If you’ve been searching for a Highland photographer, hi — I’m Jen, and I’d love to work with you. I photograph families, seniors, maternity, newborns, weddings, and branding sessions throughout Highland and the surrounding north Utah County area. Highland is one of those quiet, beautiful places that doesn’t scream for attention but absolutely deserves it. Big lots, mountain views from practically every street, and parks that feel like they were designed specifically for photography (they weren’t, but I’m grateful anyway). I drive down from South Weber — about 45 minutes on a good traffic day — and every time I come through Highland, I’m reminded why families love living here.
Why Highland is a photographer’s dream
Here’s what I love about Highland. It’s got that east-bench elevation that puts you closer to the mountains without actually being in a canyon. The views from Highland Glen Park alone would be enough to sell me, but add in the Murdock Canal Trail, the quiet residential streets lined with mature trees, and the open space along the foothills, and you’ve got a location portfolio that covers every mood. Dramatic? Check. Soft and intimate? Check. Wide open and golden? Absolutely check.
The light in Highland has a particular quality that I think comes from the elevation and the way the mountains frame the eastern sky. Morning light spills over Timpanogos in a way that’s different from anywhere else in the valley. And golden hour? The west-facing views catch sunset beautifully while the mountains behind you go pink and purple. It’s almost unfair how pretty it is.
Highland sits right between Alpine to the east and Lindon to the south. If you’re in any of these areas, I know the spots and I know the light.
What I photograph in Highland
Families
Family photography in Highland feels different than a lot of places I shoot. Maybe it’s the space — the big lots, the breathing room, the fact that you can hear birds instead of traffic. Families here tend to be relaxed and grounded, which translates beautifully into photos. Highland Glen Park is my go-to for sessions that need variety (pond, trails, open meadow, trees — it’s got everything), but I also love working on quiet residential streets where the light filters through canopy trees and the whole scene feels peaceful. We’ll get your classic family portrait, but the images you’ll frame are the ones in between — the giggles, the mess, the real life stuff.
Weddings & Elopements
As a Highland wedding photographer, I get to work in one of the most naturally beautiful settings in Utah County. The mountain backdrop, the well-kept venues, the golden-hour light over the valley — it all comes together for weddings that feel elegant without being stuffy. My wedding approach is documentary-driven. I’m there to capture what’s real: the nervous hands, the first look, the grandmother wiping her eyes, the dance floor chaos at the end of the night. I guide when needed and step back when the moments are already perfect.
Maternity
Highland’s east bench views make for breathtaking maternity sessions. Something about standing on that elevated ground with the whole valley stretched out below — it adds a sense of significance to the images that matches the enormity of what you’re going through. (Growing a human is kind of a big deal.) I photograph mamas between 28 and 34 weeks and guide every pose. Bring a flowing dress, and with those mountain views behind you, we’ll create something really special. These are the photos you’ll show your kid someday and say, “This was right before you arrived.”
Newborns
For Highland newborn sessions, I come to your home. Period. New parents shouldn’t have to go anywhere. I bring simple wraps and minimal props, find the best window light in your space, and work entirely at baby’s pace. If baby needs to eat, we pause. If baby needs to sleep, even better — sleeping newborn photos are the sweetest. I focus on the tiny details: curled fingers, fuzzy hair, the weight of them resting on your chest. Siblings and parents are always part of the session. This is a family moment, not just a baby photoshoot.
Senior Pictures
Highland seniors — you live in one of the most beautiful areas in Utah County, so let’s use it. The trail systems give us mountain and nature vibes. Art Bennett Park has great structure and light. And if you want something with more variety, we can hit multiple spots since everything in Highland is close together. I tailor every senior session to your personality. Tell me who you are, what you’re into, and what vibe you want — I’ll plan locations and timing around that. Your senior photos should feel like you, not like everyone else.
Branding & Professional
Highland is home to a lot of professionals and business owners who want imagery that represents them well without looking corporate. I get it. You want photos that feel approachable, polished, and real — the kind of images that make someone think “I want to work with this person” before they’ve even read your bio. Whether it’s headshots, lifestyle brand photography, or product imagery, I bring clean composition and honest lighting. Professional but warm. Always.
