Looking for a Willard photographer? I’m Jen Kunz, and I photograph families, weddings, maternity sessions, newborns, seniors, and branding work in Willard and the surrounding areas of Box Elder County. Willard sits right along the edge of Willard Bay with the Wasatch Range rising to the east — a setting that gives us water, mountains, and open sky all in one frame. If you want honest, beautiful images without the stress, let’s plan something together.
Where the mountains meet the water
Willard has one of the most unique geographic settings along the I-15 corridor. To the west, Willard Bay stretches out with sandy shores and wide-open sunsets. To the east, Willard Peak and the surrounding mountains climb straight up from the edge of town. That contrast — water and rock, flat and vertical — gives photographers a rare set of options without having to drive an hour between locations. It’s a compact town with outsized beauty.
I photograph regularly throughout this part of Box Elder County, including Perry, Brigham City, and down toward Ogden. Willard is a natural fit for my work because the variety of landscapes means I can offer clients something different every session. Whether we’re on the beach at the bay or up in the foothills, we’ll find a backdrop that suits you perfectly.
What I photograph in Willard
Families
Family sessions in Willard often gravitate toward the bay or the foothills, and both deliver. Kids love the sand and water, which means they’re happy and relaxed — and happy, relaxed kids make for the best family photos. I work with every kind of family: new parents, big crews, extended family groups, and couples without kids who still want to document this chapter. I’ll guide positioning and expressions, but I always leave room for the spontaneous moments that end up being everyone’s favorites.
Weddings & Elopements
As a Willard wedding photographer, I appreciate the intimate, personal celebrations that happen in this area. Whether it’s a ceremony on the shore of Willard Bay, a reception at a family home, or an elopement in the mountains above town, I document it all with a natural, unobtrusive approach. I’m there to capture what actually happens — the tears, the laughter, the details you spent months planning, and the moments you didn’t plan at all.
Maternity
Willard Bay at sunset is one of the most beautiful maternity session settings I’ve worked in. The water reflects the sky, the sand is soft underfoot, and the light turns warm and golden right when we need it. I keep maternity sessions gentle and unhurried — a gorgeous dress, natural poses, and a pace that respects where you are in your pregnancy. Most clients book between 28 and 34 weeks.
Newborns
Newborn sessions happen in your home, and Willard families have some of the coziest spaces I’ve worked in. I use natural window light to photograph your baby in the first two weeks — those tiny fingers, the sleepy stretches, the way they fit perfectly against your chest. No props, no fuss. Just your newest person in their first home, documented with care and simplicity.
Senior Pictures
Senior portraits around Willard give us everything from beachside sunset shots to mountain trail adventures. I work with each senior to figure out what fits their style — some want the dramatic sky over the bay, others want something quieter in the foothills. I direct posing throughout so no one feels awkward, and we end up with a gallery that’s actually fun to look through, not just obligatory yearbook stuff.
Real Estate & Branding
As a Willard branding photographer, I help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and real estate professionals in Box Elder County show up with visuals that match their work. Clean headshots, lifestyle branding sessions, and property photography — all delivered with the same natural, professional quality I bring to every shoot. Whether you’re listing a home near the bay or building a brand from scratch, strong imagery makes the difference.
Willard locations and when they shine
Willard’s geography means we have options that most small towns simply don’t. Water, sand, mountains, foothills, and rural roads — all within minutes. Here are some of my go-to spots, though I’m always open to exploring new ones.
| Location | Look & Feel | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Willard Bay State Park (North Marina) | Sandy beach, open water, wide sunset sky | Summer and early fall, golden hour |
| Willard Bay South Marina | Quieter shoreline, grassy areas, mountain framing | Spring through fall, late afternoon |
| Willard Peak trailhead area | Mountain wildflowers, panoramic valley views | Summer, morning or evening light |
| Willard town orchards | Fruit trees, rural roads, rustic charm | Spring bloom, fall color, golden hour |
| Flying J rest area fields (I-15) | Open meadow, mountain backdrop, easy access | Year-round sunset |
And if you have a personal spot — a backyard with mountain views, a family property, a corner of the bay you always visit — those personal locations often tell the best stories. I’m happy to work wherever feels right for you.
Planning your session without the fuss
- Wardrobe that photographs well: Soft, muted tones that complement natural settings — think ivory, sage, dusty rose, denim, warm brown. Coordinate as a family without matching exactly.
- Timing that flatters: I book sessions around golden hour for the best light. For Willard Bay shoots, sunset timing is critical and I’ll plan it to the minute.
- Kids, snacks, sanity: If we’re at the bay, they will want to splash. Plan for that. Bring towels, snacks, and a change of clothes, and let them play — those are the photos you’ll treasure.
- Movement over stiffness: Real moments beat forced smiles every time. I direct and guide, but the goal is always connection, not perfection.
Maternity clients, wear something flowing that you feel beautiful in — the wind off the bay adds gorgeous movement to dresses. Newborn families, keep things simple: warm house, fed baby, comfy clothes for you. Seniors, bring an outfit or two that feel like you and leave the stress at home.
Style you can count on
I shoot with a Nikon Z6III and fast prime lenses designed for natural light photography. My editing style is clean and true to life — warm color, honest skin tones, and a look that won’t date itself in a few years. I don’t add heavy color casts, I don’t desaturate everything moody, and I don’t smooth skin into plastic. What you get is real, polished, and timeless. Every gallery also includes black and white edits, because some images — especially the emotional ones — carry more power without color.
Seasonal rhythm across Willard
Spring in Willard brings orchard blossoms and green mountainsides — a fresh, vibrant time for sessions. Summer is peak season at Willard Bay: long evenings, sandy shores, and sunsets that paint the sky. Fall delivers warm tones along the foothills and cooler temperatures that make outdoor sessions comfortable for everyone. Winter brings snow-capped mountains right to the edge of town and a quieter beauty that’s perfect for intimate sessions or cozy in-home newborn work. I shoot in every season and love what each one brings to the work.
Quick answers for curious people
- How far in advance should I book? Two to four weeks for most sessions; weddings, three to six months.
- What if it rains? We reschedule at no cost. Overcast skies, though, are some of my favorite conditions.
- How many final images will I receive? Depends on session length, typically 30 to 80 fully edited images.
- Do you offer albums or prints? Yes. Lab-calibrated prints, canvases, and heirloom albums are available through your gallery.
- Can we bring our pet? Absolutely. Leash for safety, treats for bribery, and patience for everyone.
Book your Willard session
Ready to get started? Reach out here and let’s find the right date, location, and plan for your Willard session. I keep scheduling simple, communication clear, and the whole process as easy as showing up and being yourself.