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for old souls & sentimental hearts

  Luminous, joyful, & connected

 FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

 FAMILY
PHOTOGRAPHY

You want your children to never forget just how much you love them.

That doesn't have to mean relying on phone photos you aren't even in or stiff, awkward family photos that feel like a chore. Instead, let’s give your kids photos you're actually in, doing what you do best: loving them, big-time.

When you book family photos with me, I’ll guide you into flattering moments that allow for intentional, soulful family connection. 

You’ll come away with artwork that will last a lifetime, reminding generations that your love existed, that it grew this family, and that you were here too.


I help parents leave a legacy of love for their children with soulful images full of sweet details and soft light. 

portland family photographer

Portfolio

portland family photography portfolio

Rachel & Matt

"My family had such a positive experience with Samantha! She made our photo session feel like a breeze from the outfit planning, prompt communication, and patience with our young children."

KIND WORDS

"She made our photo session feel like a breeze"

Katherine & Daniel

"We've turned to Samantha Shannon for engagement/wedding photos and holiday photos for several years now. Her attention to detail, ability to personalize each shoot, and incorporation of natural light and details is perfect."

"Her attention to detail is perfect."

KIND WORDS

"The quality of her shots is amazing--she has such a gift with using natural light. Not to mention that she was so patient and had such a calm demeanor with my two rambunctious girls."

"She has such a gift with using natural light"

KIND WORDS

Kaylyn & John

Vanessa & Spencer

"She is personable, flexible, patient, has a great eye, and really listens to what we have in mind for the photo session. Her pictures are amazing and capture the joy of the moment."

"We love working
with Samantha"

KIND WORDS

Samantha

learn more about samantha

meet your portland family photographer

I'm a Portland family photographer specializing in light, airy, and joyful family photos. In my ten years as a portrait photographer, I've come to realize that a family photo session is an opportunity to soak in every little thing you love about your family. To memorize the details of this instant in your child’s life before they grow again, to cuddle them no matter what age they are.

That's why I believe it is so important to take the time for a family photo session. I love to use natural areas around Portland and Oregon's Willamette Valley that reflect our family and our kids--beautiful, slightly wild, and home.

I curate your photos to show your family’s connection and joy: the cuddles, the laughs, and the peaceful, beautiful in-between. 

Meet

My work can be seen on:

Publications & Awards

Click Pro Elite

Portland mom collective 2015

The kindred path 2021 & 2022

Salem Mom Magazine 2021

The motherhood anthology 2022

NAT'L ASSOC. OF PROFESSIONAL CHILD PHOTOGRAPHERS

I take a limited number of clients every month so that each family gets my full attention during our time together. 

request

I'd love to hear more about your family's story and see if we'd be a good fit for each other. Fill out the contact form below and I'll be in touch within 48 hours. I exclusively photograph families outdoors, and am not accepting newborn sessions or events at this time.

hello@samanthashannonphotography.com

971.222.4164

Note: All fields are required

SUBMIT

detailed information & availability

Serving the portland metro area

A Curated Experience, From Start to Finish

All family photo sessions include complimentary access to the client closet, a collection of dresses that photograph exceptionally well.

learn more about the experience

Looking to add a little magic to your days? This list of 42 tried-and-true activities in Portland will help you create intentional family time and new memories.

42 Things to Do With Kids in Portland

visit portland

View all of my Wanderlust Wednesday posts, rounding up my favorite hikes to do with kids around Portland, Oregon.

My Favorite Willamette Valley Family Hikes

hiking portland with kids

Looking for the best of family-friendly Portland? I've gathered a list of my local favorites in PDX for before and after your photo session!

Best Family-Friendly Businesses in Portland

local PDX businesses

From Willamette Valley u-pick farms to weekend trips to the Columbia River Gorge or Mt. Hood, my love of the Portland area runs deep. Sharing all that the Portland Metro area has to offer with my kids means a lot of adventures, and now I'm sharing my favorites with you!

Portland Family Photographer

Over 10 years of experience as a

my favorite locations
what to wear, made easy
mistakes to avoid

Get my best tips for creating the family portraits of your dreams

make sure your next session is the best ever

Follow along for all the pretty on the daily: what I'm working on, my current favorite hikes around Portland, and what I'm reading!

LET'S BE INSTA-FRIENDS

@samanthashannonphotography