It’s not often that I find myself photographing an extended family session at Bear Lake, Utah the weekend of Christmas. But when an entire family is together in one place, especially during the holidays, you take the opportunity when you can. While family photography in Garden City is usually a summer favorite, this winter session was a first for me—and one I won’t forget.

The day started with snow falling in the nearby mountains, and visibility through the canyons was less than ideal. The original plan was to photograph this extended family at the Bear Lake lookout near the mouth of Logan Canyon, but Mother Nature had other ideas. With changing weather conditions, we decided to stay closer to Garden City, and it ended up being the best decision we could have made. Once we made it down into the valley, the scenery was absolutely beautiful, even in the middle of winter.

This Bear Lake family photography session definitely tested everyone’s patience. By the end of our time together, we had experienced rain and hail, and temperatures were downright freezing. There were a few tears from the kids—and honestly, I can’t blame them one bit. Despite the cold and unpredictable weather, the family showed up with great attitudes, bundled layers, and a lot of love for one another.

Even with the challenges, we got the job done, and the final images tell a meaningful story of togetherness during a special season. Sessions like this are a great reminder that extended family photography isn’t about perfect conditions—it’s about capturing real moments, shared memories, and the rare times when everyone is together. Bear Lake and Garden City provide a stunning backdrop year-round, and even winter sessions have their own kind of magic.