There’s something so special about getting to photograph a family’s very first photo session, especially when you’ve already been part of their journey from the beginning. Last year, I had the honor of photographing this sweet couple when their little guy was still growing in mama’s belly. And now, here we are, meeting up again in beautiful Sedona, this time as a family of three.
This was their very first family photo session, and let me just say it was amazing. We chose Courthouse Vista, a spot in Sedona that offers those classic red rock views that are just so Arizona. Bell Rock stood tall in the background of many of our shots, giving us that signature Sedona look.
Now I’m not gonna lie, we planned this session on a weekend, which means we were battling the crowds a bit. Sedona can get busy, and this weekend was no exception. I always like to give my families a heads-up when I know a location might be crowded, so I told mom and dad to arrive early for parking. And wow, they listened like pros. They were there a whole hour early before we even planned to start shooting.
Because of that, we ended up shooting earlier in the day than I normally like. The lighting was definitely more midday than golden hour, but honestly, it ended up being totally worth it. Their little guy was in a great mood, the smiles were flowing, and we didn’t have to fight for parking or scramble through traffic.
Mom had been a little nervous that their sweet baby boy might not be into the session. But he totally surprised us. He gave us the cutest little grins, looked right at the camera more than once, and just made the whole experience feel joyful and relaxed.
Also, can we talk about their outfits? I loved the pop of turquoise that they wore. It complimented the Sedona backdrop so beautifully and gave their photos that extra touch of color and personality.
There’s a kind of magic that happens when you photograph in Sedona. The red rocks, the desert brush, the endless sky. But even more magical is watching a couple become a family right in front of your lens. I’m so honored to be part of this journey with them, from maternity to baby’s first year.
If you’re dreaming of Sedona family photos, I’d love to help you plan a session that fits your family’s vibe. Even if it means navigating a crowded weekend and shooting earlier than usual. It’s all about capturing your story in a place that feels as timeless as your love.