Sandy Family Photographer Capturing Real Life, Not Just Poses
Think about the last time someone actually printed a family photo. Not a screenshot, not a group text thread full of blurry candids, an actual photo you could hold. If it’s been a while, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly the gap I love filling as a Sandy family photographer.
I’m not interested in stiff rows and forced smiles. I want the real version of your family: the toddler mid-giggle, the teenager who finally let their guard down, the way your husband looks at your kids when he thinks the camera’s pointed somewhere else. Those are the images you’ll actually keep coming back to.
Family Pictures That Feel Like You
No two families interact the same way, and your photos shouldn’t look like they could belong to anyone else. My goal is to capture the little moments that already exist between you while also making time for the classic portraits you’ll frame and treasure for years.
Whether your family consists of you, your partner, and an energetic pup, a couple of busy toddlers, or several generations gathering together, every session is tailored to fit your people. Smaller groups have plenty of room to slow down and simply enjoy being together, while larger family sessions are organized enough to keep everyone on track without feeling rushed or overly posed. I’ve photographed everything from intimate family sessions to big extended family reunions, so you can relax knowing I’ll guide everyone through the process and make sure you leave with photos everyone will love.
Karisa did amazing capturing our family! While our family can be somewhat awkward she made us feel comfortable during the shoot. She got our images to us very quickly as well. Thanks again, we will for sure reach out for future needs!
CHELSEA C, GOOGLE REVIEW
“Mini” Family Session
Starting at $150
Perfect for holiday cards!
- Session is 10 minutes
- 15 edited images
- $75 non-refundable retainer to book
- Remainder due 2 days before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
“Full” Family Session
Starting at $325
For families of 10 or less!
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable retainer to book
- Remainder due 2 days before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
“Extended” Family Session
Starting at $450
Perfect for reunions or large groups!
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 70+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable retainer to book
- Remainder due 2 days before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
How a Sandy Session With Me Works
I want you walking into session day already knowing what to expect, no surprises, no guesswork.
We find a location that actually fits. Sandy and the surrounding area has a surprising range of backdrops for a suburb, from mountain trailheads to quiet neighborhood parks, and I’ll help you pick the one that matches your family’s vibe and your kids’ patience level.
We aim for candid over stiff. I’ll direct just enough to get everyone settled, then step back and let the real moments happen. The tickle fight, the inside joke, the “okay, actually one more” that ends up being the shot everyone loves.
We build the schedule around your real life. Nap windows, after-school pickup, the toddler meltdown hour, I get it. Sessions are scheduled with actual family logistics in mind, not the other way around.
We keep the whole thing low stress. Whether it’s a short session with a squirmy newborn or a longer afternoon with the whole extended family, my goal is for the process to feel easy, not like another item on your to-do list.
Karisa was great to work with! My husband and I have two little boys who do not hold still at all, but she did a great job working with us and capturing sweet moments of our family. She was also great with communication, punctuality, and quick turn-around of our pictures. We’ll definitely be using her services again for our family.
KRISTEN V, GOOGLE REVIEW
Best Family Photo Spots in Sandy, Utah
Part of what I love about shooting in Sandy is knowing exactly which trail catches the evening light and which park has enough open space for kids to run wild between shots. A few of my favorite Sandy locations:
Dimple Dell Regional Park: A sprawling natural preserve with rolling hills, mature trees, and quiet trails that give photos an unpolished feel. Great for families who want something less manicured than a typical park.
Bells Canyon Trail: Mountain scenery, tree cover, and a bit of an adventure feel for families who love the outdoors and don’t mind a short walk to the right spot.
Storm Mountain Park: A great location for relaxed family photos with plenty of space for playful moments for the kids.
In-home and studio sessions: For newborns, small children, or families who’d rather stay cozy at home, I also offer in-home sessions right in your living room, plus studio sessions when Utah weather doesn’t cooperate.
Not sure which Sandy spot fits your family best? That’s exactly what we’ll figure out together before session day. I also photograph families throughout the greater Salt Lake Valley and along the Wasatch Front.
Growing Your Family? I’d Love to Document It
Whether you just found out you’re expecting, you’re counting down the final weeks, or you’re soaking in those first sleepy newborn days, I want to help you capture every stage of this season.
I offer maternity photography for expecting parents, couples, and families getting ready to welcome someone new. Once your baby arrives, I offer baby-led newborn photography focused on those tiny, fleeting details and the love your family already shares.
If you’re planning ahead, ask about booking your maternity and newborn sessions together, or check out my dedicated maternity photography and newborn photography pages for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do sessions happen? Wherever fits your family best, whether that’s one of my favorite Sandy parks and trails, your own home, or in a studio environment when the weather won’t cooperate. We’ll land on whatever setting matches your family’s personality.
What if my kids won’t cooperate? Honestly, that’s most sessions, and it’s completely fine. I move fast, stay patient, and some of the best moments in the gallery happen in the in-between chaos, not the posed shots.
How long until I see my photos? Turnaround is typically about a week, and always under two weeks. I know waiting is hard when you’re excited to see your family’s images, so I move quickly.
How long does a family session take? Most sessions run around an hour, though I’ll happily work with a shorter window if you’ve got little ones with short attention spans. Session length and pace get tailored to your family, not the other way around.
We have never took family photos before and Karisa did a phenomenal job! We didn’t really know what to do and Karisa did great at helping with location, how to pose etc. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. Highly recommend!
JEN P, GOOGLE REVIEW
Why Sandy Families Choose Karisa Marie Photography
I’m not trying to be the right fit for every family in Sandy, I’m trying to be the right fit for families who want photos that actually feel like them. Clients tell me again and again that they walked away with more than nice pictures. They walked away with a gallery that captures exactly who their family is right now.
Book Your Sandy Family Photography Session
Ready to capture this season of your family’s story? Reach out to Karisa Marie Photography today to get your Sandy session on the calendar.
