Some family photo sessions happen at an ordinary point in life. Others happen right before everything changes.
The Jensen family’s session at Rainbow Gardens Trailhead near Ogden was one of those especially meaningful sessions for me. Their son was just days away from leaving on his mission to Fiji, so we weren’t only taking updated family pictures—we were documenting their family right before they said goodbye.
As an Ogden family photographer, I loved being able to create photographs that will help this family hold onto this season while he’s away.
A Familiar Family With a New Photographer
The Jensen family has been KAS clients for a long time, but I had only recently joined the team.
They booked their session through our VA, and when we both realized that I was the photographer assigned to their session, we were all so excited about the coincidence.
The Jensens are members of my ward, so it was especially fun to have the opportunity to photograph them and get to know their family in a completely different setting.
Sometimes the best sessions are the ones where you already have that little connection before the camera even comes out.
Family Photos Before a Mission
When a family is preparing to send a missionary away, there is a lot happening emotionally.
There is excitement for what’s ahead, pride in the person they’re sending, and also the reality that someone they love will suddenly be very far away.
Because their son was leaving for Fiji just days after our session, I wanted to make sure we captured more than the standard family portraits.
I intentionally incorporated photographs of him with his parents and siblings, including some really sweet images of his parents hugging him.
Those photographs became some of the most meaningful images from the entire session.
Why These Photos Matter After the Goodbye
Julie later told me that these photographs have already been a comfort to their family because they miss him so much.
That is one of the most powerful things about family photography.
A photograph can’t replace someone being there.
But it can give you something tangible to hold onto when you wish they were.
When a son or daughter leaves for a mission, goes away to college, moves across the country, or starts a new chapter, photographs become a reminder of the people and relationships waiting for them at home.
Rainbow Gardens Family Photography
Rainbow Gardens Trailhead near Ogden gave us a beautiful natural setting for the session.
The greenery and mountain scenery created a timeless backdrop, but the real focus of these photographs was the family itself.
I always want family sessions to include a mixture of classic portraits and photographs that show the relationships between people.
For the Jensens, that meant capturing everyone together while also giving their missionary meaningful portraits with each of the people who will miss him most.
Photograph the Season You’re In
You don’t have to wait for a major milestone to schedule family photos.
But when a big transition is coming, I especially encourage families to take the time.
Your children will leave home.
Missionaries will serve and return.
Kids will grow.
Families will change.
You won’t get this exact version of your family back.
As an Ogden family photographer, I feel incredibly lucky when families trust me to document those moments. I’m especially grateful that these photographs could give the Jensen family some comfort while their son is serving in Fiji.
If you’re looking for family photography in Ogden, Weber County, or Northern Utah, I’d love to help you document your family exactly as it is in this season.
Cait is a Weber County photographer and mom of two who brings warmth, humor, and genuine kindness to every session. She loves helping even the camera-shy feel comfortable in front of the lens.
She specializes in family, newborn, kids and baby photography, headshots, personal branding, product photography, and real estate throughout Weber County and Northern Utah. When she’s not photographing, you’ll probably find her at home with a book club or working in basketball shorts.
September 14, 2026
Cait Montgomery
