A Windswept Family Session in the Superstition Mountains | Arizona Family Photographer

If you've ever thought about doing extended family photos but felt overwhelmed by the logistics - this session might be the inspiration you need. As an Arizona family photographer, I had the honor of capturing the most heartfelt session for the Nelson Family at the breathtaking Arizona, Superstition Mountains. It was their first time getting professional photos in over 10 years!

From the moment they arrived, the love and excitement were palpable. This wasn’t just a photo session—it was a celebration. A celebration of a growing family, new beginnings, and a chance to pause and soak in what matters most.

We had everything Arizona could possibly offer: brilliant blue skies, soft clouds, and even a little wind that—rather than being a distraction—actually worked in our favor. I guided the family through intentional posing to make sure every hair was in place and that the images felt natural, yet polished.

We made sure to capture every meaningful connection and grouping during this extended family session. We started with timeless full-family portraits, showcasing all three generations together against the stunning Superstition Mountain backdrop—a true Arizona desert classic. From there, we broke off into smaller groupings, taking beautifully posed and candid shots of each couple, allowing their unique love stories to shine.

One of the most emotional parts of the session centered around baby Kelsey, the family’s first grandchild. Photographing sweet generational moments with her—cradled in her parents' arms, snuggled up with her grandparents Erin and Ozzie, and adored by her aunt Drina—was truly magical.

We also took time to photograph Erin and Ozzie with each of their grown children and their spouses, capturing the depth of those lifelong relationships. To round it out, we had a little fun with "just the girls" and "just the guys" portraits, creating a balanced collection of both heartfelt and playful moments. Each of these combinations tells a piece of the larger story and makes for a well-rounded family gallery that they’ll cherish for years to come.

This kind of session is what fills my creative soul. It reminds me why preserving these memories—right now, in the beautiful chaos—is so important. If you’ve been putting off photos with your extended family, I hope this session encourages you to go for it.

Want your own mountain session? Let’s chat. As a Phoenix-area family photographer, I know all the best locations and how to make sessions like this feel effortless and joyful.