Sometimes the best family photos happen when absolutely nothing goes according to plan.
The Scow family came to Bear Lake from all over the country, and because their schedule was packed, they didn’t have much flexibility for their family photo session. So when a thunderstorm started rolling through right as we were supposed to begin, they made the decision to just go for it.
I’m so glad they did.
When we arrived at the Bear Lake Overlook in Garden City, we were caught in a total downpour. Everyone was soaking wet, and I’m pretty sure none of us looked particularly photo-ready.
But they were such good sports, and we ended up having the best time.
As a Bear Lake family photographer, this is one of those sessions I’ll remember for a long time.
When Your Family Photos Start in a Downpour
The rain wasn’t exactly what we had planned.
It was coming down hard enough that everyone was completely soaked, so I ran back to my car for umbrellas and found a towel to wrap around my head.
Yes, I used that towel as an emergency photography tool.
I was literally drying the rain droplets running down their faces so we could keep going.
And somehow, instead of letting the weather ruin the session, we all just laughed about it.
That’s one of my favorite things about family photography. Sometimes you have to abandon the perfect plan and just embrace whatever is happening.
Why I’m Glad the Scows Kept Going
The Scow family had traveled from different parts of the country and had a very full schedule while they were at Bear Lake.
Rescheduling wasn’t necessarily simple.
So they decided to roll with it.
And eventually, the rain stopped.
The skies cleared enough for us to finish the session with dry weather—and then we got a rainbow.
I couldn’t have planned a better ending if I’d tried.
After the downpour, the rainbow felt like the perfect reward for everyone being such good sports.
Bear Lake Overlook Family Photos
The Bear Lake Overlook in Garden City is a beautiful place for family photography because the lake and mountains create such a dramatic backdrop.
And after a storm?
Even better.
The changing skies gave us beautiful light and atmosphere that we wouldn’t have gotten on a completely ordinary evening.
Sometimes unpredictable weather creates the most memorable photographs.
Don’t Let a Little Weather Ruin Your Family Photos
Utah weather can change quickly, especially around the mountains and Bear Lake.
That doesn’t automatically mean your session needs to be canceled.
Of course, there are situations where rescheduling is the right choice. But sometimes the clouds clear, the light becomes gorgeous, or you get something completely unexpected—like a rainbow.
I’m always watching the weather and making the call based on what’s safest and what will give us the best experience.
But if we’re able to keep going?
I’m usually willing to get a little wet with you.
The Photos You’ll Remember
Years from now, the Scow family probably won’t just remember the photographs.
They’ll remember the story.
They’ll remember getting caught in a downpour.
They’ll remember being completely soaked.
They’ll remember me running for umbrellas and using a towel to dry their faces.
And they’ll remember the rainbow that showed up at the end.
That’s the kind of story that makes family photographs even more meaningful.
As a Bear Lake family photographer, I love creating beautiful portraits, but I also love the experiences and memories that happen along the way.
If your family is gathering at Bear Lake for a reunion, vacation, or special occasion, I’d love to photograph your time together—rainbows and unexpected weather included.
Kylee is the owner and founder of Kylee Ann Studios, where she’s spent more than 15 years building a photography business rooted in creativity, connection, and serving her clients well. She’s a mom, business owner, and photographer who loves making people feel comfortable and capturing the real moments that make their stories unique.
She specializes in commercial and brand photography, family photography, weddings, and more throughout Cache Valley and Northern Utah.
September 20, 2026
Kylee Maughan
