Family photos don’t have to feel stressful or perfectly posed to create beautiful memories. Sometimes the best images come from the moments when everyone is laughing, being silly, and genuinely enjoying each other.
The Parker family’s Snowbasin family photos were the perfect example of that. This sweet family joined me for a mini session at Snowbasin Resort, and they brought so much personality with them. Samantha and her family were absolutely adorable, and I loved how willing they were to embrace the fun side of family photography.
They laughed, played, and fully leaned into the silly moments—which is exactly when the magic happens.
Why I Love Snowbasin Family Photos
Snowbasin Resort is one of my favorite locations for family portraits in Northern Utah because it offers so much variety in one place.
The mountain views, tall trees, open fields, and peaceful scenery create a beautiful backdrop for families of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a classic outdoor family portrait or something that feels more adventurous, Snowbasin provides a timeless setting.
One of my favorite things about Snowbasin family photos is that the location naturally encourages families to relax. Kids can explore, parents can interact naturally with their children, and we can capture a gallery that feels like your family—not just a series of posed smiles.
The Secret to Getting Genuine Smiles From Kids
One of the biggest questions parents ask before family photos is, “How do I get my kids to cooperate?”
My favorite answer is: make it fun.
A simple trick I recommend to parents is stopping by the dollar store before your session and letting your kids choose a small new toy. The key is to make it something they can earn throughout the shoot.
It doesn’t have to be a big reward. It just gives kids something exciting to look forward to and can help them stay engaged when they’re starting to get tired.
For the Parker family’s session, Samantha came prepared with fart putty, and it was the perfect choice. Her kids were laughing, playing, and having the best time. Those silly moments created the genuine smiles that make family photos feel authentic.
Why Play Creates Better Family Photos
Sometimes parents worry that their children aren’t being “good” during photos if they’re moving around or laughing too much.
But those moments are often exactly what we want.
The way siblings joke together.
The way kids laugh at something unexpected.
The way parents look at their children when they’re being themselves.
Those are the photographs families usually treasure the most.
My goal during every session is not just to capture everyone looking at the camera. It’s to capture the relationships that make your family unique.
Making Family Sessions Feel Less Stressful
The best family photos happen when everyone feels comfortable.
That means letting go of the idea that every child needs to sit perfectly still or smile on command. Instead, we focus on connection, movement, and enjoying the experience.
When kids feel like they’re playing instead of posing, their personalities naturally come through.
And when parents relax, kids usually follow their lead.
The Parker family was such a great reminder that the most memorable photos often come from the moments we didn’t plan.
Capturing Your Family Exactly As You Are
Photographing the Parker family at Snowbasin was such a joy. Their laughter, energy, and willingness to have fun made their session unforgettable.
As a photographer serving Ogden, Huntsville, Snowbasin, and surrounding Northern Utah communities, I love helping families create portraits that feel joyful, genuine, and full of personality.
If you’re planning Snowbasin family photos, don’t worry about having perfectly behaved kids or a perfectly planned session. Come ready to laugh, play, and make memories together. Those are the moments that create the photographs you’ll love for years.
Bri is a Utah photographer, wife, and mom of three who embraces the quirky, playful, and imperfect parts of life. Her artistic eye and passion for finding joy in the little things make her work feel authentic and full of personality.
She specializes in product, family, senior, and wedding photography throughout Davis County and Northern Utah, with a particular talent for bringing bath, beauty, and home products to life.
August 22, 2026
Brianna Siddoway
