Large Family Photos in the Fall: Capturing Beautiful Memories in Kaysville

There’s nothing quite like photographing families in Salt Lake City during the fall season. The Wasatch Mountains and nearby canyons explode with vibrant yellows, fiery reds, and warm oranges that create a breathtaking backdrop for timeless portraits. For large families, this season offers the perfect chance to gather everyone together and capture memories you’ll treasure for generations.

Whether your family includes three kids or thirty cousins, here are some tips (and insider secrets) for creating stunning fall family portraits in Utah.

Best Locations for Fall Family Photos in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is full of incredible fall foliage spots, but for large groups, a few stand out:

• Big Cottonwood Canyon – Wide open meadows surrounded by golden aspens, perfect for large family arrangements.

• Jordan Pines Campground – A classic mountain backdrop with plenty of space for kids to explore.

• Memory Grove Park – Close to downtown with tree-lined paths and colorful foliage.

• Ensign Peak Trails – Scenic overlooks with sweeping valley views framed by autumn tones.

When planning a session for a large family, open spaces are key. They allow for creative posing and give little ones room to move without feeling crowded.

Timing Matters

Fall colors in Salt Lake City typically peak between late September and mid-October, depending on elevation. To capture the best light and colors, schedule sessions during golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—when the sunlight is warm and flattering.

Posing Large Families with Ease

Photographing a large group doesn’t have to be stressful. A few tips I use during sessions:

• Anchor the group by starting with parents or grandparents, then build outward.

• Group by family units so everyone feels connected.

• Create variety by using different levels (standing, seated, children in laps).

• Encourage candid moments—laughter, hugs, and even playful leaf tossing bring out genuine expressions.

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

With nature already providing a colorful backdrop, clothing should complement—not compete. I recommend:

• Earthy and neutral tones like creams, tans, denim, olive, and gray.

• Accent colors like mustard, burgundy, or rust to tie the group together.

• Simple patterns or solids that won’t distract in group shots.

The Magic of Details

Some of the best images come from smaller moments: siblings sharing a laugh, cousins running through leaves, or parents stealing a quiet glance. While we always capture the “everyone together” portrait, these smaller groupings and candid moments add depth and personality to your session.

Book Your Fall Family Session Before the Leaves Are Gone 🍂

Fall in Utah is breathtaking—but it doesn’t last long. The window for peak colors in Salt Lake City is just a few short weeks, and large family sessions book up quickly.

📸 If you’ve been thinking about scheduling large family photos in Salt Lake City, now is the time! Whether you’re planning a multi-generational shoot or simply want updated portraits of your crew, I’d love to create beautiful, timeless images for you.

👉 Contact me today to reserve your session before the fall colors fade! 

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