes an unforgettable adventure.
1. Choosing the Wrong Location
The backdrop sets the tone for your entire session. Choosing a location that doesn’t fit your family’s style can make the photos feel out of place.
What works best: Cannon Beach is perfect for families who love wide sandy shores, tidepools to explore, and the iconic Haystack Rock. If you’re dreaming of something quieter, Hug Point offers waterfalls and caves, while Manzanita brings peaceful, uncrowded beaches.
We’ll guide you in choosing the ideal Oregon Coast setting that matches your family’s story.
2. Overlooking Outfit Coordination
Clothing is one of the simplest ways to elevate your session—but mismatched patterns, neon colors, or logos can be distracting.
What to do instead: Choose neutral, coastal-inspired tones—soft blues, creams, sage greens, and earthy taupes—that harmonize with the natural palette of Cannon Beach. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and layered knits photograph beautifully while keeping everyone comfortable.
3. Not Preparing the Kids (or Yourself)
Going into a session unprepared—especially with little ones—can create stress before the camera even comes out.
How to set yourself up for success:
Talk about the photoshoot in a fun, playful way beforehand.
Let kids have a small choice (like shoes or a hair bow) to keep them excited.
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you arrive calm and unhurried.
4. Forgetting About Timing
Lighting is everything. Mid-day sun often feels harsh, while nap-time photos almost guarantee cranky kiddos.
What works best on the Oregon Coast: The golden hour—shortly after sunrise or just before sunset—bathes Cannon Beach in dreamy, glowing light. Add an extra 15 minutes to your travel plans, since parking and coastal weather can be unpredictable.
5. Chasing Perfection
The most timeless photos aren’t perfectly posed—they’re the ones filled with laughter, windblown hair, and sandy toes.
What to embrace: Let go of “perfect” and lean into the real. Your family’s love and connection shine brightest in candid moments. These are the memories you’ll treasure as the years go by.
Bonus: Trust Your Photographer
A successful Cannon Beach family session isn’t about stiff poses—it’s about creating space for your family to relax, explore, and connect. With years of experience guiding families along the Oregon Coast, we’ll handle the details—from location scouting to outfit inspiration—so you can focus on simply being together.
Let’s Plan Your Cannon Beach Family Photoshoot
When you avoid these common mistakes, your photoshoot becomes more than a checklist—it’s an adventure your family will remember forever.
Explore our Investment & Booking collections or contact us today to begin planning your Cannon Beach family photography session. Let’s create something beautiful, timeless, and true to your story.