Lauritzen Family Photographs in Salt Lake City

When we first talked about family portraits for the Lauritzen clan the thought was to go to the Bonneville Salt Flats, it is a cool location. However, they decided the 90 miles to drive would be a bit far for the 2 little kids. So we focused our location in Salt Lake City and South Jordan. We did the whole family first at a park and near the Jordan river. It was late October so there was autumn leaves and colors around. Kids don’t last too long for photo shoots. Depending on how old they are and if you use shock collars you might have their attention for 30 minutes max, lol. In this case we did the formal photographs and then I would photograph the family having fun at the swings and throwing rocks into the river. The family moments tell more of a story than just posing for the camera.

Black and white family photograph by Jordan River

Finding an activity is a great way to create a photo shoot. I highly recommend it. It could be a photo shoot where the family makes cookies together, go hiking together, or bike riding. Consider that for your next family photo shoot.

Family plays on the swings at the park

Family throwing rocks into the river

The next photograph is of the family and the Bonneville Salt Flats. I brought my studio lighting and photographed them in a garage and then used Photoshop to add them to the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was part of an experiment to see how it turned out. This was my favorite of the photos I created.

Family added to Salt Flats using Photoshop

We then dropped the kids off at their grandma’s home and we spent a few hours photographing Anne & Aaron. We went to Floral Street in Salt Lake City. The area since that shoot has been demolished and is under construction. It was a very cool location. Very run down and ghetto-ish. This location had a water tower, some graffiti, broken brick, and so much texture it was great for a photo shoot.

This location is now under construction, they ripped this out after our photo shoot

Downtown Salt Lake portraits of the parents

Creating some moody lighting for the downtown portraits

There was this abandoned car… we didn’t touch the car but we decided to simulate them destroying the car. This series of photographs was a lot of fun. Gotta love a creative streak and a couple will to be wild and fun with some ideas.

Anne and Aaron destroy and abandoned car

Back in Colorado, Anne and Aaron teach capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that is set to music. We photographed them performing some of the poses and movements.

Anne demonstrates capoeira, the Brazillian martial art

After the “destruction” of the car we photographed them spread eagle and Anne yelling at Aaron. Classic mirth.

Spread eagle, ready for the cops

Aaron demonstrates capoeira with a handstand

From downtown Salt Lake we heading out to the Great Salt Lake. There was an abandoned trolley car and abandoned graffiti building that has since been removed. Apparently all the cool locations go away. This area was a very popular location for portraits. We spent another hour photographing around the area and I think this was my last shoot to use this particular location. The Great Salt Lake is still a place to go and photograph. The sand, water, and background are still unique but not as fun as the old trolley. Now it will just exist in Photoshop and old photographs.

Hanging out for portraits at the abandoned trolley

Anne and Aaron on the abandoned trolley, the trolley has since been removed

Sunset and couple portraiture

Anne and Aaron in the abandoned building

Aaron demonstrates his capoeira

Great Salt Lake after sunset is wonderful for portraits, your shoes will get dirty

Anne and Aaron’s portraits on the Great Salt Lake

Sunsets on the graffiti building

Solo photograph of Aaron

Film photograph of Anne and Aaron

Black and white film photograph

Film photograph of Anne and Aaron