Photographs matter. Truly—there’s research to back it up. When children see photos of themselves displayed in their home, it helps them feel seen, valued, and like they belong. Family portraits become a quiet, constant reminder: this is your place, these are your people, you are loved.
Photographs mark the chapters of our lives. They give shape to our stories. I love lining up old photographs of my husband and me to show our daughters who we were at their age, and all the moments that brought us here. And just as much, I love lining up their photographs—watching their faces change, their personalities unfold, their story take shape right in front of us.
I believe the most honest and meaningful storytelling happens when portraits and documentary images work hand in hand—portraits to begin the chapters, documentary to fill the pages.
But let me be clear—the portraits we make together won’t be stiff. No rigid poses, no pressure to perform. Our time together will be fun and easy, centered on connection. I’ll guide you with gentle direction so you feel comfortable, look your best, and still feel like you.
I’ll help you choose outfits that feel cohesive and true to your family, find a beautiful location that invites movement and interaction, and guide you into natural, flattering moments. We’ll capture everyone together, individual personalities, and all the in-between magic we can’t plan for.
Because these aren’t just photos for today. They’re future heirlooms—pieces of your story that will only grow more meaningful with time. A lasting testament to your love, your family, and the life you’re building together.
— AMANDA F.
Booking your family portraits? That’s just the beginning—barely the tip of the iceberg.
Choosing your photographer is a big step—a crucial one—but it’s still only the first step. Everything that comes after matters just as much in creating images you truly love.
And I won’t leave you to figure that out on your own.
From the moment you book, I’ll guide you through every next step.
You’ll receive emails outlining exactly what to expect, along with thoughtful guides to help you choose your location and wardrobe. And if you need more support, I’m always available—whether that’s a quick text, an email, or a phone call.
My goal is simple: for you to feel confident and cared for in every decision.
The most common thing I hear about family photos? They feel stiff, stressful, and not very fun.
I don’t want that—and I know you don’t either.
Your session should feel like time well spent together. Yes, it might be a little more intentional than your everyday life (I know you’re not usually frolicking in the desert), but the connection, the laughter, and the moments are real.
During our time together, we’ll focus on play—not perfection. I’ll guide you with loose prompts instead of rigid poses, creating space for movement, cuddles, laughter, and genuine connection. Most of the time, you won’t even need to look at me unless I ask.
I also want everyone—especially your kids—to feel safe and respected. If someone doesn’t want to be tossed in the air, tickled, or even hugged in a certain moment, that’s okay. I’ll meet your family exactly where you are and still create images you’ll love.
This experience might feel different from anything you’ve done before.
But if you come in open, present, and willing to lean into the moment, I truly believe you’ll leave with more than just photos.
You’ll leave feeling more connected, more seen, and with memories that matter just as much as the images themselves.
Once your images are ready, you’ll receive your gallery and get to relive the session all over again.
From there, you’ll choose your favorite images and decide how you’d like to preserve them—whether that’s through digital images, prints, albums, or artwork for your home.
I hope you won’t let your photos sit on your phone or get stuck in a digital gallery forever.
Print them. Frame them. Put them on your walls. Make them part of the everyday life you took the time to document.
Because these aren’t just photos.
These are memories meant to be seen—not stored away.
And years from now, when your family has changed in a hundred little ways, you’ll be able to look around your home and remember not just what your family looked like, but what it felt like to be you—right here, right now.
— MAILE K.
I’m here for whatever portrait needs your family has right now. Fill me in and together we’ll dream up the perfect session to celebrate this chapter.
I’m here for whatever portrait needs your family has right now. Fill me in and together we’ll dream up the perfect session to celebrate this chapter.
— SHAILEEN M.
I take on a limited number of portrait sessions each month so I can give my whole heart, creativity, and attention to the families and individuals I work with—from the very first email to the final gallery delivery.
Rather than boxing you into preset packages, I keep things simple and flexible. Your session is booked with a session fee, and once your images are ready, you’ll have the freedom to choose the digitals and heirloom products that feel right for you, your family, and your home. You get to decide what best fits your story, your needs, and your budget.
*Images are purchased separately, so you can choose exactly what you love.
*+$60 Travel fee for Sedona and Flagstaff locations. For other travel destinations, please inquire for a custom quote.
