These Lost Dutchman State Park family photos were documented during golden hour on a few different secluded paths at the Superstition Mountains.

Juliana was a guest at a wedding I photographed last fall, so when I saw her reach out to me for family photos in Phoenix, I got so excited! She was coming back to Arizona with her husband and their daughter for a wedding and decided to book a anniversary/family session.

She knew she wanted something with a desert vibe, so I sent her my Phoenix location guide & she thought the Supes (my lil nickname for the Superstition Mountains) would be the perfect place! And I am so glad she picked this spot, because everything from the golden hour lighting to the little spring blooms and even the weather was too perfect.

My approach to capturing family portrait sessions is a bit more relaxed and laid back. At one point, I literally said to them: “Sorry I’m not posing y’all too much. I’m just capturing you being in your own space together.”

But that’s what gets the best photos in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I love to get the good ol’ everyone’s smiling at the camera photo. But that’s only 10% of your session. The other 90% I treat it as you and your family hanging out together while I just let you guys be. I guide y’all and prompt you when needed, but the best candid and natural family photos always happen when you let them happen on their own.

Their family photos at Lost Dutchman State Park are truly some of my favorite! Julianna booked an hour and a half session with me and the whole time we were chatting about life, soaking in the views, wandering down the trailhead, while I was quietly snapping the moments they didn’t even know were happening.

As a Phoenix family photographer, I understand that gathering up your family, making sure everyone is on their best behavior, and avoiding chaos can be so stressful. But I am here to let you know that chaos is actually something I embrace, nor do I expect y’all to be in the happiest mood of your life. Because when you take the stress out of family photos, you get to feel 10x more relaxed, have fun with it, and really get those natural and sentimental photos.

Whether it’s a milestone or a quiet chapter, this is your life unfolding. And one of the coolest times to document!

To learn more about booking your Phoenix family photography session, click here!

Are you interested in booking family portraits? Learn more from Kaylie, a Scottsdale family photographer here! I would love to document you and your family’s special moments together!