A Mother's Day Adventure: Capturing Family Memories in the Heart of Utah's Mountains

There's just something so magical about being in the mountains, and then something even more magical when you get to share that with your closest loved ones. This Mother's Day, I had the opportunity to take photos of the Poole family in the beautiful location of Tibble Fork Reservoir in American Fork, Utah. Kim's kids all got together and planned the session as a gift for her! It was the perfect setting filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. As a Utah adventure photographer, I felt honored to capture this family's joy and connection as part of their Mother's Day celebrations.

Nestled in the incredible mountains of Utah, Tibble Fork had special meaning for the Poole family. They have shared many adventures and happy memories there, they told me about how they chose the location because of its' sentimental value for them. As they shared their memories of spending time together on the water it was clear that each moment spent beneath the expansive blue sky has bonded them closer as a family.

Kim laughing with her daughter, Katie.

We started out the session by finding the perfect spot and were even able to get some gorgeous mountains rising in the background of some of our shots! It was such an incredible joy to be with the Pooles for this short time and be able to laugh and enjoy outdoors and nature with them. We began with the classic family poses and then moved on to the fun stuff. In my time as an adventure photographer I have learned a few tricks for getting those big, genuine smiles. The kind that light up your face and make your eyes all crinkly! It is always so fun getting to know my clients and seeing them laugh and have fun together as start to get comfortable and the jokes start coming out!

Don't forget the cutest member of our session, little Romeo! Romeo is the most adorable three-legged rescue dog you have ever seen! He was only recently adopted by Kim and their bond is already strong! He was not shy at all when it came to showing her his affection and appreciation. His third leg must give him extra power because he was excitedly pulling all us two-legged beings along the trail and up the hills!

Romeo leading the pack forward.

As we came to the end of our session, I just didn't want it all to end! We were having such a great time and I was so grateful for that. Mother’s Day is not about getting pretty photos; it's about remembering and appreciating the love of the mothers in our lives, cherishing those memories, and creating new memories while we still have time together. Nature, and the world, serve as not only a backdrop for our experiences but also a constant source of inspiration to live our lives to the fullest.

If you're looking for a special way to mark an occasion or create lasting memories with your loved ones, definitely put an outdoor photoshoot in the mountains of Utah on your bucket list! The breathtaking landscapes, combined with your adventurous spirit, can lead to unforgettable treasures. Whether you choose hiking, kayaking, or just enjoying the beauty of nature, capturing these moments can help bring your story to life—one frame at a time!