Utah Family Photographer | A Bittersweet Summer Session With Sara’s Family

There’s something deeply meaningful about photographing a family in a transitional season. That moment when everything feels like it's on the edge of change, but you're still fully living in it. This session with Sara and her family was exactly that—and it’s one I won’t forget any time soon.

We met years ago while working for Paul Mitchell—both immersed in the beauty industry, but on different paths. Sara was (and still is) an incredible skin educator and mentor, well-known in the industry for her skincare knowledge, warm personality, and passion for helping others grow. Over the years, I’ve photographed her in other roles—professional headshots, creative shoots—but this time was different. This was about her family.

A Long-Overdue Family Session Before Big Life Changes

Like so many busy families, they hadn’t had family photos taken since 2018. Life happens fast—especially with teenagers—and it's easy to put off family photos when your schedule is already packed with sports, school, work, and everything else that comes with raising older kids.

But this summer marked a turning point. Sara’s kids are growing up. They’re getting ready to leave home, chase new dreams, and take their next steps into adulthood. So we carved out a bit of time during these final weeks of summer to document who they are right now—together.

It wasn’t about fancy outfits or Pinterest-perfect posing. It was about real life. The hugs, the teasing, the glances between parents who’ve built something solid and full of love. This session wasn’t about just making something pretty (although the light was beautiful)—it was about making something real.

Why Family Photography Matters So Much in These Seasons

As a Utah family photographer, I work with a lot of families in different stages—new babies, toddlers, growing families—but there’s something so special about photographing older kids and teens. These sessions feel less about milestones and more about preserving connection. You start to feel the urgency: “We don’t have much time left before everything changes.”

If you're a parent with older kids, you know what I mean. You’re proud. You’re excited for them. But there’s a little ache in your chest too. The days of everyone living under one roof are winding down, and you start to realize that capturing these moments now will mean everything later.

For Sara’s family, this session became a love letter to this moment in their lives. Not just a portrait of how they look, but a memory of how it felt to be together before everything shifts.

The Vibe: Relaxed, Candid, and Full of Heart

We shot their session on a warm Utah evening with the kind of golden light photographers dream about. Sara and her crew showed up laid-back, smiling, and ready to just be themselves.

That’s the magic of lifestyle family photography—it’s not about stiff, posed images. It’s about connection. I gave them gentle prompts, let conversations unfold naturally, and stepped back often just to capture the way they interact.

There was so much laughter. Inside jokes. Hugs. Moments of stillness. You could feel how close this family is. How proud Sara and her husband are of their kids. How much they enjoy being around each other.

And honestly? That’s what makes great family photos. You can’t fake that kind of closeness—it just shows up. And when it does, my job is to notice it, frame it beautifully, and give it back to you in a way that lasts forever.

Haven’t Had Family Photos in Years? You’re Not Alone

If you’re reading this and thinking, “We haven’t had family photos in forever,” you’re in good company. It’s incredibly common, especially for families with older children.

Life moves fast. And when you finally stop to look around, you realize it’s been five years since your last family photo—and your kids are now taller than you.

That’s why now is the perfect time. You don’t need a special occasion. Just the desire to remember this version of your family.

Even if everyone’s in different stages—prepping for college, juggling work schedules, planning next steps—making the time for a session can be one of the most meaningful things you do together. You’ll walk away not just with pictures, but with a tangible piece of this moment in time.

What to Expect from a Family Session With Me

If the idea of organizing a photo session feels overwhelming, here’s what I want you to know: I’ll keep it simple.

• You don’t need to be “camera-ready.”

• You don’t have to coordinate every detail.

• You don’t need to stress about how your teens will behave.

  
  

All I ask is that you show up as you are—because that’s what your kids will want to remember. The real you. The real family moments. That’s where the magic happens.

Whether we’re shooting in the mountains, your backyard, or a cozy urban corner of Utah, I’ll guide you with ease and create space for connection. No awkward posing. No fake smiles. Just honest, emotional, and joyful storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Why This Session Mattered

To Sara: thank you. For trusting me, for showing up open-hearted, and for letting me be part of this season. You’ve built something beautiful. These photos are just a reflection of that.

To every other parent with older kids, this is your reminder: you don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. In fact, this messy, busy, emotional stage you’re in? It is the perfect moment.

Let’s capture it.