West Linn Golden Hour Photo Session | Intimate Family Session With the Contla Family

The Contla’s West Linn Family Photo Session | Oregon Family Photography

Xan and I have been talking for years about finally getting together for a family photo session in West Linn when they were back in town visiting family. The timing never seemed to work out… until this summer! And let me tell you—it was so worth the wait.

We spent the most magical evening with Zack, Xan, and their three fiercely independent, creative, and totally fun kids. Sessions like this are what I love most about being an Oregon family photographer—it’s not about stiff poses or forcing kids to sit still. It’s about embracing real life, letting the kids be kids, and capturing all of the laughter, chaos, and tender little moments along the way.

Instead of trying to stage perfect photos, we ran around, played, climbed rocks, and even dipped into the water. The kids were in their element, and honestly, that’s when the best photos happen. The evening was filled with belly laughs, quick hugs, and so much love between Zack, Xan, and their little ones. The connection this family has is so genuine and palpable—I couldn’t stop smiling behind the camera.

This evening in West Linn was one I’ll never forget. I feel so grateful to have been able to freeze these fleeting moments for them—the kind of photos that will bring them right back to this summer evening for years to come.