Highland locations and when they shine
| Location | Look & Feel | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Glen Park | Trails, pond, meadow, trees — diverse all-in-one location | Year-round, golden hour is incredible here |
| Murdock Canal Trail | Paved path, mountain views, open sky, linear and clean | Spring through fall, evening light |
| Art Bennett Park | Grass, shade trees, playground, neighborhood feel | Spring through fall, late afternoon |
| East bench residential streets | Mature trees, large lots, mountain backdrop, quiet elegance | Year-round, golden hour or overcast |
| Highland foothills open space | Sagebrush, mountain proximity, dramatic elevation | Fall and winter, any time of day |
Highland is compact enough that we can hit multiple looks in a single session without rushing. And if you have a spot that means something to your family — your backyard with the mountain view, a trail you walk every evening, a neighbor’s horse property (with permission, obviously) — I’m all for it. Personal locations always make photos feel more meaningful.
Planning your Highland session
- What to wear: Highland’s natural palette is greens, golds, and mountain blues — wardrobe that complements those tones photographs beautifully. Think sage, cream, dusty blue, soft burgundy, warm grey. Coordinate without matching. And if you’re doing a trail session, comfy shoes that still look nice.
- Timing matters: That east-bench elevation means golden hour hits a little differently here. I’ll calculate the exact timing based on season and which direction we’re facing. Trust me on this one — the light at the right time in Highland is something else.
- Kids being kids: Bring snacks (always snacks). Bring a lovey or small toy for transitions. And please don’t apologize if your kids aren’t “performing.” They’re not supposed to perform. They’re supposed to be themselves, and that’s what I’m here to capture.
- Movement over posing: I give gentle direction — walk toward me, pick up your daughter, look at each other. The best shots come from real interaction. Stiff posing creates stiff photos. We’re not doing stiff.
My approach and style
I photograph with a Nikon Z6III and fast prime lenses, relying on natural light almost exclusively. My editing style is clean and warm — true-to-life colors, real skin tones, nothing over-processed or filtered into oblivion. I include black and white edits in every gallery because some moments just need to be stripped down to their purest form. Light, shadow, emotion. That’s it. My goal is photography that ages well — not trendy, not gimmicky, just honest and beautiful. The kind of photos that look just as perfect on your wall ten years from now.
Highland through the seasons
Spring in Highland is lush. The grass goes electric green, the foothills are dotted with wildflowers (if it’s been a good snow year), and Timpanogos still has a white cap while the valley below is blooming. It’s a gorgeous contrast. Summer means long golden evenings — the sun doesn’t drop behind the Oquirrhs until late, and the light just keeps getting warmer and softer. Fall is when Highland really puts on a show. The trees along the residential streets turn red and gold, the air sharpens up, and the mountains go through about fourteen different colors in the span of a month. Winter is quieter but no less beautiful — fresh snow on the peaks, frost on the fields, and this incredible clarity to the air that makes the mountains look like you could reach out and touch them. I love photographing in Highland every single season.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you charge extra to come to Highland? Not at all. Highland is in my regular service area — no travel fees.
- How soon should I book? Two to four weeks for portraits, maternity, and seniors. Weddings: three to six months ahead. Fall books up fastest.
- What if it rains on our session day? We reschedule for free. But don’t fear overcast skies — that soft, even light is actually perfect for portraits. No harsh shadows, no squinting.
- How many photos will I receive? Typically 30 to 80 fully edited images, depending on session type and length.
- Can we use Highland Glen Park even if it’s busy? Yes! I know the park well enough to find pockets that feel private even on a busy evening. Angles and timing are everything.
- Prints and products? I offer lab-quality prints, canvases, and heirloom albums through your online gallery. Check pricing here.
Let’s book your Highland session
I’m ready when you are. Get in touch here and we’ll figure out the perfect date, location, and plan for your session. Simple scheduling, honest communication, and a session that actually feels enjoyable — that’s how I roll. Can’t wait to photograph your family in one of my favorite Utah County spots.