A Cozy Daybreak Family Session | Family Photographer South Jordan
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 9 MINUTES
One of my absolute favorite things about being a Utah family photographer is getting to see the same families again and again. It fills me with so much joy every time a familiar name pops into my inbox because it means I get to watch your story grow. I’ll never get over the privilege of documenting your milestones, your changes, your little humans growing into big personalities, and all the love that stays constant in between.
And this sweet family? They’re one of those clients for me. We’ve done portraits, headshots, engagements, boudoir, maternity, newborn photos… you name it. So when they reached out for updated family photos here in South Jordan, I practically squealed. It had been about two years since our last full family session, and let me tell you… watching their little guy grow? Heart-melting.
Choosing the Perfect Daybreak Location for Utah Family Photos
For this session, we chose one of my absolute favorite hidden-gem parks in the Daybreak (South Jordan) area. Normally I would go to Daybreak Lake, but this particular park gave us:
- A peaceful pond with calm water
- A charming dock
- A beautiful bridge
- Soft, tall grasses for that warm, dreamy texture
- Cozy wood seating
- Large natural rocks perfect for sitting and snuggling
- Open spaces with plenty of room for playing, posing, and special moments
One walk around this little pocket of Daybreak and you can easily see why it’s perfect for annual family photos.
“Mini” Family Session
Starting at $150
- Perfect for holiday cards!
- Session is 10 minutes
- 15 edited images
- $75 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
“Full” Family Session
Starting at $325
- Less than 10 people
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
“Extended” Family Session
Starting at $450
- 10+ people
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 70+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Their Perfectly Coordinated Outfits
Let’s talk styling — because this family nailed it.
Mom and son wore matching-but-not-too-matching green vests paired with light-colored long sleeve shirts. Dad complemented them with a cozy neutral sweater that tied everything together without competing. The textures looked beautiful in the tall grass, and the tones popped just right against the water.
If you’ve ever worked with me before, you already know my stance on outfits:
PLEASE don’t show up looking like a 90s JC Penney catalog.
(Unless that is the intentional vibe you want, in which case, commit to the bit!)
This family got it just right: coordinated, cohesive, comfortable, and timeless. A modern, elevated version of “matching” that looks good in every setting we wandered through.
Capturing All the Combinations
Because this family and I have photographed everything together over the years, it always feels like we fall seamlessly into a rhythm. They know my flow, I know theirs, and sessions become this beautiful blend of posing + play.
We moved through the different areas around the park, capturing:
- Full family photos
- Mother/son portraits
- Father/son portraits
- Solo shots of their kiddo
- Couples photos of mom and dad (my favorite!!)
As always, I make sure to capture a mix of smiling-at-the-camera shots, candid moments, walking and movement-based prompts, and a little sprinkling of nostalgia. Their son especially loved spinning around on the grass field, so we incorporated that into his solos.
Why I Always Insist on Solo Shots of Children
Every single family session I do includes solo photos of each child, no exceptions. Why? Because these are the photos that remind you just how quickly time passes.
Kids change SO much from age to age. You blink and suddenly they’re taller, their smile looks a little different, their cheeks aren’t as round, and their personalities shift in the sweetest ways. Solo portraits freeze a moment of who they are right now. Parents always thank me later for insisting on these.
And While We’re at It… Parents Need Solo Shots Too
Now let’s be honest: when I suggest solo shots of the parents, I often get a “lol absolutely not.”
But here’s the thing: You deserve photos of yourselves, too.
You deserve a gorgeous updated portrait: something you can use for LinkedIn, something to gift each other, something to see yourself outside the chaos of parenthood. These are always optional, but I find that my clients are very happy to have taken a minute or two to get some extra shots.
The Must-Have Shot Every Family Forgets
Here’s the grouping I will insist on every single time: Parents together. Just the two of you.
No kids.
No distractions.
Just a moment to reconnect.
These are always some of the most meaningful photos from a session especially for parents who haven’t had couples photos taken since their wedding, or since before their child was born.
I often hear things like:
“We don’t need those.”
“We don’t have anyone to watch the kids.”
“We’ll do that next time.”
Nope, we’re doing it now. Even if it’s just five minutes.
If you have toddlers or little ones who need supervision, I highly encourage bringing a trusted friend or family member along just for that short window. Those five minutes give you time to breathe, reset, and be seen as a couple again. A reminder that before you were “mom and dad,” you were two people who really loved each other.
And for this family? These might have been my favorite photos of the entire session.
We even recreated a few poses from their engagement session years ago. Watching them smile the exact same smile, but now as parents who have built a whole life together? Whew. That’s the good stuff.
Why South Jordan Is Amazing for Family Photos
If you live in or near South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Draper, or Salt Lake City, you’re surrounded by some of the best family photo locations in Utah. Daybreak especially offers:
- Easy walkability with safe, quiet parks
- Water features and play areas
- Clean, simple architecture mixed with nature
- Lots of variety without needing to drive between spots
It allows for short, relaxed sessions with tons of backgrounds, great for little ones who get bored quickly.
As a family photographer serving Utah communities, I’m always scouting out places that feel natural, accessible, and comfortable. This cozy Daybreak park checks every box.
The Magic of Working With Repeat Clients
When I say I love my repeat clients… I mean I LOVE my repeat clients. It is the biggest compliment ever to be invited back into your lives year after year. I get to see your stories unfold. I get to meet your babies, your pets, your milestones. I get to watch your kids grow and your relationships deepen.
And because we’ve worked together so many times, everything flows effortlessly:
- You trust me
- I know your family’s dynamic
- The kids feel comfortable
- We can recreate meaningful moments
- I get to document your growth over time
Thinking About Booking Family Photos in South Jordan?
Whether you schedule a session every year or every few years, family photos become a legacy. They’re something your children will look back on when they’re older. Here’s why annual (or semi-annual!) family photos are worth it:
- Kids grow fast
- Family dynamics change and evolve
- Your style changes
- Your relationships deepen
- You deserve to exist in your family’s memories
- These seasons are fleeting, even when they feel long
- Photos become heirlooms
Comparing Your Family Over The Years
Here’s an example of how much your family can change over time, especially when you have little ones:
2023 FAMILY PHOTOS
2025 FAMILY PHOTOS
Why Choose Me as Your Utah Family Photographer
If you’re looking for a photographer who will:
- Make your family feel comfortable while capturing both posed & candid joy
- Keep sessions stress-free, upbeat, and fun
- Help with outfit planning and scout beautiful locations
- Document your family’s REAL personality and value connection over perfection
- Cheer you on through every milestone
…then I’m your girl. I’m passionate about giving families photos they genuinely love. Photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about preserving the way your life looks right now.
And if you’re in South Jordan or anywhere in the Salt Lake City area, I’d love to help you capture your family’s season of life in a joyful, warm, natural way.
Ready to Book Your Family Session Near Daybreak?
Let’s capture your milestone with family pictures, no matter how big or small. Head to my contact form, tell me a bit about your family, and let’s create magic together. I can’t wait to photograph your story.
