A glimpse into Anabel’s Oregon Coast senior session

Anabel came to me wanting cozy and whimsical vibes with an Oregon Coast senior session. Think folklore meets evermore by Taylor Swift. 😉 

The area we chose was perfect because we got senior photos on the beach, then took some more in the forest. We found some magical details like wild mushrooms growing on a tree and a spot overlooking the ocean – like something out of a coastal storybook! 

For her senior photos on the beach, Anabel got adventurous and got her feet in the water (which is super cold here in Oregon!), then chased seagulls on the beach. I’m obsessed with how these action shots turned out, and these kinds of photos make such great ones for your Instagram, senior invites, or mementos like a senior scrapbook! 

Planning for Senior Photos on the Beach in Oregon:

Senior photos on the beach here in the PNW really do turn out lovely, but it’s not the same tropical experience you might expect from certain areas. Like I mentioned, the water that Anabel got into was COLD. And no matter the time of year, unless you want to take photos in a wetsuit, you’ll have to be prepared for at least a little cold or wind.

1. Expect wind and potentially rain.

No matter the time of year, it’s likely to be windy when you’re right on the beach at the Oregon Coast. Consider making a sweater or warmer clothing a part of your session outfit picks, or be prepared to bring a windbreaker and then take it off for photos.

2. Figure out what vibe you want to go for!

I can help you figure out which location will be best if you come to me knowing the kind of style of photos that you want. I’ll also build a mood board to make sure we’re on the same page with the style. This is one of the best ways to ensure we bring your vision to life!

3. Expect to walk, potentially a lot.

Expect to walk a good distance from your car to our photo locations. Parking lots can be pretty far from the main locations we want to go to, so bring comfy shoes and consider bringing a backpack or something easy to carry around. Also, bring lots of water and sunscreen. Even though it’s often cloudy, the sun can still burn!

4. Think about what kind of experience you want ahead of time.

Make sure that you book an Adventure Session if you’re working with me. That session allows enough distance for travel. We’ll also have enough time to venture out onto the beach and through the forests to get the best photos. It’ll also give you time to change your outfits so that you can have multiple looks like Anabel did.

Booking Senior Photos on the Beach in the Fall

For the warmest experience on the coast, you’ll want to consider getting your senior photos done in the summer. Anabel’s photos were taken in November, so that can be a really pretty time for photos as well, just be prepared with the above tips to brave the elements! There’s opportunity for fall foliage pictures, or pictures with trees that have lost their leaves. We loved these whimsical forest photos we got during Anabel’s session!

Ready to book your senior photos on the beach?

Reach out to me now, as spots for next year are filling up fast! If fall pictures don’t sound like your thing, I have tons of recommendations for locations that are best in every other season too!

Want to stay in the know about photo availability? Join my 2026 waitlist now, and be the first to get alerted about new dates. Click to join it here!