When your gallery is ready, you get to choose what feels right for your family—whether that’s digital images to save and share, or beautiful artwork that gets your photos off your phone and displayed in your home.
$365
$675
$995
Individual Digital Images
$55
Most families choose their collection after viewing their gallery.
My Signature Books feature a hardcover, linen cover in Sand, Tundra, or Tusk with layflat pearl press, matte press, or deep matte photographic pages that display your images with vibrant clarity.
Each Signature Book comes standard as a 6×9 or 8×8 with up to 20 photos included.
You can add more photos to your book for $15 per photo.
$550
Additional sizes available are 8×12 or 12×12.
$750
For your favorite, signature photographs, I recommend my custom-toned, archival, deep matte fine art prints. Each comes mounted to 3mm styrene, ready to frame and display.
4×6
35
5×7
55
8×10
75
11×14
95
16×20
225
20×30
395
30×40
705
Your online gallery makes it easy for friends and family to order high-quality, standard prints. Each image is individually toned and printed by a professional lab on deep matte paper.
Don’t worry about it—really. I’m not just saying that.
In over 15 years of photographing families, I’ve never had a child so uncooperative that we couldn’t get beautiful, meaningful images.
And remember, this isn’t a “stand still and smile” kind of session. We’ll be running, playing, exploring, and just being together—and most kids are all in for that.
The best thing you can do is let go of the idea of “perfect” photos. When that pressure is gone, kids relax, and that’s when the real magic happens.
Come ready to roll with whatever your kids bring to the table, and trust that I’ll guide the rest.
You’re definitely not alone—this is one of the biggest stress points for most families.
Once you book, I’ll send over my client style guide to help you get started. And if you want more support, we can schedule a styling call to walk through everything together and get you feeling confident.
I’m also always available while you’re planning—send me outfit ideas, screenshots, or photos, and I’ll give you quick feedback (texting is usually the fastest).
You don’t have to figure it out on your own—I’ve got you.
YES!!!! Being a dog-mom myself, I know it just wouldn't feel like a complete family picture without them there. But there are a few rules.
1. Your chosen location must allow it & it must be safe (heat can be dangerous!).
2. Your dog is well behaved. Ideally they can be off leash and still under control. It's hard to have fun and move around if you're tangled up in a leash.
3. You must consider their "wardrobe" (collar) as carefully as any other member of the family. I recommend brown leather.
Most of the time, we roll with it! Arizona weather can change quickly, and honestly—stormy skies often make for the most beautiful, dramatic sunsets.
That said, if the weather is looking like it will take away from the experience or the final images, we’ll absolutely reschedule.
I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will guide that decision so you don’t have to stress about it.
Maybe. 😊
It never fails—your 3-year-old meets the sidewalk with their chin a few days before your session… or a surprise breakout shows up right on time.
For things like that, you’re covered. I’m happy to gently remove temporary blemishes, bruises, or distractions so you still feel like yourselves on your best day.
That said, Photoshop isn’t a magic fix for everything. Things like clothing choices (logos, bold colors, chipped neon nail polish) will stay as they are—so we’ll want to be intentional there ahead of time.
When in doubt, just ask! I’m always happy to let you know what’s possible.
Short answer: no.
My goal is to photograph you in a way that feels real and true to who you are—not to change your body. You are already worthy of being seen and remembered exactly as you are.
That said, I will guide you into flattering light and natural, comfortable positioning so you feel confident during your session. And I’m always happy to take care of temporary things like blemishes or bruises.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating images that feel like you at your best.
Nope! If you purchase digital images, they’ll be high-resolution and ready to print wherever you’d like.
That said, I do recommend using a professional photo lab if you choose to print on your own. Not all printers are created equal, and the differences can really show in the final result.
I offer albums and artwork directly through your gallery because it’s the easiest way to make sure your images look exactly the way they’re meant to—true to color, beautifully finished, and a reflection of the work I’m proud to deliver.
Some convenience labs (like drugstores or big box stores) can produce prints that come out darker, muddier, or lower in quality than what you see on your screen.
If you’d prefer to order prints yourself, my favorite consumer lab is mpix.com—they do a great job.
— MARY B.
Fill out the form below and tell me a little about what you’re looking for. I’ll reach out from there.
P.S. You can also email me directly at info@marenelizabethphotography.com or text me at (801) 367-1451 if that’s easier for you.
