As the year wraps up here in Salt Lake City, Utah , I’ve been reflecting on the images that meant the most to me. The ones that weren’t necessarily posed or perfect—but full of real emotion. These in-home sessions remind me why I love what I do: capturing families as they are. Here are 10 of my favorite photos from this year and the reasons they’ll stay with me. 1. A Quiet Hug They didn’t know I was taking this. I saw the embrace, quietly lifted my camera, and caught a moment

When the weather turns cold, there’s something magical about staying home — warm socks, cozy blankets, and the sound of laughter echoing through familiar walls. As a Salt Lake City family photographer , I love winter sessions because they slow everything down. There’s no pressure to perform or brave the cold — just the comfort of your own space and the people you love most. If you’re planning an in-home winter family photo session , here are some of my favorite cozy, connecti

When I rebranded to Hōm Photography , I knew the name had to reflect what mattered most to me— family, connection, and the everyday spaces where life really happens. For me, that’s home. Why I Chose the Name “Hōm” After more than 12 years as a Salt Lake City family photographer , I’ve learned that the most meaningful photos don’t come from perfect poses or scenic backdrops.They come from real life —toddlers climbing on the couch, pancake breakfasts, books before bed, and thos

Planning a winter family session at home? There’s nothing sweeter than capturing those quiet, snuggly moments—pajama mornings, coffee cups in hand, barefoot babies on the couch. But figuring out what to wear for cozy indoor photos can feel like a whole thing. Let’s make it simple. Here’s your guide to keeping it warm, natural, and timeless—without sacrificing comfort or style. Keep It Neutral, Keep It Timeless For in-home sessions—especially in winter—soft, neutral tones phot

If your kids start saying “I’m boooored”  five minutes into a school break or weekend — you’re not alone. 😅As a Salt Lake City family photographer (and mom myself), I know that sometimes it feels easier to hand them a screen. But here’s the truth: boredom isn’t a bad thing. In fa ct, it’s the spark for creativity, independence, and imagination — all the things that make childhood magical. So instead of fighting boredom, let’s use it. These 10 screen-free activities for kids

Motherhood is a journey that never stands still. Just when you think you’ve figured out one stage, everything shifts and you’re learning all over again. Each season brings its own joys, challenges, and little moments you wish you could freeze forever. That’s why I believe motherhood deserves to be photographed at every stage—not just during the “big” milestones. The Early Years The early years are a blur of sleepless nights, baby snuggles, and firsts you never want to forget.

Every photographer has a unique style, and mine is rooted in creating galleries that feel soft, warm, and timeless. Editing isn’t just the last step in my process—it’s where your family’s story comes to life in a way that feels natural, emotional, and true to you. Why I Keep It Natural Trendy filters and heavy edits might look exciting for a season, but I want your photos to stand the test of time. My goal is for you to look back on your images in 20 years and still feel the

Family photos are meant to be joyful, but for many parents, the thought of booking a session brings instant stress. Will the kids cooperate? What if they don’t sit still? What if the smiles don’t come easily? I want you to know something important: every child deserves a photo experience that is calm, gentle, and stress-free—no matter their personality, temperament, or needs. Kids Don’t Need to “Perform” When you show up to your session, I’m not expecting picture-perfect beha

One of the biggest concerns parents share with me before a session is, “What if my kids don’t warm up to the camera?”  Trust me, I get it. As a mom myself, I know how unpredictable little ones can be—especially in new situations. But here’s the good news: your kids don’t need to “perform” for me. My approach as a Salt Lake City family photographer is gentle, playful, and designed to meet children where they are. Building Trust First Instead of pulling out my camera right away

When most families think about booking a photo session, there’s usually one big worry: “What if my kids don’t cooperate?”  Or, “What if...

When families step in front of my camera, my goal isn’t to create stiff, posed portraits. It’s to capture the real connection, laughter,...

Motherhood is full. Between busy schedules, little hands needing you, and the never-ending to-do list, the idea of planning family photos...

Me with my youngest daughter 💕 Hi, I’m Vanessa — and I am so excited to freeze time with you! As a Salt Lake City family photographer, my heart is rooted in celebrating motherhood and the beauty of family life. I know firsthand how busy, loud, and beautifully exhausting life with young kids can be. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to take the stress out of family pictures and turn them into a joyful experience. How My Photography Journey Began My love for photography star