PHOTO + DESIGN

BY MAD

utah lifestyle photographer

Johnson Family + Tunnel Springs Park

James is my husband’s brother. If you already know my husband, then I probably didn’t have to tell you that. They get mistaken for each other all the time! I love his wife Shawn, she’s so fun! I’m not sure how I got such amazing sister-in-laws, but they are honestly all incredible! This is my third year taking James and Shawn’s family photos, and I always have so much fun at their sessions! I wasn’t sure the weather was going to cooperate, but I’m SO glad we didn’t cancel. I have shot many sessions at Tunnel Springs, but this was definitely the prettiest I have ever seen it! Those stormy skies were gorgeous! I couldn’t love how their photos turned out more. I’m so grateful to call these people family.

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Jace + Lifestyle Newborn Session

I love including the entire family in a newborn session, especially when I get to photograph them in their own home! Adding a baby to family creates an entirely new dynamic and capturing that is so special. My hope is that the Sullivan family can look back at these and remember little details that otherwise would have been forgotten. Thanks for inviting me into your home during this special time in your lives!

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Trabert Family + In-Home Lifestyle Session

Man parenting is hard. So much of it happens inside our homes, with nobody around to encourage us or cheer us on. It goes unnoticed and at times, feels very under appreciated. (unrelated: does anyone have tips for getting two toddlers to go to bed? Asking for a friend). As hard as it can be, it also brings an insane amount of happiness, joy and fulfillment.

These are just a few reasons in-home sessions fulfill me. I want to help parents see the joy in the hard times and remember why they do what they do… day in and day out. I love documenting families in their space. Kids feel more relaxed and I love watching them just be. Parents can be carefree and just play with and love on their kids. It feels more real to me.

I had a great time at this session. Thanks for having me Trabert family!

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Personal Work

Taking photos of my girls makes me happy! I love trying new things and just letting them be. Ava has loved getting her photo taken lately… Tess, not so much. That’s why you see a lot less of her. She runs away pretty fast! I love Ava’s curls and I hope they never go away. Tess has the most hilarious personality and always has messy hair.

Staying home with kids so much can get monotonous, but finding the small beautiful moments in motherhood bring joy everyday.

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Why I am a Photographer

I loved photography long before anyone paid me to do it and I will love it even if I never get another paying client. It has always pulled at me, but since having kids that pull is even stronger. To capture them just as they are. Right now. Sometimes I look at them and they seem so small and the next minute I can’t understand how they have already gotten so big. I think the most important photos I can take are of my own family. No they are not perfectly styled, and my home is far from perfect but what matters is capturing the little details I never want to forget. I took these shots of Ava the other day because the summer weather is making her natural curls perfect and I love them. Please never go away. These photos make me want to cry happy tears of love, so I can only imagine the treasures they will be years from now. (Tess is getting some cute curls too, but she is far less cooperative in front of the camera at this age.)

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Sisters on Valentines

These two have been sick, tired and therefore cranky for the past couple weeks. I know they don’t feel well, but some days all the whining and crying and not sleeping just pushes me until I feel like I can’t do it. They can be so hot and cold. Tackling each other and stealing toys one minute and then cuddling and giving each other kisses the next. They are so sweet at times, it feels like my heart can’t soak up any more love. These photos were taken in less than five minutes and the girls went through the whole range of emotions haha… it captures their relationship perfectly! Man they sure are cute!

I always wondered who actually bought these giant stuffed animals on valentines… turns out it’s uncles that love their nieces a lot (and don’t care about where mom is going to keep them).

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Comer Family + in-home session

The Comer family. So sweet and laid back. It turns out, our families are at similar places in our lives… both been married 5 years with two kids almost the same ages. Down the road I’m thinking we could set up their boys with my girls! I think it would be perfect… my husband would probably fight me on it though. I don’t think he will ever let them date, but maybe he will make an exception for adorable Sonny and Wells?

I love the way Brinley decorated her home, so simple and modern. It was right up my alley! It really allows their personalities and love for each other shine through. And Brinley’s style! If it wasn’t for her cute kids, her overalls would have stolen the show! I saw so many qualities in them as parents that I hope I can emulate with my girls. Sometimes family pictures can stress parents out (especially when toddlers are involved haha), but they were just easy going, lovey, patient and playful the whole time. I could spend the rest of my life only photographing moms and their babies and I would be completely content. When you see the look on Brin’s face, you’ll see why. Pure love and adoration. It’s just so good! And it’s all that really matters.

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Behunin Family + Temple Quarry Trail

It’s funny to me that meeting new people is one of my favorite parts of photography, because I’m actually an introvert and naturally pretty shy. I’m grateful that it pushes me out of my comfort zone and I get to meet wonderful people like the Behunins. Their kids are so cute! I love seeing their little personalities come out in front of my camera. They recently moved back to Utah and I’m lucky they chose me to take some new family photos for them. They came to my fall mini sessions and the weather was perfect with the most gorgeous fall colors! Welcome back to Utah Behunin Family!

 

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