Capturing Love & Connection | Cottonwood Canyon Family Session
Tucked at the base of the breathtaking peaks of Cottonwood Canyon in Utah, this family session was all about connection—those real, tender moments that remind us what matters most. With the crisp mountain air, the scent of pine trees, and golden light streaming through the evergreens, everything about the evening felt peaceful and intentional.
This wasn’t just any family session—it was a deeply meaningful one. A beautiful family of four was joined by two of their closest loved ones: Dad’s brother and Mom’s sister, who just so happen to be married to each other. That special connection added a layer of warmth and togetherness that made the entire session feel like more than just a photo shoot—it felt like a celebration of love, family, and shared roots.
As a Northern California family photographer who loves to travel to Utah a few times a year, I live for sessions like this. The natural beauty of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon is stunning year-round, but it’s the way families come alive here—breathing a little deeper, holding each other a little closer—that turns beautiful light into meaningful memories.
We wandered under towering pine trees, letting the kids explore and the adults settle into the rhythm of being together. From joyful play to quiet embraces, every interaction told its own story. There was laughter, soft glances, anticipation on what was next, and excitement to have the family dog join us for laughs—but also there was a stillness. Hand-holding between partners. A gentle forehead kiss. A proud glance from a parent soaking in their family.
These are the kinds of moments I always want to bottle up—the ones that seem ordinary in the moment, but become extraordinary when you look back. That’s the magic of mountain family photography in Utah—the setting offers grandeur, but it’s the everyday love that shines the brightest.
One of the things that made this session especially touching was the sense that a new season of life was just around the corner. Maybe it’s the kids growing a little older, or the feeling of time moving faster than we’d like—but there was a quiet understanding that this moment, right here, was worth holding on to.
That’s what I aim to capture every time I photograph families in places like Cottonwood Canyon: not just how it looked, but how it felt. The stillness, the strength, the sweetness. The fleeting, beautiful now.
If you’re dreaming of a family session in the Utah mountains, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon offers a timeless, breathtaking setting to tell your story. Let’s capture the love, laughter, and connection that make your family unique—before the next chapter begins. Check out my travel dates to learn when I will be near you.
