Hi! I’m Jen Kunz, and if you’re searching for a Pleasant Grove photographer, I’m really glad you ended up here. Pleasant Grove is one of those towns that has a quiet magic to it. No flashy main street, no big tourist draw — just gorgeous mountain-close neighborhoods, trails that start practically in people’s backyards, and a community that feels like it’s been here forever (because a lot of it has). I drive down from South Weber to photograph families, weddings, engagements, maternity sessions, newborns, seniors, and branding work in Pleasant Grove and the surrounding area. And honestly? The drive is worth it every time.
What makes Pleasant Grove special
I think what I love most about PG is how close the mountains are. Like, RIGHT there. Grove Creek Trail starts at the edge of a neighborhood. Battle Creek Falls is a fifteen-minute hike from a parking lot next to houses. Manila Creek Pond sits quietly between developments like a little secret. The whole east side of town feels like it’s leaning into the mountains, and that gives every session a backdrop that’s dramatic without having to drive up a canyon.
And then there’s the west side — flatter, more open, with fields and orchards that catch late-afternoon light like they were built for photography. The old strawberry farms that PG is known for might be mostly memories now, but the agricultural feel lingers in the best way. There’s a reason this place used to be called Strawberry Town.
I also photograph in American Fork, Orem, and Lehi — all neighbors, all beautiful in their own way. But Pleasant Grove has a personality that’s distinctly its own.
Family sessions
Pleasant Grove families are the kind of families I love photographing. Rooted, real, usually with a few kids who’d rather be climbing something than looking at a camera. Perfect. That’s my specialty. My family photography is built around letting families be families — the mess, the laughter, the moments between the moments.
Pleasant Grove Park is great for sessions — mature trees, lots of space, and a setting that feels established rather than brand-new. The trails near the mouth of Grove Creek give you mountain drama without the hike. Manila Creek Pond is a hidden gem for reflections and quiet, natural beauty. For something more open, the fields on the west side of town at sunset are pure gold. Literally.
I don’t make kids sit still and smile. I set up situations where fun happens naturally, and I photograph the real reactions. The parents who were nervous about their “non-cooperative” toddler always end up with the most genuine galleries.
Weddings and elopements
Pleasant Grove weddings tend to have a warmth to them that matches the town. I’ve photographed backyard receptions here that felt more intimate and special than ballroom weddings elsewhere. The mountain proximity means couple portraits are always breathtaking — Battle Creek Falls is a stunning backdrop, and the trails above town give you views of the whole valley.
As a Pleasant Grove wedding photographer, I keep things calm and real. I’m documenting your day, not directing a production. Quick creative portraits when we have the light, but the priority is always the authentic moments — the ones you’ll want to relive. My wedding photography approach means you get to actually be present at your own wedding.
Maternity — mountains in your backyard
PG maternity sessions are beautiful because you don’t have to go far to find a stunning backdrop. Battle Creek trail at golden hour, the park with its tall trees filtering light, or an open field with Timpanogos towering behind you. Maternity photography here feels intimate and personal, which is exactly what this season deserves.
I shoot maternity between 28 and 34 weeks. Bring a dress that flows and shows off that bump. I’ll handle the posing, the light, and making sure you feel beautiful. Because you are. Even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.
Newborns — I’ll come to you
Newborn sessions in Pleasant Grove happen at your home. You just had a baby. The last thing you need is to pack up and drive somewhere. I bring simple wraps, use your window light, and follow your baby’s lead completely. Hungry? We pause. Sleeping like an angel? We shoot everything. Screaming? It’s fine — we have time.
These sessions capture the tiny things that change so fast — the wrinkly feet, the little yawns, the way they curl up impossibly small. Siblings and parents are always included. This is about your family growing, and those early days deserve to be remembered. First two weeks are ideal.
Senior portraits
PG seniors — you’ve got something a lot of towns don’t: actual nature within walking distance. Grove Creek Trail for mountain drama. Battle Creek Falls for something unique and dramatic. The park for classic and natural. Or we go completely different and find a spot with texture and personality that matches yours. I build every senior session around who you are, not a cookie-cutter formula.
Bring two or three outfits. If you play a sport, bring the gear. If you’re creative, bring your art. If you want all nature vibes, I know exactly where to take you. The goal: photos that are unmistakably YOU.
Branding and headshots
Pleasant Grove’s small business owners and home-based entrepreneurs need imagery that reflects their brand without feeling like a corporate headshot machine cranked it out. I shoot branding sessions on location — your home office, your shop, your favorite local spot. Approachable, professional, real. The kind of photos that make people feel like they already know you before you’ve ever met.
Pleasant Grove photo locations
| Location | Look & Feel | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grove Creek Trail / trailhead | Mountain drama, rocky terrain, scrub oak, valley views | Spring through fall, golden hour |
| Battle Creek Falls (lower trail) | Waterfall, creek, lush greenery, secluded canyon feel | Late spring through early fall, morning or evening |
| Pleasant Grove Park | Mature trees, open grass, established feel, family-friendly | Spring through fall, late afternoon |
| Manila Creek Pond | Water reflections, quiet setting, surrounded by trees | Summer and fall, evening light |
| West-side fields and orchards | Open agricultural land, wide sky, golden grass, mountain panorama | Summer and fall, sunset |
Pleasant Grove is small enough that you can get to any of these spots in five minutes. That’s the beauty of it — variety without the drive. And if you have a personal favorite spot, I want to hear about it. The best backdrops are the ones that mean something.
Planning tips
- What to wear: Soft, muted colors — cream, dusty blue, sage, mauve, warm tan. Avoid bright patterns and large logos. Families: coordinate, don’t match.
- Timing: Golden hour in PG is gorgeous because the mountains are so close — you get this warm sidelight that wraps around everything. I’ll schedule for peak light.
- Little ones: Snacks. So many snacks. Let them run, let them explore. I work with real kid energy, not against it.
- Be real: Interact. Laugh. Don’t worry about being perfect. The magic is in the genuine moments, and I promise they’re there.
My shooting style
Nikon Z6III, natural light, fast prime lenses. Clean, warm editing that honors real colors and real skin tones. No heavy filters, no trendy looks that’ll age badly. Black and white edits in every gallery because some images just need to be stripped down to light and shadow. Timeless is the goal, always.
Questions people ask
- How far ahead should I book? Two to four weeks for most sessions. Weddings: three to six months. Fall sessions in October book earliest.
- Do you charge a travel fee for Pleasant Grove? Nope. No travel fee anywhere in Utah County.
- Bad weather? Rain = free reschedule. Overcast = secretly the best light conditions. I’ll take clouds over harsh sun any day.
- How many photos? 30 to 80 fully edited images, depending on session type.
- Can we bring our dog? Obviously. Leash, treats, and a willingness to laugh when they refuse to cooperate.
- Prints? Professional lab-quality prints, canvases, and heirloom albums through your gallery. They make a difference you can feel.
Let’s plan your session
Reach out here and tell me what you’re thinking. Family, engagement, maternity, senior, branding — whatever it is, Pleasant Grove is a fantastic place to do it. Check out my gallery or look at pricing to get started. I can’t wait to show you what this little mountain town looks like through my lens.