Extended family sessions will always hold a special place in my heart, and this extended family photography North Ogden Utah session with the Rawlins family was one I won’t forget. We met at Cold Springs Trout Farm in North Ogden—a location I had never photographed at before, even though I grew up nearby—and it completely exceeded my expectations.

The setting was incredible. Between the ponds, mountain views, colorful fall leaves, and lush green grass, there was no shortage of beautiful backdrops. It gave us so much variety throughout the session without ever needing to leave one location.

Extended Family Photography North Ogden Utah with Meaningful Connections

This session came through a referral from a mutual friend, and even after more than a decade of photography, referrals still mean so much to me. There’s something really special about being trusted by someone enough that they send their friends and family your way.

From the moment I met the Rawlins family, I could tell this session was going to be full of love and connection. The kids were absolutely adorable, and I spent a good portion of the session being a little goofy behind the camera to get those genuine smiles—and it worked.

Creating a Comfortable Experience for Every Family Member

One part of this session that really stayed with me was working with the family’s grandpa, who is blind. Before the shoot, the family shared that it would mean a lot to them if I could help guide him to look as directly toward the camera as possible.

That required a little extra intention on my end. I wanted to give clear direction while still being thoughtful and not drawing unnecessary attention to him in a way that might feel uncomfortable.

It became an opportunity to slow down, communicate more carefully, and create an environment where everyone felt included and supported.

During extended family sessions like this, I focus on:

• Giving clear, gentle direction so everyone feels comfortable

• Watching for small moments of connection between family members

• Creating a relaxed environment, especially for kids

• Being patient and flexible for each individual’s needs

• Capturing a variety of groupings so no one is left out

These elements make such a difference in how the session feels for the family—and ultimately in the images we create together.

A Session Filled with Kindness and Connection

There were so many small moments during this session that made it meaningful. After we wrapped up, the grandpa kindly invited me to stay and have lunch with their family, which was incredibly thoughtful. I had to head home to my own kids, but it meant a lot to be included like that.

After delivering the gallery, I received the sweetest messages from the family. They expressed how much it meant to them that I was gentle and respectful while helping their dad during the session. They also mentioned my patience with one of the granddaughters who has autism.

That part especially hit close to home for me—my own son has autism, so supporting her during the session felt natural. It’s something I care deeply about, making sure every child (and every family member) feels safe, seen, and comfortable.

At the end of the day, extended family photography is about so much more than just getting everyone to look at the camera. It’s about capturing connection, creating a positive experience, and preserving moments that families will hold onto for years to come.

If you’re looking to document your extended family with care, patience, and intention, I would love to work with you. Reach out to Kylee Ann Studios to plan a session that captures the people who matter most.