Baby Shower Gift Guide 

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of newborn sessions. I absolutely LOVE capturing your sweet new babes and the special glow of new mamas + dadas together. And even though I have a 9 month old, it’s giving me all the baby fever. So in the spirit of baby love, I’m rounding up all of my best ideas for baby gifts you (and your friends) will obsess over. 

Newborn family picture session. Newborn pictures

My Top 5 Favorite Baby Shower Gifts 

All of my favorite baby gifts follow the same formula – it combines something practical with something fun! As a mom of 3, I know how important the useful registry item gifts are AND I know how much fun it is to pick out something cute for your friends. 

Collage of newborn pictures.

  1. Diaper caddy stuffed with diapers, wipes, a cute swaddle and some fun late night feeding snacks for mom! 
  2. Bathtime favorites: the necessary soaps and lotions plus a cute towel. I still cannot get over this little infant robe I saw at Target the other day. 
  3. Any ‘boring’ registry item (infant’s tylenol, baby thermometer, diapers, you get the gist) and a cute new outfit. 
  4. Bottles + burp rags and a gift card to mom’s favorite restaurant so she doesn’t have to make dinner. 
  5. A family picture session to capture all of those special newborn moments! This is a great group gift that people can contribute to that mom will LOVE. Your newborn family pictures will last long beyond the diaper years to be cherished forever. 

Daddy + baby family picture poses. Mom + baby newborn family picture poses.

How do I book my Newborn Family Photo Session? 

I would LOVE to take pictures of your growing family!  If you’re interested in shooting with me, you can reach out to me here and we will get a time set up. I usually like to shoot within 2 weeks of baby’s birth to make sure we get all of the beautiful tiny baby details! 

utah newborn family pictures Baby shower ideas including newborn family pictures.

Some of my FAVORITE Newborn Sessions 

Family Pictures at Utah State Capitol

Spring is right around the corner which means it’s time to start booking family pictures at the Utah State Capitol. This location boasts gorgeous pink cherry blossoms, gorgeous green lawns and the State Capitol in the background.

Family pictures at the Utah State Capitol with cherry blossoms.

Why you’ll LOVE taking family pictures at the Utah State Capitol

This location has it ALL. From gorgous pink cherry blossoms, a white gravel path, sprawling green lawns and stunning white architecture in the back, there is something for everyone here.

Taking cherry blossom family pictures in the early spring is one of my favorites. I love how the location contributes a soft and airy light to your photos, giving you a beautiful edit that will shine on the walls of your home (or your instagram page). The pictures captured here are often my client’s very favorites.

A family of four taking family pictures in Utah. A collage of 3 family pictures at the Utah state capitol.

What should I wear to family pictures at the cherry blossoms?

The Utah Capitol is such a dreamy location for Spring family pictures and I love to lean into the theme! Soft spring colors work SO WELL here. I often recommend my families wear something that will compliment the backdrop but won’t blend in. Tans, blues, greens, and even whites look incredible here. Or, if you’re feeling funky, we can even make brighter pops of color look fabulous too.

Family and couple photography with cherry blossoms in Utah.

How do I book my cherry blossom family pictures? 

The cherry blossoms at the Utah Capitol are hugely popular for family pictures every year! Because of that, I like to offer mini sessions so multiple families can get their pictures here. I will be opening up those sessions on my Instagram with more instructions on how to book soon – follow along to make sure you don’t miss it! I CANNOT WAIT to capture your family here this year.

It would be an honor to take your family pictures this year! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

Other Utah family picture locations to check out:

Family, Mona Lavender Fields

March 11, 2024

Family

Mona Lavender Fields Family Pictures

It’s that time of year again! I’m opening my books for mini sessions at the STUNNING Mona Lavender Fields. If you’re interested in booking a time slot, please reach out to me on Instagram and we will get you set up.

A family standing in the middle of the mona lavender fields.

Why you NEED to get family pictures at the Lavender Fields

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – this is one of the prettiest backdrops for family pictures in Utah. I am obsessed with the way natural light bounces off the mountains to combine with the vibrant purples and greens of the Mona Lavender Fields, giving your photos the dreamiest hues ever.

But beyond that – look how this utah family picture location can absolutely make your family SHINE. While the landscape is unreal, it isn’t big or bulky in a way that would distract from what matters most – you. In fact, it stands back and looks pretty while letting your adorable group be the star of the show.

Family pictures at the Mona lavender fields. Children's photography in the lavender fields. Utah family photographer at the lavender fields in Mona.

What should I wear to Family Pictures in a Lavender Field?

Good question! Because the Lavender Fields in Mona are so vibrant on their own, I love to keep outfits simple. Pastels, neutrals or earth tones are my favorite family picture color schemes at this Utah location.

