I’m a nature enthusiast who adores greens and wildflowers, a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a dedicated lifestyle photographer. I have loved taking photos since I was little and could handle a disposable camera. I have since perfected the art of seizing bright, candid moments that encapsulate your family’s authentic connections. I believe you deserve visuals that celebrate the splendor of your daily life while you navigate the delightful chaos of parenthood.
Since moving to Saratoga Springs a few years ago, I’ve been on the hunt to find good family photo locations in Utah County. With all the exploring I’ve done, I believe I’ve earned my title as a great option for a Utah County Family Photographer. Here is one of the spots that I found in Eagle Mountain.
Most of the landscape in Eagle Mountain is desert so it’s safe to say that this is a good location for those who want more of a desert vibe to their photos. This does not, however, mean that the photos will only have dirt – there are a good handful of nice looking desert plants. Especially in the earlier summer months before it gets too dry.
One spot in particular has very pretty yellow-flowered sage brush. I had my eye on this spot for about a month before I was able to check it out. When I finally was able to get there, I was sold. I knew I had to do a session there.
I found a family willing to do a session in this spot I found. We prepped for a few weeks making sure everyone was on the same page and their outfits were spot on.
When the day of the session finally came, there was rain on the forecast. I wasn’t too worried because rain in Utah is fairly fleeting and the chance wasn’t too high. We were an hour from session time and I went to the spot early. There were a few clouds on the horizon but no rain *phew!* I confirmed with my family that it looked like we’d miss the rain and they headed on their way toward the location.
I was a bit bummed though because the clouds were covering up the sun. I love having the sun in my photos – it’s part of my signature look. No matter, my family arrived and we started the session. I got about ten minutes and two poses in before I started to feel something. Was the rain seriously coming on NOW? Could it hold off another 20 minutes?
I assured my family that everything was fine and the rain always passes in Utah pretty quickly. Within only a couple minutes of feeling the light drizzle, it started to POUR. We trudged through the mud as fast as we could to get under a nearby tree.
At this point I had to eat my pride and admit I was wrong. I felt terrible, everyone in the family in their nice clothes all soaked. I told myself we might be able to get some cute post rain pictures and suggested we wait out the rain. It lightened up after about 10 minutes so we headed back out to the sage brush field.
Sure enough- as soon as we got back out it started raining AGAIN! I tried my best to make the most of it and we got a few pictures before deciding to call it. All my preparation for this spot felt wasted.
After talking with the family we decided to retry the shoot a week later. I felt awful but they were so kind and reassuring. We came again and fate had turned. The weather was PERFECT and we even got the sun poking through the trees! I was so ecstatic and the photos turned out great!
Now this is one of my favorite locations in Eagle Mountain and I feel like I have redeemed my title as a Utah County family photographer. Take a look at the results! And reach out if you’re looking for a family photographer near Eagle Mountain. Keep in mind though that because of the size of this location, it’s better for smaller families.
Copyright 2024 Jessica Gilbert Photography
@jessicagilbertphotos
family & newborn Photography in Utah County
(801) 540-5243