There’s something about the Oregon Coast that feels like a deep breath for the soul—especially when the weather pulls one of its classic plot twists. And as an Oregon senior photographer, I’ve photographed countless sessions along the coastline, but Deonna’s McPhillips Beach session in Pacific City felt like its own little movie. And honestly? The fog was the star of the show.

We originally arrived on a classic August afternoon—sunny, warm, and full of that hopeful, late-summer glow. Within what felt like minutes, the sky softened into a thick, ethereal layer of fog that wrapped the whole beach in this dreamy, cinematic haze. But instead of fighting it, we embraced it. And truly, it couldn’t have complemented Deonna’s vision more perfectly.

A Minimal Editorial Vision

From the moment Deonna stepped out of the car, I could tell she was going to bring such a clean, elevated aesthetic to her senior photos. She chose a palette of neutrals—creams, whites, blacks—the types of tones that feel like they belong on an editorial mood board or the pages of a magazine. Neutrals always work beautifully at the beach, but pair them with moody coastal fog? It was like they were made for each other.

Her outfits moved effortlessly, giving us all sorts of motion to play with. I love incorporating movement into my posing—walking, spinning, gently brushing hair out of the face—because it keeps everything feeling soft, candid, and real. And with fog rolling in around her, those little motions created some of the most magical frames. She looked like she walked straight out of a minimalist fashion campaign, barefoot on the sand and glowing in the mist.

The Fog That Stole the Show

Fog is one of those unpredictable coastal gifts that photographers quietly geek out about. It softens the horizon, mutes distractions, and turns every backdrop into a painterly wash of color and texture. On this particular afternoon, it brought a whole new energy to McPhillips Beach—mysterious, elegant, peaceful.

Instead of bright summer light, we had soft, natural diffusion that made Deonna’s neutrals pop while giving her skin the gentlest glow. It created this gorgeous monochromatic palette with the sand and ocean, and the whole session felt elevated, almost editorial-documentary in the best way. The kind of look you simply can’t plan—you can only experience.

Photographing Sisters—One of My Favorite Things

One of the sweetest parts of this session was the fact that I had previously photographed Deonna’s sister, Chenoa. Getting to photograph siblings is something I consider such an honor. It feels like being invited back into a family’s story—getting to witness new milestones, new personalities, and new seasons of who they’ve become.

There’s an unspoken trust that comes with being welcomed back, and it always makes the session feel extra special. With Deonna, I could sense the same warmth, the same ease, and the same beauty her sister brought—while also fully seeing her unique energy. It’s moments like this that remind me why I love senior photography so much.

The Perfect End to a Moody Beach Session

By the final few minutes of our time together, the fog had fully settled in, creating the softest, dreamiest backdrop imaginable. Deonna moved so effortlessly through each pose—walking along the tide line, slipping her hands in her pockets, letting the wind catch her hair—that it felt less like a photo session and more like a quiet afternoon spent creating tiny works of art.

It was peaceful. It was elegant. It was coastal Oregon doing what coastal Oregon does best: surprising us with beauty we never expected.

Ready for Your Own Coastal Senior Session?

If you’re dreaming of senior photos that feel intentional, elevated, and full of personality—whether the Oregon Coast gifts us sunshine, fog, or something in between—I’d love to create that experience with you. My sessions are built around movement, mood, and capturing you as you truly are. August, September, and October always fill fast, so if McPhillips Beach (or any part of our gorgeous coastline!) is calling your name, now’s the perfect time to reach out.