I mean, can you even believe how pretty the pastel blue, green and beige combo worked here? UNREAL.

Couple's photography Mona Lavender Fields. Family pictures at the Mona lavender fields.

How do I book my family pictures at the Lavender Fields?

Because the Mona Lavender Fields charge photographers for sessions at their Utah location, I like to schedule mini sessions here to make it the most cost effective for my clients! I am currently taking interest for this location over on my Instagram account. Once I know how many families are hoping to snag pictures here this year, I will open up mini sessions for purchase with more instructions on how to book. I CANNOT WAIT to capture your family here this year.

Collage of family pictures at the Mona lavender fields. Mom and child pictures at lavender fields. Daddy daughter family pictures.

I would love to take your family pictures this year! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

Other Utah Family Picture Locations to Love:

Family, Saltair

November 20, 2023

Family

Couples Photo Shoot at Saltair 

I love capturing families at every stage! So when my brother asked me to take pictures of him and my new sister-in-law,  I immediately said yes! It was SO much fun to capture their excitement and love. So couples, here’s your reminder: you don’t need to have kids to take family pictures! Book a couples photo shoot  – I promise you won’t regret capturing this moment in your little family. 

Thankfully my brother let me talk him into shooting at Saltair and HOLY SMOKES it showed off! A vast expanse of white met a GORGEOUS sunset to create a seriously ethereal setting for their couples pictures. 

A couple's photo shoot at Saltair. Utah family photographer. Saltair couple photo shoot.

I would love to capture your family at any stage! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

Family, Newborn

November 13, 2023

Family

Utah Family Pictures at Mona Lavender Fields

There are so many gorgeous locations in Utah to take family pictures. But the lavender fields in Mona are quickly becoming my favorite! The perfect summer family picture location, I am still dreamily reminiscing on this shoot months later!

The lavender fields absoluely shine during the summer – bursting into various shades of purples and blues, they offer the dreamiest backdrop for every family. Plus, lavender is a naturally soothing scent, creating a sense of calm during your session, which, let’s be honest, is a welcome addition when you’re taking family pictures with kids.

And speaking of kids, can you even handle these precious brothers???

Outdoor Newborn Family Pictures

Most of the time, parents request an indoor newborn session, so when the Carter family wanted to do a newborn family picture session at the Mona lavender fields I was ALL about it. Seriously – if you’ve been considering an outdoor newborn session, let this be your sign:

Lavender filed family pictures. Utah family photographer mona lavender fields. A collage of family pictures at Mona Lavender fields.

I would love to take your family pictures! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

More Family Pictures to Gush Over

Fall family pictures may be in full swing, but I’m still dreaming about all of the gorgeous Summer family pictures I took. Like, are we kidding?! These pictures from Big Springs are serious family picture goals.

A summer family picture at big springs done by the best utah photographer. Collage of lifestyle family pictures done by utah photographer. Family pictures at Big springs, utah.

Being a Utah photographer has serious perks.

  1. You get to shoot in seriously jaw-dropping locations like Big Springs. The green? The mountains? It is seriously the perfect backdrop for your family.
  2. You get to work with the absolute freaking cutest families out there.

Summer family picture outfit inspo.

Family pictures at big springs.

Working with this family was such a dream (maybe one of my favorite shoots to date?). The way they interacted with each other was just so fun! I mean, just LOOK at these cute sibling shots. Oh, and the shots of mom + dad. Gah, they’re all so good, right?!?!

Sibling family picture pose ideas. Sibling family picture pose ideas. Mom + dad family picture poses.

What to wear for Summer Family Pictures

And on top of that, I love what they wore. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to wear for your Summer family pictures in Utah, take another look at their choices! I love that they stuck with muted colors that worked with their green background, rather than clashing or blending into it!  When choosing your summer family picture outfits, choose something that will stand out from your location but won’t look out of place. I recommend blues, pinks, whites, and light oranges for a pretty green background like this!

utah family photographer | Big springs. utah family photographer | Big springs. kid portraits. Lifestyle family picture shoot.

I would love to take your family pictures! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

More Family Pictures to Gush Over

Family, Lifestyle Family, Locations, Mommy + Me

September 15, 2023

Family

Even though Summer is almost over (hi, fall, can’t wait!) I just HAD to show you this *stunning* American Fork family pictures from a couple of weeks ago.

American fork family pictures. Summer family picture session in American fork. American fork family pictures. Summer family picture session in American fork.

Summer Family Pictures | American Fork

First, I just die over how cute this family is. As a Utah family photographer, the thing I love the very most about my job is meeting your family and getting to spend time capturing your unique love and relationships!

The thing I love the second most is squeezing smiles out of your littles. Are we kidding with that grin and baby’s big beautiful brown eyes?! Being a family photographer is seriously the best gig out there.

