Family studio portrait

I’m not sure how other family portrait photographers run things, but around here, we invite people to come to the studio to view their images a couple weeks after the pictures have been taken. We put them up on a big screen so the client can see the images big, in all their glory, instead of looking at them on a tiny screen. We offer digital files, books, and prints, and we really focus on the value of a tangible, printed piece that will last for generations.

When Brett and Beth hired me to photograph their family, they weren’t entirely sold on the print idea and mostly just wanted digital files. Well, they came back to the studio to view their family pictures and I sometimes say my goal is open weeping for people looking at their pictures. I’ll just say, that goal was achieved that day and the ended up getting a good amounts of prints including a big honker for their wall.

There’s just something about a printed photograph.

My approach and philosophy for family portraits

I’ve always loved this quote from Peter London in his book “No More Secondhand Art”, he says, “It is not beauty we are after, but meaning. Big, deep, wide meaning.” That strikes a chord. While I sure appreciate aesthetically pleasing moments with family pictures, my primary aim is to capture authenticity and something that is true, and I value that over an idealized version that might not actually exist in real life. So, I look for genuine, unscripted connections that not only look amazing, but are real. And heartfelt. So, if you are looking for a family portrait that gets at the depth of your family’s story, let’s chat. — All that said, I just got some film back from my time with Shay and Ryan and I think this image gets at the heart of what I’m talking about.

Don't wait until it's too late. Let's schedule your family portraits today!

Every year around the holidays, a number of people contact me about getting family pictures in time to send something out with holiday cards. I always do what I can to work that out, but some people wait until it’s too late. I don’t want that to happen to you! (One time I pulled a drawer out too far and it landed on my foot. I don’t want that to happen to you, either, but that one is pretty much out of my hands).

The next couple months are the perfect time to book a family portrait session so give me a call or email me and let’s set something up!

Family pictures can be done at your home, some outside location, or at my studio in Provo. 

If I’ve photographed your family before, you know how easy it can be. If I’ve never photographed your family before, it’s possible you have some apprehension about the process, perhaps feeling like it’s too big of a hassle. Well, you’ve got nothing to worry about.  One of the comments I hear over and over from families that come to be photographed, is just how easy and fun it is. In fact, just last week, I received this text from a mother who brought her five kids and husband to the studio. “Thanks again for your work with us yesterday. That was a really great experience on our side and far less painful than everyone was dreading. You’re awesome.” See, nothing to worry about!

To make an appointment, there's contact information here.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Provo Family Portraits - Quigley Family

If you don't already know about the company Chatbooks, well, there aren't very many of you left. They're taking over the planet! It's a brilliant idea and a great company. That's because brilliant people cooked up the idea. Founder Vanessa, and co-founder Nate (they're husband and wife!) have a wildly successful business but say they're just getting started and I can't wait to see how Chatbooks continues to grow. (And if you really haven't heard of Chatbooks, check out this hilarious video). 

So Vanessa and Nate run a great company, but they've also got a great family. And they came to the studio a few months ago to be photographed. Their kids are growing up, moving on, spreading their wings, and they felt it might be one of the last times to get a picture of them all together for a while.

Meet the Quigley family.

Justin photographs big families with lots of kids or families just starting out and he wants to photograph you.
Let's talk. 

Utah Family Portraits - Oldham Family

In high school, Annie learned to drive her fathers 1982 diesel Mercedes. When, as an adult, it was time for another car for her family, she told her husband about how much she liked that 1982 Mercedes. Her husband searched secretly to find the perfect option, and found one from a lady in New Jersey, and without Annie knowing, had it shipped to Utah as a surprise. Now, Annie's kids drive that car to school, the car they named: Beauty. It just made sense to include Beauty in the family pictures. 


Meet the Oldham family, and the Oldham family auto, photographed in Provo Canyon.

Family portrait photography - Provo & beyond

I first met Lara when their first-born, Baker, was just a teeny little thing. Now, he's all grown up. Lara told me that everywhere they go, everyone wants to say hello to him. As soon as we left their house to walk over to where these pictures were taken, the first car that drove by was a van full of girls. They rolled down the window and called out, "HI BAKER". 

Meet the Henry family, photographed near their home in Spanish Fork.

Justin photographs families with responsible kids or kids that are...more carefree, and he wants to photograph you. Let's talk!

Utah family portrait photography - The Auernig Family

Kevin and Anne are great. They also own Sodalicious. They are fun. They have a beautiful family. I photographed them at their home in Provo, Utah. 

Family portraits - The Gochnour Family

One of the best things about working as a photographer is the people you get to meet, hang around, associate with.

Back in the early 19...well, a long time ago, I worked for company in Salt Lake called Gastronomy and one of the coolest people in the world was my boss, Mr. Jeff Gochnour. As a boss, he was fair, funny, honest, a good example of how far hard work can get you, and a thousand other worthy ideals.

After leaving the company, I never really saw him or heard from him, but last year, he was a guest at a wedding I was photographing. He said he was following me on Instagram and wanted me to photograph his family.

It was an honor for me to photograph the family of someone I admire so much, and after being around his kids, it's obvious that all the things I like about Jeff are rubbing off on his offspring.

Meet the Gochnour family.

Justin Hackworth photographs blasts from the past, former bosses, happy families, and he wants to photograph you. Interested? Let's talk!

Film images scanned and developed at Alpine Film Lab.