Fogarty Beach and Rocky Creek viewpoint

Returning clients are always a delight, especially when you have the opportunity to witness and capture their milestones. I had the pleasure of photographing Rick and Leah’s engagement and wedding, and now, it was time to document their journey into parenthood with a maternity session. This session was particularly special, as it combined the greenery of the Pacific Northwest with the beauty of the Oregon Coast, important features from the Central Oregon residents.

Location Scouting and Planning

Rick and Leah reside in Central Oregon where the greenery can be lacking. They have a deep appreciation for the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and they often travel to the valley for this reason! This time, they decided to take a mini-vacation to Lincoln City, where they could visit family and enjoy the Oregon Coast. I recently scouted some photography locations along the coast, and one spot stood out to me as the perfect backdrop for an epic maternity shoot: Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint, just south of Depoe Bay. The cliffs overlooking the ocean provide a dramatic setting, and the availability of public restrooms nearby was a bonus, especially for Leah, who is expecting.

After sharing some quick cellphone snaps of the location with Leah, we agreed that it would be perfect for the maternity photoshoot. However, Leah also wanted some shots on a sandy beach, so we made the decision to split the session between two locations: Rocky Creek Viewpoint and Fogarty Beach, a sandy shoreline just a few minutes north.

A Windy Start for the Rocky Creek Maternity

On the day of their maternity session, we met at Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint. It was a typical overcast Oregon beach day, with the wind proving to be quite a challenge. The wind was relentless, making it difficult to use my light set up. Even with sandbags to weigh down the tripod, the stand was unstable, and my assistant for the day, Ben, tried to hold it steady. Unfortunately the softbox catches wind like an umbrella and we feared the wind might turn the tripod into a real life Mary Poppins moment. Ultimately, we decided it was safer to go without it.

The wind also played havoc with Leah’s hair, which seemed to have a mind of its own. Despite these challenges, we captured some beautiful moments, with the ocean and cliffs serving as a stunning backdrop. The wind blown hair was also a funny addition to a few poses.

Chasing the Golden Light at Fogarty Beach

After wrapping up the first half of our maternity photoshoot at the cliff, we headed to Fogarty Beach. As we walked down the sand towards the water, the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds, casting a warm golden glow over the entire beach. This change in weather was a welcome surprise! We decided to ditch the flash this time and opted for a gold reflector instead. This setup allowed me to capture the warm tones of the sunset while highlighting Leah and Rick’s faces with a soft, golden light.

Leah, feeling adventurous, took off her shoes and walked barefoot along the water’s edge. Meanwhile, Rick, wearing his new waterproof boots, waded into the water—only to discover that waterproof boots don’t prevent water from splashing over the top! Despite the mishap, it added a lighthearted and memorable moment to the Oregon maternity session.

Looking Forward

This session was not just about capturing beautiful images; it was about celebrating a new chapter in Rick and Leah’s lives. Their joy and excitement were palpable, and I am thrilled to have been a part of this special time. As their little boy’s due date in early October approaches, I look forward to capturing more precious moments for this growing family.

Final Thoughts

Working with Rick and Leah is always a joy, and this session was no exception. Despite the wind and minor challenges, our maternity photography session at the Oregon Coast was filled with laughter, love, and a stunning sunset. I’m grateful to have been able to capture these moments and look forward to photographing their journey as a family.

If you’re ready to book your session, let’s chat!