Let's tell your story... and make it fun!

If you’re considering booking a session with me, yay, thank you! You’re here for a reason, and I hope that reason is that you feel a connection to my work, my style, my approach and are looking to document yourself and your loved ones in a similar way. Family sessions are focused on documenting the love and connection you share in a fun and laid back way. We play games, snuggle, laugh, and I keep things moving at a pace that mirrors your family's energy. I am not here to make you say “cheese!”, mold you into stiff, awkward poses, or stop your children from being themselves. Lifestyle family photography sessions are all about telling your story while making lasting memories. 

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Family Galleries

FAMILY

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outdoor lifestyle session experience

A fun, easy-going lifestyle session on location for families, portraits, siblings, couples/ engagement, and beyond. These sessions are typically booked at either sunrise or sunset for the best light and last between 20 minutes to an hour. I provide you with a list of location ideas and together we select a spot that best fits your vision. See below for package options, or contact me if you don’t see what you’re looking for.

Columbia river gorge $900

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Portland area - $800

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All of the following sessions are intended for immediate family only and include:

+ all of the best images edited & delivered online gallery for easy download
+ one hour session (this is approximate, some are shorter and some are longer depending on location and family size)
+ style guide, online styling tool, and location assistance
+ access to professional print lab integrated with your online gallery
+ client welcome and prep guide


Investment

This session is perfect for those who are up for a scenic drive and adventure out east to some of the most beautiful locations along the Gorge.

Most locations are about an hour from Portland, on both the OR and WA side of the river.  They span from Cascade Locks to Moiser, but no matter where you are, the backdrop can't be beat!

Want to stay closer to home?  No problem!  I have a handful of great locations on both the East and West side of town plus Vancouver, WA area.  We can still have a great adventure, whether it's climbing on logs, skipping rocks in the water, running through an open field, or tromping through through the city.

Please note that I have hand selected locations that I know photograph well based on lighting, environment, backdrop, etc.  Happy to chat about a specific spot in mind, too!

oregon coast - $1100

If you have a true appreciation for the PNW like I do, you know there's nothing like the moody Oregon Coast. And bonus: it's beautiful year round.  It's close enough to take a day trip but also a great excuse to make a weekend getaway out of it!

Coast sessions take place between Cannon Beach and Rockaway Beach.  Sessions must be planned in advance.

Inquire here

need help picking your outfits?

Figuring out what to wear for your photos can feel daunting. Luckily, I have a guide for that!

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My favorite part of photography is capturing real moments, laughs, smiles, and interactions between families and loved ones. I would say that my approach is half posed, half documentary. I will give you gentle guidance for positioning your body in ways that photograph well, but encourage you to interact with each other more than looking in the camera and forcing smiles. Usually the first 10-15 minutes are spent “warming up”, getting used to being in front of the camera, walking out to the location where we will be shooting, etc. I will typically take some candid/walking photos during that time. For couples with or without children, I encourage you to always be touching/connected in some way, and be snuggled in closer together than what may feel natural. Tickles, telling jokes, whispering secrets, jumping, running, tossing kids up in the air or in between you holding hands are great all ways to produce fun, authentic moments. Don’t be afraid to get silly!  

what can I expect during my lifestyle family photography session?

for sessions outside of the home: what should i bring?

As little as possible. Please leave purses, bags/backpacks, wallets, phones, etc in the car! I always have a bag with me so I can carry your car keys and any other items you can’t live without, but it’s important to be as hands and pocket free as possible so it’s not a distraction in the photos. I’m not a big fan of props or decorations, but if there is something special that you want in your photos, you are welcome to bring it. I often like to get some photos of couples/families sitting on the ground, so if you have a special blanket or quilt that coordinates with your look, please bring it along, otherwise, I always carry a few neutral options in my car.

for in-home sessions: how should i prepare?

The most important piece to an in-home session is making the best use of natural light, so picking out a few areas where light is the best. Typically, this is in the living room, master bedroom, and nursery, but of course that varies depending on how your house is set up. I do occasionally have to do a little rearranging to ensure you're facing the light. Try not to stress too much about your house being spotless, but focus more on de-cluttering the areas you think we'll shoot in. Simple is always better in my opinion. Another important piece is to be comfortable and relaxed, and not stress about whether the baby is sleeping or awake, happy or fussy- we will just take their lead.

what if i end up wanting more photos than i paid for, or to upgrade my package altogether?

Easy! Once I deliver your gallery, you can choose to purchase additional images for $20 each, or upgrade to the whole gallery for a flat fee of $150.

what should i wear?

Great question! Click here to see my style guide. I also have some Pinterest boards full of inspiration. If you need any additional help or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

what if the weather is bad?

We live in the PNW, and I embrace our gloomy weather. Unless it’s pouring/hailing/freezing rain, I will be there. We can always touch base before the session and evaluate if a rain-check is needed, but I don’t reschedule sessions for cloudy days!

do you use photoshop?

Rarely! I only use Lightroom to make small adjustments such as color balance, cropping/straightening, converting to B+W, editing out small blemishes and smoothing out skin tones. If there is some crazy obnoxious stop sign in the background of an otherwise “money shot”, I will use PS to remove it, but I generally try and keep things as natural as possible and don't believe in altering bodies/faces in any way.

anything else?

If you have children who are part of the photoshoot, please make sure they are well rested and well fed before your session, and bring snacks/treats if necessary. Other than that… relax and come ready to have fun!

FAQs

Lili S

Caitlin captured our family's excitement, nervousness, and love in the most genuine way, I would highly recommend her for family photos of any kind!

Caitlin truly has an abundance of raw talent and her style is richly emotive and beautifully timeless.

emily b

I’d literally hire Caitlin to photograph me doing my taxes in my bathrobe, she’s just that good.

erin b

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Portland Oregon family, newborn, and maternity photographer with a special place in my heart for spirited children and in-between moments.

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