This Bountiful Utah extended family photos session for the Koning family was one of those evenings that felt like equal parts chaos and joy in the very best way. Bri photographed this session at Bountiful Pond, and from the moment everyone arrived, you could tell this was going to be a fun one.

Tiffany’s daughter and Bri have known each other for years, so when Tiffany asked Bri to photograph their extended family, it was an immediate yes. Sessions like that always feel extra meaningful because there’s already a real connection before the camera even comes out.

And honestly, this family did not disappoint.

Bountiful Utah extended family photos at Bountiful Pond

We chose Bountiful Pond for the location because it offers such beautiful tall grasses, warm tones, and open space that works really well for larger family groups. It’s one of those Northern Utah spots that feels simple but photographs beautifully, especially during golden hour.

The warm light reflecting off the grasses gave the entire session a soft, glowing backdrop that worked perfectly for a big family group.

With extended family sessions, location matters a lot. You need space for large groupings, areas for smaller family combinations, and enough flexibility for kids to move around without feeling confined. Bountiful Pond checked all of those boxes.

Why extended family photos are always a little bit chaotic (and that’s okay)

If you’ve ever been part of an extended family photo session, you already know it rarely goes completely “quiet and posed.” And this session was no exception.

There was a lot of movement, a lot of laughter, and yes—plenty of booty shakes and silly jokes to get the kids smiling. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes sessions like this work.

Kids don’t always respond to stiff posing, but they do respond to energy, playfulness, and humor. Once everyone relaxed into it, the smiles came naturally, and the entire gallery started to feel more real and connected.

That’s what I love most about photographing big families. It’s never about perfection. It’s about capturing personality.

Bountiful Utah extended family photos filled with connection

Even with all the chaos and laughter, there were also really sweet, quiet moments throughout the session. Grandparents with grandkids, siblings catching up, and cousins playing together in the tall grass.

Those in-between moments are usually the ones families end up cherishing the most later on.

We worked through full group portraits first, then broke everything down into smaller family units so each branch of the family got their own space in the gallery. That structure helps keep extended sessions organized while still leaving room for natural interaction.

I photograph Bountiful Utah extended family photos, as well as sessions throughout Davis County, Salt Lake County, and surrounding Northern Utah areas. Bountiful Pond continues to be a favorite location for larger families because it feels open, warm, and easy to navigate.

This Koning family session was such a great reminder that extended family photos don’t have to feel stiff or overly serious to be meaningful. Sometimes the best images come from laughter, chaos, and a little bit of silliness in between poses.

If you’re planning an extended family session and want something that feels fun, relaxed, and genuinely connected, I’d love to help you plan it. Reach out through my contact page and let’s create something your whole family will love looking back on.