Some of the best reasons to schedule family photos aren’t found on a calendar—they’re found in life’s biggest milestones. That’s exactly what made the Wood family’s Farmington Utah extended family photos so meaningful.
Their entire family gathered before their oldest granddaughter, niece, and cousin left to serve a mission. It was the perfect opportunity to capture everyone together before a season of change began. As I photographed them, it was easy to see the love they have for one another. They are truly a beautiful family, both inside and out, and it was such a privilege to preserve this chapter of their story.
Extended family sessions like this are about more than updating the photos hanging on your wall. They’re about remembering what your family looked and felt like during an important moment in time.
Why I Love Farmington Utah Extended Family Photos
Farmington has some wonderful locations for large family sessions.
Whether you’re looking for open grassy areas, mature trees, mountain views, or soft evening light, there are several beautiful spots that photograph well throughout the year. One of the things I appreciate most is how easy these locations are for families with grandparents, young children, and large groups to navigate.
That’s one of the reasons I enjoy photographing Farmington Utah extended family photos. We can create a gallery with plenty of variety while keeping everyone comfortable and making the experience enjoyable for every generation.
When the location is simple and beautiful, the attention naturally stays on the people who matter most.
Mission Milestones Deserve to Be Remembered
Preparing to leave on a mission is an exciting time, but it’s also one of the busiest seasons for a family.
There are farewell gatherings, shopping trips, packing lists, and countless details to prepare before departure day arrives. Family portraits can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list, but I’m always so glad when families choose to make them a priority.
These photographs often become some of the most treasured images a family owns.
Parents have updated portraits before their missionary leaves home.
Siblings have new photos together.
Grandparents have every child and grandchild in one frame.
And missionaries often take copies of those family portraits with them as a reminder of home.
Those simple photographs become priceless over time.
Extended Family Sessions Don’t Have to Feel Overwhelming
Large family sessions sometimes sound intimidating, especially when you’re coordinating multiple households.
The good news is that they don’t have to feel stressful.
I guide families through the entire process, beginning with the full group while everyone is together. From there, we photograph each individual family, grandparents with grandchildren, siblings, cousins, and any additional combinations you’d like.
Having a plan allows the session to move efficiently while still leaving room for genuine smiles, laughter, and candid moments.
Those natural interactions often become some of my favorite images from the entire gallery.
There’s Never a Perfect Time—Only the Right Time
One thing I’ve learned after photographing families for years is that life never slows down.
There will always be another busy season.
Another schedule to coordinate.
Another reason to wait.
But families are constantly changing. Children grow, grandchildren arrive, missionaries leave, and milestones come and go faster than we expect.
That’s why I encourage families to document the season they’re in right now.
Years from now, you’ll never regret having these photographs.
Preserving Your Family’s Legacy
Photographing the Wood family was such a wonderful reminder that the greatest gift family photography offers isn’t perfect poses—it’s preserving relationships.
As a photographer serving Farmington, Layton, Kaysville, Davis County, and surrounding Northern Utah communities, I love helping families celebrate the milestones that bring everyone together.
If you’re planning Farmington Utah extended family photos, whether for a mission farewell, family reunion, anniversary, or simply because everyone will finally be in the same place, I’d love to help create portraits your family will treasure for generations.
Abi is a Davis County photographer, wife, and mom of two who has always been a creative at heart. She loves capturing the love, light, emotion, and relationships that make each family unique, while making her clients feel beautiful and cared for.
She specializes in family, newborn, kids and baby photography, and headshots throughout Davis County and Northern Utah. Abi would also love to travel for your session.
August 30, 2026
Abi Kennard
