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Bear Lake Family Photography - Extended Family Sessions

Gathered at the Lake: Why Extended Family Photos at Bear Lake Matter

There’s something timeless about families coming together—especially when it happens in a place as breathtaking as Bear Lake. I recently had the honor of photographing an extended family session there, and it reminded me just how powerful these moments can be.


A family group of 16 people, including children, stand on a sandy beach beside a calm lake in Bear Lake, Utah. The sky is clear with a few clouds. Everyone is smiling.
A joyful family gathers at the picturesque Bear Lake in Utah, capturing a moment of togetherness against a stunning lakeside backdrop.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains and the lake shimmered in that soft evening light, I watched generations laugh, hug, and hold hands. Cousins splashed at the shoreline, grandparents beamed with pride, and siblings reconnected in a way that only happens when life slows down for a moment.


Why These Sessions Matter

Extended family photos aren’t just about getting everyone in one frame. They’re about preserving a legacy. These images become visual heirlooms—snapshots of love, growth, and connection that will be passed down for generations. In a world that moves fast, these photos say, “We were here. We were together.”

Studies and stories alike show that family portraits help strengthen bonds, create a sense of belonging, and even boost children’s self-esteem by showing them they’re part of something bigger.

Three women in dresses stand in shallow water at Bear Lake, Utah, smiling at each other. Mountains and tall grass are in the background under a clear sky. in Bear Lake Utah
A mother and her 2 daughters enjoy a serene moment together standing in the waters of Bear Lake, Utah, surrounded by a scenic backdrop of mountains and reeds.

Why Bear Lake Is the Perfect Setting

Bear Lake offers more than just a stunning backdrop. It’s a place where families gather from all over to reconnect—whether for reunions, vacations, or just a weekend away. The soft sand, the mountain views, and the golden-hour light create a setting that feels both peaceful and magical. It’s no wonder so many families choose this spot to capture their memories.

Two women standing in shallow lake water in Bear Lake, Utah, embracing and smiling. Both wear long dresses, one in light blue, the other in green. Mountains in background.
A joyful moment shared between a grandmother and granddaughter standing in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah, captured during a beautiful day.

Family of four stands in shallow water in Bear Lake, Utah, smiling. Mountains in background. Soft blue and green outfits, relaxed and happy mood.
A family enjoys a serene moment together standing in the calm waters of Bear Lake, Utah, with picturesque mountains in the background.
A girl in a light blue dress kisses her brother on the cheek in Bear Lake, Utah. Both stand in shallow water, surrounded by reeds and distant mountains. Calm mood.
Siblings sharing a sweet moment in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah.

A Session to Remember

During this session, we started with smaller family groups on the boardwalk, working our way toward the lake as the light softened. We laughed through toddler wiggles, celebrated the chaos of cousin energy, and ended with playful shots in the water. It was joyful, a little wild, and completely beautiful.


Four people holding hands stand in shallow water, facing a lake with mountains in the background. Calm and serene atmosphere in Bear Lake, Utah.
A family enjoys a peaceful moment together, hand in hand, standing in the calm waters of Bear Lake, Utah, surrounded by serene natural beauty.
A couple kisses while standing in a lake, surrounded by calm water and reeds. They wear casual outfits, creating a serene, romantic mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A couple shares a romantic moment while standing in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
A couple embraces joyfully in knee-deep water, surrounded by reeds. She wears a green dress; he has light pants. Blue lake and hills in background in Bear Lake, Utah.
A couple enjoys a playful moment wading in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah, with distant mountains and lush reeds providing a picturesque backdrop.
Family of four holding hands, standing in a lake with reeds and mountains in the background. They're wearing pastel and earthy tones, smiling in Bear Lake, Utah.
A joyful family moment captured at Bear Lake, Utah, as they stand hand in hand in the calm waters, reflecting the serene beauty of nature around them.
A grandmother and Granddaughter in pastel dresses stand in a lake, smiling at each other. The background features tall grass and distant hills, creating a serene mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A heartwarming moment shared between a grandmother and granddaughter standing in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah, surrounded by picturesque natural beauty.
Three women, a mother and her two grown daughters, stand in waist-deep water, wearing pastel dresses. Smiling, they pose with a mountains and grass backdrop under clear skies in Bear Lake, Utah.
A mother and her daughters stand together in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah, enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Woman and child stand in shallow water, holding hands. She wears a light blue dress; he looks up at her, smiling. Calm lake and reeds behind in Bear Lake, Utah.
A mother and her child enjoy a serene moment wading in the gentle waters of Bear Lake, Utah.
A woman in a light blue dress kisses a young boy in the water by a lake. The setting is serene with reeds in the background in Bear Lake, Utah.
A tender moment shared between a mother and child standing in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah.
Two sisters in light dresses smile at each other by a lake. Reed-covered shore in the background, creating a serene and joyful mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A joyful moment shared between two sisters by the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah.
Boy and girl smiling, holding hands in shallow water, wearing light blue and beige. Background of lake and grassy shore. Bright, joyful scene in Bear Lake, Utah.
A joyful moment is shared between two siblings as they hold hands in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Utah.

