Making the Most of Your Family Photography Session

Dee Dee
Aug 12
2 min read

Updated: Aug 15

If you’ve booked your outdoor family session here in Southern Utah, you’re in for a treat—because our red rock landscapes, glowing sunsets, and open desert skies make for some of the most stunning backdrops you’ll ever see. Whether we’re shooting in St. George, Snow Canyon State Park, or tucked into the trails near Desert Color, this area is pure magic for creating family portraits that feel warm, connected, and full of life.

To help you feel completely prepared (and excited!) for your session, I send every client my Photography By DeeDee Welcome Guide—a beautifully designed, easy-to-read resource packed with location ideas, wardrobe inspiration, and tips for making the most of your session. Here’s a little peek inside and what you can expect when working with me.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Southern Utah offers so much variety—it’s not just red rocks! I’ll help you select a backdrop that fits your family’s personality, whether that’s the vibrant sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon, the softer tones of a sandy desert wash, or the lush greenery along the Virgin River. My welcome guide includes a curated list of my favorite family photo locations in St. George and the surrounding areas, with images to help you visualize how your photos might look.

Wardrobe Guidance That Flatters Everyone

Clothing choices can completely transform the look and feel of your family portraits. That’s why my welcome guide includes a full wardrobe section—think flattering colors for the desert landscape, outfit pairings that look cohesive without being too matchy, and tips for dressing kids in pieces that photograph beautifully and still allow them to move and play.

For Southern Utah’s natural backdrops, I often recommend soft, neutral tones—beiges, creams, muted greens, and dusty blues—that complement our desert scenery. Avoid busy logos or neon colors, as they tend to distract from the connection and emotion in your images.

Prepping the Kids (and the Grown-Ups, Too)

Little ones don’t usually last through hours of posing, so my outdoor family sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and quick-moving. We’ll mix in some traditional posed shots with natural movement—walking together, playing games, and snuggling close—so you get a variety of images that feel like you.

I’ll also share kid-friendly tips in the welcome guide to help parents know how to set the tone for a relaxed session (spoiler: snacks and a little pre-session pep talk work wonders).

The Southern Utah Difference

Shooting in Southern Utah means golden light, soft tones, and an adventurous feel that you just can’t get anywhere else. I’ll help you plan for the best time of day to capture that dreamy glow—usually the hour just before sunset—so your gallery feels warm and cinematic.