There is just something so special about getting the whole family together for photos — especially when it means bringing multiple generations into one session.
I recently had the sweetest extended family photography session at Jordan Pines in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, with the Duffin family. This was a smaller extended family session, and while everyone was absolutely wonderful to photograph, there was one very clear star of the show: their adorable little grandson.
Extended Family Photos in Big Cottonwood Canyon
One of my favorite things about being a Utah family photographer is getting to photograph families at all different stages and seasons of life. Extended family sessions are especially meaningful because they give everyone an opportunity to document the relationships that don't always get photographed together.
With an extended family session, we aren't just taking one big group photo and calling it good. I want you to walk away with a gallery that truly represents your family.
We start with photos of the entire family together, making sure everyone is included in those classic, everyone-looking-at-the-camera portraits.
From there, we work through all of the different combinations that make your family unique.
We'll photograph things like:
- The entire extended family
- All of the adults together
- All of the women
- All of the men
- Grandparents with their grandchildren
- Siblings together
- Individual family units
- Parents with their children
- Each individual child
- And plenty of natural, candid moments in between
Why I Love Photographing Extended Families
I genuinely love working with extended families.
There is something really meaningful about being invited into a family's time together and getting to preserve that season for them. Maybe everyone lives in different states and this is one of the few times a year you're all together. Maybe Grandma and Grandpa wanted photos with their children and grandchildren. Maybe the family is celebrating a milestone.
Or maybe there's no special occasion at all — you just realized that everyone is together and you want to remember it. Whatever the reason, extended family photos are always worth it. Families grow. Kids get bigger. Grandparents get older. Cousins become teenagers. And the people who once fit easily into your arms eventually become adults with families of their own.
Photographs give you a way to hold onto a little piece of those seasons.
Planning a Family Photo Session at Jordan Pines
Jordan Pines is one of my favorite locations for family photography in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The tall pine trees, mountain scenery, and natural Utah landscape create such a beautiful backdrop without taking attention away from the people in the photographs.
If you're considering Jordan Pines for your own family session, I've written an entire blog post about what it's like to have your photos taken there, including more information about the location and what you can expect.
[Read more about family photos at Jordan Pines]
It's a great place to start if you're wondering whether Jordan Pines is the right location for your Utah family photos.
Looking for an Extended Family Photographer in Utah?
If you're planning an extended family gathering in Utah and want photographs that include everyone — while still giving each individual family plenty of photos of their own — I'd love to work with you.
My extended family sessions are designed to give you the best of both worlds: beautiful photographs of the entire family together and individual family portraits that you'll actually want to print and share.
Whether you're planning a session in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Park City, or another beautiful Utah location, I would love to help you document your family exactly as you are right now.
Looking for an Extended Family Photographer in Utah?
If you're planning an extended family gathering in Utah and want photographs that include everyone — while still giving each individual family plenty of photos of their own — I'd love to work with you.
My extended family sessions are designed to give you the best of both worlds: beautiful photographs of the entire family together and individual family portraits that you'll actually want to print and share.
Whether you're planning a session in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Park City, or another beautiful Utah location, I would love to help you document your family exactly as you are right now.
