Golden Hour at Cardinal Bridge: A Family Photo Session in Sunriver, Oregon
There are certain places that slow down time just enough for every heartbeat to matter. Cardinal Bridge in Sunriver is one of those places — gentle river music, tall pines silhouetted against the mountains, light dancing on water. This past weekend, our family wandered out to that very bridge for a photo session that turned into something better than memories: a story.
We arrived just as the light was softening — that golden hour glow that Oregon’s high desert can offer in the late afternoon. The sun was descending, casting long, warm shadows across the bridge and filtering through the canopy of trees that flank the Deschutes River below. Cardinal Bridge itself stands sturdy and unpretentious, a perfect frame for a family at ease.
The Flow of the Shoot
We began with some classic poses — standing together, arms around each other, looking into the camera. Then we let things unfold.
Family walking down the trail together : youngest and shortest child to tallest person at the back, slightly staggered to see everyones faces.
Family sitting shot: An idyllic family portrait with the gorgeous Deschutes River and Cardinal Bridge as the backdrop.
Family holding hands walking
Kid moments: The three girls holding hands, walking in a line, looking at the camera. A nice photo of the three girls next to a tree in front of the river and bridge.
Each parent with children
Portraits of each member of the family
Parents’ moments: holding hands, stolen kisses, quiet smiles when the kids weren’t looking.
Final shot on the bridge: I always love to end session with photos on top of the bridge with the Deschutes river behind the family.
Tip: Always bring bug spray. Any photoshoots next to rivers are notorious for having mosquitos and flies!
