If you've been thinking about booking a Salt Lake City family photography session or you're searching for a Sandy, Utah family photographer, you're probably wondering what the experience is actually like. Will your kids cooperate? What should everyone wear? What happens if your toddler refuses to smile?

The good news? That's exactly where I come in.

At Jenny Turk Photography, I believe your family session should feel relaxed, fun, and full of genuine connection—not stiff poses or stressful moments. My goal is to create an experience where your family can simply enjoy being together while I capture the beautiful moments that naturally unfold.

Whether we're exploring the mountains above Salt Lake City, wandering through a wildflower meadow in Sandy, or chasing golden light in one of Utah's breathtaking outdoor locations, here's exactly what you can expect from your family photography session.

A Relaxed Experience from Start to Finish

One of the biggest worries parents have before family photos is:

"What if my kids don't cooperate?"

Trust me—I photograph families every week, and I know kids.

Children don't need to be perfectly behaved to create beautiful images. In fact, some of the most meaningful photographs happen during the in-between moments—the giggles, cuddles, tickle fights, and spontaneous hugs.

Rather than expecting children to sit perfectly still, I encourage families to interact naturally. We'll laugh, play games, explore, and create authentic moments that truly reflect your family's personality. Keeping the atmosphere light helps children relax and results in genuine smiles instead of forced ones.

Planning Around Your Children's Schedule

For families with babies and toddlers, timing makes all the difference.

I always recommend scheduling your session after nap time whenever possible. Well-rested children are happier, more energetic, and much more likely to enjoy the experience.

It's also helpful to bring:

• Easy, non-messy snacks
• Water
• Small treats for encouragement
• A favorite toy or comfort item
• Any little thing that makes your child laugh

I even keep gummy bears on hand to help encourage smiles when needed! The goal is to make your children feel comfortable—not pressured.

What About Older Kids?

Teenagers and older children often worry more about family photos than little ones.

One of my favorite tips is letting them help choose what they'll wear. When they feel confident in their outfit, they naturally feel more relaxed in front of the camera.

I also recommend leaving phones and tablets in the car. Screens can become a distraction, making it harder for everyone to stay engaged during the session.

Instead, we'll keep things fun with conversation, jokes, movement, and plenty of opportunities for natural interaction.

How to Prepare Before You Arrive

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is preparing just a few minutes before you leave home.

Do a quick "kid check."

Make sure faces are clean, noses are wiped, and hair is brushed. Pack a small bag with baby wipes, tissues, and a hairbrush for last-minute touch-ups.

While every final image is professionally edited, these simple steps help everything go more smoothly during your session.

Choosing Outfits That Photograph Beautifully

One of the questions I receive most often as a Salt Lake City family photographer is:

"What should we wear?"

The answer is simpler than most people think.

Instead of matching exactly, choose outfits that coordinate with one another.

Think complementary colors, soft textures, and layers that add depth to your images.

Some of my favorite styling tips include:

• Layer cardigans, jackets, scarves, or vests during cooler months.
• Add jewelry, belts, or hats during warmer weather.
• Wear clothing that fits well.
• Start with one outfit you love, then build everyone else's around it.
• Shop your own closet before buying something new.

These simple choices help create timeless family portraits you'll love for years.

What to Avoid Wearing

Some clothing choices don't photograph as well outdoors.

For the best results, I recommend avoiding:

• Neon colors
• Large logos
• Busy graphics
• Matching identical outfits
• Solid black for everyone
• Solid white for everyone
• Colors that blend into your location (like bright green in a green meadow)

Instead, choose warm neutrals, earth tones, soft blues, creams, dusty pinks, sage greens, rust, camel, and textured fabrics that photograph beautifully in Utah's natural landscapes.

Dressing for Utah's Beautiful Seasons

One of the best parts about outdoor family photography in Utah is experiencing every season.

Spring Family Sessions

Think:

• Soft creams
• Blush pinks
• Sage greens
• Light florals
• Airy fabrics

These romantic tones complement blooming trees and wildflowers beautifully.

Summer Family Sessions

Choose:

• Linen fabrics
• Light neutrals
• Soft blues
• Flowing dresses
• Natural textures

Utah's summer evenings create gorgeous golden light that pairs perfectly with light, breathable clothing.

Fall Family Sessions

Autumn is one of the most popular times for family photography in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Rich colors like:

• Rust
• Camel
• Olive
• Cream
• Chocolate brown
• Warm mustard

look incredible against Utah's colorful mountain scenery. Layered clothing also adds wonderful depth and texture to your portraits.

Favorite Places to Shop for Family Photo Outfits

Need outfit inspiration?

Some of my favorite stores include:

• Old Navy
• H&M
• Zara
• Boden
• Gap
• Banana Republic
• Kindred & Crew

Each offers beautiful coordinating pieces that photograph wonderfully while keeping your family comfortable.

What Happens During the Session?

When your session begins, don't expect to stand perfectly still.

Instead, we'll:

• Walk together
• Hug
• Laugh
• Play games
• Snuggle your little ones
• Explore beautiful outdoor locations
• Capture candid moments between poses

Of course we'll take those classic smiling-at-the-camera portraits, but my favorite images are usually the authentic interactions in between.

These are the moments you'll treasure most years from now.

Why Utah is the Perfect Place for Outdoor Family Photography

Living in Utah means we're surrounded by incredible scenery.

As a Sandy, Utah family photographer, I love photographing families in locations throughout:

• Sandy
• Draper
• Salt Lake City
• Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Little Cottonwood Canyon
• Alpine
• American Fork Canyon
• Butterfield Canyon
• Highland
• Herriman
• Midway
• Heber Valley

From wildflowers to alpine lakes, golden grasses to colorful fall leaves, every season offers a stunning backdrop for timeless family portraits.

My Goal Is Simple

At the end of the day, I don't just want you to leave with beautiful photographs.

I want you to leave saying,

"That was actually fun."

Your family doesn't have to be perfect.

Your kids don't have to smile every second.

You don't need magazine-worthy outfits.

You simply need to show up ready to love on your family while I capture the moments that matter most. As my session guide reminds families, the most important goal is to relax, enjoy one another, and focus on genuine connection—because those authentic moments create the most meaningful photographs.

Ready to Book Your Utah Family Photography Session?

Book Here!

If you're looking for a Salt Lake City family photographer or a Sandy, Utah family photographer who creates a fun, relaxed experience and timeless outdoor portraits, I'd love to work with you.

Together we'll create beautiful images that tell your family's story against the stunning landscapes Utah has to offer—photos you'll proudly display in your home and treasure for generations.

*Click into each image to see full resolution of each photo

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