Let’s Tell Your Story

If you’ve been thinking about gathering your family for a session—whether it’s a milestone or just because—Bear Lake is calling. And I’d be honored to help you tell your story. Email me at weddings@shannonwhitephotography.com to get started!


Family of four poses on a wooden path surrounded by lush greenery. Three wear light blue outfits. Warm, happy mood in a natural setting in Bear Lake, Utah.
A family poses together on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush greenery in Bear Lake, Utah.
Two young children sit on a wooden deck by green reeds. The older child smiles while holding the younger, who wears glasses. Peaceful mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A sweet moment captured at Bear Lake, Utah, as an older child lovingly holds a younger sibling on a wooden pathway surrounded by lush greenery.
Smiling parents and a baby stand on a wooden path, surrounded by greenery. The man wears a floral shirt, "Bear Lake" text visible.
A joyful family moment at Bear Lake, Utah, capturing memories of their 2025 vacation amidst lush greenery.
A mother and a daughter smile together in light blue dresses stand on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush green trees and grass. One wears a brown shawl. in Bear Lake, Utah.
Mother and Daughter in the lush, green surroundings of Bear Lake, Utah, enjoying a sunny day.
Couple walks hand in hand on a wooden path surrounded by lush greenery, wearing casual summer outfits, smiling at each other in Bear Lake, Utah.
A couple strolls hand in hand along a lush, green boardwalk in Bear Lake, Utah, embraced by nature's tranquility.
Four people smiling in a lush green garden setting. They wear colorful summer outfits, and their cheerful expressions convey a joyful mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A joyful family moment captured at Bear Lake, Utah, featuring a mother surrounded by her grown children, set against a lush, green backdrop.
Five people smiling in a garden, wearing colorful summer clothes. Lush green foliage in the background. Joyful and relaxed mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A joyful family gathering at Bear Lake, Utah, with parents and grown children sharing smiles and laughter amidst the lush greenery.
Woman smiling while holding a baby, both in pale peach dresses. They're on a wooden path with lush green foliage in the background in Bear Lake, Utah.
A joyful moment captured at Bear Lake, Utah, with a mother and her daughter enjoying the lush greenery and natural beauty.
A man and woman stand on a wooden path in a lush garden. He's in a green shirt, and she's in a blue dress, both smiling warmly in Bear Lake, Utah.
A father and daughter share a moment on a wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery at Bear Lake, Utah.
An elderly couple holds hands walking on a wooden path surrounded by lush greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, serene mood in Bear Lake, Utah.
A couple celebrates 44 years of marriage with a peaceful walk in the scenic surroundings of Bear Lake, Utah.
Four people smile and chat outdoors, surrounded by green foliage. One wears a shirt with "Bear Lake Family Vacation 2025" text. Mood is joyful.
A joyful family moment captured at Bear Lake, Utah, with a father and his grown children sharing smiles amidst the lush greenery.
A couple embraces on a wooden path, surrounded by lush greenery. They appear content, with sunlight filtering through the trees in Bear Lake, Utah.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery at Bear Lake, Utah.
Family of four smiling on a wooden path in a lush green park. Parents hold a baby; a child stands in front. Bright, sunny day in Bear Lake, Utah.
A family enjoys a sunny day surrounded by lush greenery on a picturesque boardwalk at Bear Lake, Utah.

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