One of my favorite things about family photography is finding locations that make you forget where you are. A sandy shoreline, beautiful water, mountains in the distance, and the kind of sunset lighting that makes everything feel a little more magical.
You might not immediately picture Arizona when you think of beach family photos, but that's exactly why I'm so excited about my upcoming Butcher Jones Beach mini sessions on October 24!
And these family photos from a session I photographed in Utah are the perfect example of the look and feel you can expect.
***Photos featured in this post were taken during a family session in Utah and are shared as inspiration for the similar lakeside setting at Butcher Jones Beach in Arizona***
A Lakeside Family Session in Utah
I had the opportunity to photograph this family at a beautiful lakeside location in Utah, and I love how their gallery turned out.
Between the sandy beach, mountain backdrop, and soft evening light, the entire session had such a relaxed, natural feel.
But what I love most about these photos isn't just the scenery. It's the moments in between.
Dad giving his daughter a piggyback ride. The kids laughing and playing along the shoreline. Little feet splashing in the water. Mom and Dad stealing a few moments together while the kids explore.
These are the moments that make family photography so meaningful.
And while this particular session took place in Utah, there's a location right here in Arizona that offers a very similar experience!
Meet Butcher Jones Beach: A Hidden Gem for Arizona Family Photos
Yes, Arizona has beaches! And Butcher Jones Beach at Saguaro Lake is one of those locations that might surprise you.
Located in the Tonto National Forest near Mesa and Fountain Hills, Butcher Jones Beach features a sandy shoreline, beautiful lake views, and incredible Arizona desert mountains in the background.
It's the perfect combination of a beach setting and the natural desert scenery that makes Arizona so unique.
If you love the look of this Utah family session, imagine a similar gallery with the added beauty of Arizona's rugged desert hills surrounding the water.
You get the soft, coastal-inspired feel of a beach session without leaving the Valley.
Why I Love Beach Mini Sessions for Families
One of the reasons I love photographing families near the water is how naturally everyone interacts with their surroundings.
Kids can walk barefoot in the sand, explore along the shoreline, splash their toes in the water, and simply be themselves.
There's room for the traditional family portraits you'll want to frame, but also plenty of opportunities for those candid moments that often become everyone's favorites.
You don't need perfectly behaved kids or perfectly posed smiles to create beautiful family photos.
Sometimes the best images happen when everyone forgets about the camera and just enjoys being together.
And that's exactly the kind of experience I want to create during my Butcher Jones Beach mini sessions.
Last Chance! Butcher Jones Beach Mini Sessions – October 24
If you've been wanting updated family photos with a setting that's a little different from the traditional Arizona desert session, this is your chance!
I have ONE last opening available for my Butcher Jones Beach mini sessions on October 24, 2026.
With the sandy shoreline, water views, surrounding mountains, and beautiful natural light, this location offers such a unique backdrop for family photos in Arizona.
Whether you're updating your family portraits, capturing this season of your kids' lives, or wanting beautiful images for your holiday cards, this is a location you won't want to miss.
October 24 | Butcher Jones Beach at Saguaro Lake | ONE spot remaining
Ready to claim the last spot? [BOOK YOUR BUTCHER JONES BEACH MINI SESSION HERE]
I'd love to capture your family in this beautiful little corner of Arizona!
— Julie, Top Knot Photography
