Print
Children & Family Photography
Family Portrait in a field
Karine Jean-Pierre and Suzanne Malveaux
Home »
Family Portraits

Portland Family Portrait Photographer

Family and kids portrait photography in Portland, Oregon

I’m a family portrait photographer based in Portland, Oregon. Nothing makes me happier than making people comfortable in front of the camera and capturing who you really are.

I know how uncomfortable it can be. I’m just like you! I don’t love getting my photo taken either, but it’s an essential part of family life. You all need to be documented and seen for who you are today. My goal is to make you forget I’m taking your picture and just have a fun time hanging out.

I adore getting to know you and your family and capturing the essence of who you all are. I love photographing babies, kids and parents, showing your real moments, emotional and candid, as well as beautiful traditional portraits.

Why Do Family Portraits, Even When It’s Not the Holidays?

Why not? People put so much pressure on themselves to do portraits for the holidays. It’s nice to get everyone dressed up once a year for a card, but there are plenty of other times when you can be more relaxed and enjoy the experience. Parents snap countless photos of their kids on their phones, yet have none of everyone together. Pick an activity you love doing together, a place that means something to you, or just hang out at home. Your kids will have documentation of you, and you are who you are right now. These memories will be for your kids and, someday, your grandkids.

What to Expect

  1. Planning. We talk about your goals. Do you want wall art, an album, or keepsakes for grandparents? If you’re not sure, that’s okay too.
  2. The session. We shoot for about an hour, depending on the location and everyone’s attention span.
  3. The viewing. About a week later, I show you your images for the first time, and you choose your favorites and decide what to do with them.

Where and When to Shoot

Whether we’re in a field in Hillsboro, among the cherry blossoms along the riverfront, or under the St. Johns Bridge, I want to explore Portland with you. Are you beach people? Hikers? Snow lovers? Prefer to hang out at home for a photo session playdate? We’ll find the most photogenic place where you’re comfortable. I usually aim for the last few hours before sunset, but the location, the time of year and who’s coming along help decide the timing.

Family Portrait FAQs

What If My Kids Won’t Listen?

Kids generally don’t do exactly what you want, especially when they’re pressured to “be good.” Nothing derails a session more than a parent getting upset that their child isn’t a perfect angel. I’ve got kids and I get it. I want to know who your kids are, so let them be themselves. Don’t try to harness them, since that just invites rebellion. Let me play with them and build trust, and I’ll get what you want out of them. Just breathe, enjoy the time together and know I’ve got you.

How Are You Different From a Chain Portrait Studio?

Chain studios churn out the same poses against the same backgrounds for hundreds of people. It’s a fine model that works well for many. I’ll get to know who you are, spend more time and attention on you, and capture images unique to your family, in a location we choose together. You choose what you prefer.

What Is a Viewing, and Why Can’t I Just Get All the Digitals?

A viewing happens about a week after your session. I’ve photographed families for years, and people always think they just want the digitals, but then what? They get overwhelmed, don’t know what to make from them, and nothing happens. I’d rather give you the full experience, from having fun at the shoot to choosing the best products and sizes, made by the best labs. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching clients see their images for the first time.

How Many Images Will We Get?

It depends on where we are, your end goal and how long we shoot, but I usually deliver 50 to 75 images. If we’re making a book, it’s closer to 100, so you have more to choose from.

Should I Get Hair and Makeup Done?

Yes, I highly recommend it. You want to look and feel your best, and it simply looks better in photographs. Dads can benefit from a little grooming too. Let me know if you’d like referrals.

What Does a Family Session Cost?

Every family is different, so I quote each session based on what you’d like, such as the location, the length and the products you want. Tell me about your family and I’ll put together a custom quote. I’m happy to share my product list.

Availability and Booking

I take on a small number of family sessions each year, so please reach out early. Send me a message through my Contact page, tell me about your family, and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours.

I’m based in SW Portland and serve the greater Portland area and Vancouver, Washington.