There are few places that bring families together quite like Bear Lake. Whether it’s an annual vacation, a long-awaited reunion, or simply a weekend away, Garden City has become a favorite gathering place for families from all over the West. That’s one of the reasons I love photographing Garden City extended family photos.
As a photographer serving Bear Lake and Southern Idaho, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful these sessions become. They aren’t just about getting everyone to smile at the camera—they’re about documenting an entire season of your family’s story while everyone is together.
Why Garden City Is Perfect for Extended Family Photos
Garden City offers some of the best scenery around Bear Lake.
From the shoreline and mountain views to open parks and quiet beaches, there are countless locations that create beautiful, timeless portraits. The relaxed pace of a family vacation also helps everyone enjoy the experience instead of feeling rushed.
One of the biggest advantages of scheduling Garden City extended family photos during your vacation is convenience. Everyone is already together, making it much easier than coordinating multiple schedules throughout the year.
My Approach to Large Family Sessions
Photographing extended families doesn’t have to feel chaotic.
I always begin with the entire family while everyone’s attention is fresh. Then we work through grandparents with grandchildren, individual family units, siblings, cousins, and any special combinations that are important to your family.
By keeping the session organized and relaxed, families can spend more time enjoying each other and less time worrying about what comes next.
Photos That Become Family Heirlooms
Extended family portraits often become the photographs that are treasured most.
Years from now, they’ll remind you of who was there, what your family looked like, and the relationships that mattered during this season of life.
As a photographer serving Garden City, Bear Lake, Preston, and surrounding communities, I love helping families preserve those memories with images that will be enjoyed for generations.
If you’re planning Garden City extended family photos, I’d love to help tell your family’s story.
Regie is a Preston photographer, wife, mom of two, and middle school teacher who has been photographing people for nearly a decade. She brings a calm, genuine approach to every session and loves making people feel comfortable and cared for.
She specializes in weddings, families, newborns, extended families, and senior portraits throughout Preston, Cache Valley, Logan, Franklin County, and Bear Lake. When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll find her hunting, planning, reading, or enjoying mountain adventures with her family.
August 19, 2026
Regie Carter