American fork family pictures. Summer family picture session in American fork.

Daddy + me family pictures in American Fork. Mommy + child family pictures in american fork.

Next, let’s talk this gorgeous location – it’s the best place for American Fork family pictures! This spot is gorgeous year-round and one of my go-to spots. I especially love this little grove in the Summer because the greens and tans are just unbeatable.

American fork family pictures. Summer family picture session in American fork.

I would love to take your family pictures! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

More Family Pictures Sessions You’ll Love

 

Family, Locations, Saltair

September 8, 2023

Family

Earlier this summer, one of my clients reached out and asked if she could book a Saltair family picture session for her friend. Her friend had recently recieved a heartbreaking diagnosis and she wanted to give them the gift of family pictures, to capture their family as it is right now.

Giving family pictures is truly one of the most thoughtful things I’ve ever heard of.

We settled on doing a Saltair family picture session. And wow, did Saltair really show off! It was such a gorgeous night and a beautiful honor to capture these moments. I loved working with this family and helping them freeze their relationships through my lens. Spending time with this precious trio as they face something so hard was such a beautiful privilege. And can you even handle baby girl and her curls and chunky thighs?

I am always so grateful every time you trust me to capture your family, but wow, this session of family pictures at Saltair reminded me why family photos – why family – is so important. Thank you for letting me get to know you. Thank you for including me in your lives. And thank you for letting me watch your family and your love grow. It’s not something I take forgranted.

I would love to take your family pictures at Saltair! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

More Utah Family Picture Sessions You’ll Love

Family

August 22, 2023

Family

Newborn Family Pictures 

Hey mama, I’m so glad you’re here! If you’re looking for tips on how to feel confident and look like the radiant lady you are in your newborn or postpartum family pictures, I’ve got you. In fact, I’m right there with you! 

As you may have heard, we just welcomed our third baby back in July! I know how stressful it can be to find outfits for you & all of your kiddos for family pictures. Especially when you’ve just spent nine months being pregnant. So here are my top 3 tips for dressing your postpartum body to help you feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera during this exciting time of life! 

In-home lifestyle newborn family photos. Mama is in a postpartum friendly outfit.

Tip 1: Dress yourself first. 

Finding coordinating family picture outfits is hard. But the hardest person to dress is always you – the mama! Don’t leave your outfit for last. Pick something you love first and then dress your family around you! This will take a lot of pressure off of finding the “perfect” dress or shirt that fits with what you already bought your 3 year old. Dress yourself first! 

In-home newborn family picture session. Mama dressed in postpartum friendly outfit with family in coordinated outfits.

Tip 2: Trend toward flowy. 

Flowy blouses or dresses can help you feel confident by floating over your body without emphasizing anything that you don’t want emphasized. Postpartum bodies take time to heal and usually don’t bounce back to their pre-pregnancy condition right away. You can absolutely wear something fitted if you’d like, but I’ve found it harder to feel confident in my new body when clothes are clinging to my every inch (and when hormones are insane and I need something more breathable). I personally like to wear dresses, because they feel the most like me. But you can definitely make pants work too – just make sure the waistband isn’t too tight or you’ll be uncomfortable during your entire session & we don’t want that. 

In-home newborn family pictures. Newborn picture with his dad. Newborn with toddler sibling picture.

Tip 3: Bonus points if it’s nursing friendly. 

If you’re nursing, choose something that is nursing friendly! This will allow you to easily feed baby during our session if need be (and I can snag some good pictures of that special bond if you’d like)!

In-home newborn family photography session. Lifestyle family photo with 3 kids.

I would love to take your newborn family pictures! If you’re interested in shooting with me, please reach out to me here or follow along with my work on Instagram.

More Newborn Sessions You’ll Love

Family

August 18, 2023

Family

Welcoming our Newborn

Hey friends! In case you missed it, we welcomed our newborn baby into our family this July. Jameson is absolute perfection and we are all smitten and in love with him! 

Newborn picture announcing birth. Baby name announcement plaque.

You may have noticed that things have been a little slower around here. We’re taking time to just soak in this fleeting newborn season as we adjust to being a family of 5! Thank you for sticking around while I enjoy a slight maternity leave with my littles.  

Fresh 48 newborn hospital photography of parents and newborn baby. Newborn family pictures at the hosptial. Kids meeting new baby at hospital.

An Update on Maternity Leave

But don’t worry – I haven’t forgotten about you or your need for Fall family pictures (or newborns, or maternity pictures)! I’ll be returning to work August 26th, although my availability will be more limited than it has in previous years. 

In-home newborn family photography session. Lifestyle family photo with 3 kids.

If you’re interested in booking a session with me, please reach out ASAP as my time slots are filling quickly. You can contact me through the form on my website or through my instagram

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