After the holiday hustle and bustle, January is when I finally get a chance to slow down and reset. This Salt River family session was exactly what I needed after my busy season! It had been months since I last photographed at the Salt River—probably since spring—so I was beyond excited to return.
This sweet family was visiting from Texas, and let me tell you, everything about their session felt effortless. Their little one was an absolute rock star, full of personality and energy, making my job as a photographer so much fun. The love between them was so natural, and every moment felt genuine. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love what I do.
Choosing which images to feature in this blog post was nearly impossible! I delivered 75 images from their Luxe session, and every single one felt like perfection. That’s not me tooting my own horn—it’s just proof of how much we truly enjoyed the moment. The laughter, the warm golden light, and the breathtaking Arizona scenery all came together beautifully.
I honestly wanted to share every single image, but my website might not be too happy about that! So, I enlisted my husband to help me narrow it down. When he scrolled through the gallery, he paused and said, “Wow! Is that the Salt River?” He doesn’t get out in nature as much as I do, so I always tell him he’s missing out on all the beauty Arizona has to offer.
We explored two different spots along the river, each with its own unique charm. One location had the perfect golden-hour glow, while the other captured the dreamy hues of sunset near the water. The entire evening felt magical. And can we talk about Mom’s outfit? She wore my absolute favorite color to photograph—especially against the stunning Arizona desert backdrop. It popped beautifully in every shot, adding even more warmth to the session.
If you’re planning a trip to the Phoenix, Arizona area or looking for a breathtaking location for your next family session, the Salt River is always a stunning choice. The mix of water, desert, and golden light makes it a photographer’s dream!