This Bear Lake extended family photos session for the Schumacher family was such a full-circle kind of evening. The entire family gathered together to celebrate their parents’ anniversary, and people traveled from all over—across Utah, across the country, and even from Canada—to be there.
We met at Franklin Basin in Logan Canyon around 4 in the afternoon, and it honestly felt like stepping right into a family reunion in the best possible way. So many kids, so many stories, and so much love packed into one beautiful mountain evening.
And somehow, they all did amazing in front of the camera.
Bear Lake extended family photos in Logan Canyon with mountain views
Even though this session was tied to Bear Lake, we actually photographed the portraits in Logan Canyon near Franklin Basin, which gave us that iconic Northern Utah mountain backdrop with open space, soft summer light, and just enough variety for a large family group.
Franklin Basin is one of those hidden-feeling locations that works incredibly well for big extended family sessions. There’s enough room for large groupings, easy movement for kids, and a natural backdrop that doesn’t overwhelm the people in the photos.
For a family this size, that kind of space makes all the difference.
We focused on a mix of formal group portraits and more relaxed candid moments between family members. With extended families, I always want to make sure we capture the full group first, then break it down into smaller family units, sibling groupings, and grandparent moments.
Those smaller combinations are often the ones families end up cherishing the most later on.
Why Bear Lake is such a meaningful place for family photos
Bear Lake and the surrounding Logan Canyon area are popular gathering spots for families throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. It’s a place where people naturally come together for vacations, reunions, and celebrations, which makes it a really meaningful backdrop for extended family photos.
Even though this session was centered around an anniversary celebration, it also felt like a reunion in many ways. Cousins catching up, siblings reconnecting, grandparents surrounded by grandkids—it all came together in a really natural way.
Sessions like this always remind me how quickly seasons change. Kids grow up, families spread out, and it becomes harder and harder to get everyone in one place at the same time. That’s why these larger extended family sessions matter so much.
They preserve a moment that doesn’t happen often.
What makes large extended family sessions work well
Big family sessions can feel overwhelming, but a little structure goes a long way. We always start with the full group while everyone is still fresh, then move into smaller combinations so kids can take breaks and families can relax into the process.
The Schumacher family handled everything so well, even with so many kids involved. There was laughter, movement, a little chaos, and a lot of joy—which is exactly what extended family photos should feel like.
I photograph extended family sessions throughout Bear Lake, Logan Canyon, Cache Valley, and surrounding Northern Utah areas, and every single one reminds me how important these milestones are.
This Bear Lake extended family photos session felt especially meaningful because it wasn’t just about photos—it was about celebrating a legacy, a marriage, and a family choosing to show up for each other across distances.
If you’re planning a family reunion or trying to coordinate extended family photos while everyone is together, I’d love to help you capture it in a way that feels natural, organized, and true to your family dynamic. Reach out through my contact page and let’s plan it.
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
June 23, 2026
Kylee Maughan
