Photographing Your Family

Portraits - My Philosophy & Approach

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.

“Maren, I’m so glad I chose you! They’re everything I’d hoped for. We’re in love—with the pictures, too ;).”
– Amanda F. 

Portrait

[pohr-treyt] noun

  1. an artistic representation of a person or family, typically focusing on facial features and expressions to capture their likeness, personality, or mood.

  2. a visual record of an individual’s appearance, status, or inner world.

Portraits for Every Chapter

Maternity

Newborn

Milestones

Graduation

Extended family

and more...

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 didn’t know family pictures could be like this.It was a truly magical experience!” – Maile K.

So... How does it work?

All you have to do it reach out and I'll guide you every step of the way.

1
Say Hi
Reach out through my contact form and tell me a little about your family and this season of life. No pressure—this is just the start of a conversation.
2
Chat
I’ll send over more details and we’ll schedule a quick call. We’ll connect, talk through your vision and needs, and make sure it feels like a good fit.
3
Save Your Date
We’ll choose a date (and location, if you’re ready) and make it official. You’ll sign your contract, pay the session fee, and be on my calendar.
4
Plan
We’ll bring everything together—location, outfits, and overall feel. I’ll guide you in choosing wardrobe pieces that feel like you and photograph beautifully.
5
Session Time
Show up, be present, and enjoy your people. I’ll gently guide when needed, but mostly I’ll capture the connection and moments as they naturally unfold.
6
View & Select
You’ll receive your gallery and get to relive it all. Choose your favorite images and decide how you’d like to preserve them.
7
Share & Display
Print them, frame them, and make them part of your home. These aren’t just photos—they’re memories meant to be seen everyday.

“Maren, you are so talented! I was in tears looking at them. I couldn’t love them more.”
– Shaileen M.

Ready? Let's Go!

If You've made it this far, you're ready for the next step.

Simply fill out the form below to get the conversation going. 

I can’t wait to hear from you!

-Maren

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.

“Maren has so many resources to help make what’s normally a stressful process easy and fun.” – Mary B.

welcome to the

Please log in with the credentials provided in your welcome email to access exclusive content for Maren Elizabeth clients (including welcome & style guides).

ALREADY LOGGED IN? CLICK HERE

Please do not share these credentials with anyone who is not a MEP client. Thank you!