Some family photo sessions are about updating portraits. Others are about documenting a moment in time that will never happen exactly the same way again.
The Pace/Gunn family’s Bountiful Pond extended family photos were all about celebrating the arrival of their first grandbaby on both sides of the family—sweet baby JJ.
Erika and Griff wanted to create something meaningful for JJ to have as he grows up: a photograph showing all of the people who love him from the very beginning. They brought together Griff’s mom, dad, stepmom, siblings, and Erika’s family for one incredible extended family portrait.
It was such a beautiful reminder that babies aren’t just welcomed by their parents—they’re welcomed by an entire community of people who already adore them.
Why I Love Bountiful Pond Extended Family Photos
Bountiful Pond is one of my favorite locations for extended family sessions because it offers a beautiful mix of natural scenery and plenty of space for larger groups.
The tall grasses, peaceful water, and soft natural light create a warm, timeless backdrop while still allowing the family relationships to be the focus.
That’s why I love photographing Bountiful Pond extended family photos. The location works beautifully for large gatherings because we can create a variety of portraits without needing to move far. We can capture the entire extended family, smaller family groupings, grandparents with grandchildren, siblings, and all the meaningful combinations in between.
For a session as special as this one, having a location that feels relaxed and welcoming makes all the difference.
Creating Photos That Tell a Family Story
When people think about extended family portraits, they often picture a large group smiling at the camera.
And while those images are important, some of my favorite moments happen beyond the big group photo.
The grandparents holding their first grandbaby.
Parents looking at their child with so much pride.
Siblings celebrating the newest addition to the family.
The little interactions that show just how loved a child truly is.
Those are the moments that tell the full story.
For baby JJ, these photographs will become a visual reminder of the incredible support system surrounding him from the very beginning.
Why New Babies Are the Perfect Reason for Family Photos
A new baby has a way of bringing everyone together.
Family members who live in different homes, cities, or states suddenly gather around one tiny person. Everyone wants a chance to hold them, celebrate them, and be part of their story.
That’s one of my favorite reasons to schedule extended family photos after a baby arrives.
The newborn stage goes by quickly, but these relationships last a lifetime.
Photographs preserve the people who were there at the very beginning—the grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and loved ones who helped welcome that baby into the world.
Making Large Family Sessions Feel Meaningful
Extended family sessions can feel like a big undertaking, especially when multiple households are involved.
But with a little planning, they can become some of the most meaningful sessions a family ever schedules.
I always recommend starting with the largest group photo first while everyone is together and ready. From there, we can move through individual families, smaller combinations, and special moments.
For the Pace/Gunn family, the goal was simple: create a photograph JJ could look back on someday and know just how loved he was.
I think we accomplished exactly that.
Preserving the People Who Matter Most
Photographing the Pace/Gunn family was such a joy because the love surrounding baby JJ was obvious in every interaction. Erika and Griff are incredible parents, and it was so special to see how many people were excited to celebrate their growing family.
As a photographer serving Bountiful, Davis County, Salt Lake County, and surrounding Northern Utah communities, I love helping families preserve the relationships that make their stories unique.
If you’re considering Bountiful Pond extended family photos for a new baby, family reunion, anniversary, or milestone celebration, I’d love to help create images that show not only what your family looks like, but how much love exists between you.
Bri is a Utah photographer, wife, and mom of three who embraces the quirky, playful, and imperfect parts of life. Her artistic eye and passion for finding joy in the little things make her work feel authentic and full of personality.
She specializes in product, family, senior, and wedding photography throughout Davis County and Northern Utah, with a particular talent for bringing bath, beauty, and home products to life.
August 24, 2026
Brianna Siddoway
