The Photographs I keep Coming Back To

The photographs I keep coming back to from this evening aren’t the ones where everyone is smiling at the camera.

Preparing For Their First Professional Family Photos

When Chelse’ reached out to me for family photos in Utah County, I wasn’t aware that it was their first professional photos. As we talked and planned she was working quietly behind the scenes. Buying everyone new shoes. Deciding not only that she would like to incorporate a quilt, but creating one. And not just a quick and easy quilt. One full of detail. Hours spent choosing fabric, cutting pieces, and sitting at the sewing machine to create a stunning quilt. One that was already claimed by one of her daughters because it was loved before ever leaving the house. An intentional act that wasn’t about styling the session, but bringing in another part of their family story.

The Moments I Keep Coming Back To

The youngest daughter thrilled to get to be by her dad, and climbing onto his lap. Not because I asked her to, but because it was habit. Parents holding hands as we walked between locations. A small habit that speaks volumes of their relationship. The siblings all laughing together, both in front of the camera, and behind. The faces that were happening just behind my back to get each other to smile. Those are always my favorite. Small moments that didn’t just happen because I asked them to, but because they happen a million times a day. 

As I edited the gallery, I realized that the photographs I kept returning to weren’t necessarily the ones everyone was looking at the camera. They were the ones where someone was looking at someone else instead of the camera. Where laughter replaced perfect smiles. In the days since our session, these are the images I keep stopping on.

Anderson family, thank you for trusting me with your first professional photos. It’s the ultimate honor. Years from now, I hope your kids notice things they probably won’t notice today. The time spent making the quilt that became an instant family favorite, the special trip for shoes so everyone could look and feel their best, and the way you laughed with them. The way dad was never bothered when someone climbed into his lap, and how everyone genuinely enjoyed being together. 

One of my favorite parts about creating family photos in Utah County is finding quiet locations like this one. Wide open fields, room for kids to explore, and enough space that families can relax instead of feeling rushed.