You don’t always need to drive to three different locations to get a varied family photo gallery.

Sometimes, you just need a location with a little variety built into it.

For Kathryn and Taylor’s family session at Rainbow Trailhead along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Ogden, Utah, we were able to create completely different looks simply by turning in different directions.

Their baby girl was only a month old, and their beautiful dog, Potato, came along for the photos too. It was such a sweet little family to photograph.

Look for Locations With More Than One Background

When I’m choosing a location for family photos, I love finding places that give us options.

At Rainbow Trailhead, we had the trail in one direction and tall golden grasses in another.

The backgrounds looked so different that the final gallery feels like we photographed in multiple locations, even though we stayed in the same general area.

That kind of variety is especially helpful when you’re photographing a family with a young baby. You don’t necessarily want to spend the session loading everyone into the car and driving from place to place.

A versatile location lets us keep things simple.

Use the Trail for One Look

Trails are great for family photos because they give us natural leading lines and a sense of depth.

We can walk along the trail, stop for a few portraits, and let the family interact naturally.

It also gives us something to do, which can make photos feel less posed.

With a little baby, that flexibility is important. We can slow down, take breaks, and move at a comfortable pace without worrying about getting to another location.

Then Turn Around for Something Completely Different

The tall grasses at Rainbow Trailhead created an entirely different look.

Instead of the more structured trail, we had a wide, soft background that put the family front and center.

This is one of my favorite things to look for when scouting outdoor family photo locations.

You don’t necessarily need a dramatic landmark.

A change in texture, color, light, or background can be enough to make the photos feel completely different.

Don’t Underestimate a Simple Background

Tall grass, open fields, trees, and trails might not sound exciting on their own.

But when you combine them with beautiful light and a family interacting naturally, they can create some of the best photos in the gallery.

Simple backgrounds also help keep the attention on the people.

For a family with a brand-new baby, I don’t want the scenery to compete with those tiny details. I want you to notice the baby’s face, the way Mom is holding her, Dad looking down at her, and all those little pieces you’ll want to remember later.

Bring the Whole Family — Including the Dog

And yes, that includes the dog.

Potato was such a beautiful, well-behaved part of Kathryn and Taylor’s family, so of course she needed to be included.

If your dog is part of your family, I want them in the photos.

You don’t have to have your dog in every single image. We can take some photos with them, then give them a little break while we focus on the people.

A location with room to move around makes that much easier.

A One-Month-Old Changes the Pace

Photographing a baby who is only a month old means we aren’t going to rush.

We can take our time, pause for feeding or soothing, and follow the baby’s lead.

That is another reason I love having multiple backgrounds within one location. We can create variety without making the session complicated.

You don’t have to choose between beautiful photos and keeping the experience comfortable for your newborn.

We can have both.

Choosing a Family Photo Location in Ogden

If you’re looking for family photos in Ogden, Utah, don’t feel like you need to find the most impressive location possible.

Instead, look for a place with variety.

A trail and an open field.

Trees and tall grass.

A little architecture and an open space.

A location with different textures and backgrounds can give you a much more varied gallery than you might expect.

Rainbow Trailhead was perfect for Kathryn, Taylor, their new baby girl, and Potato because we could create several different looks without ever needing to leave the area.

If you’re planning family photos and aren’t sure where to go, reach out to me, Cait. I can help you choose a location that gives us plenty of variety while still keeping your session relaxed and enjoyable.

Cait Montgomery

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.

kyleeannphotography.com/cait