Gilbert Family Photographer Agritopia Orchard | The Andersons
I've known Kari and Mark through church for a while, so photographing their family felt less like work and more like hanging out with friends who happen to have really cute kids. We met at Agritopia Orchard in November, perfect weather and the leaves just turned, making fall vibes in AZ real!
Their Fall Session at Agritopia Orchard
Three kids under four could've been chaos, but Mark and Kari are those parents who actually seem to enjoy the stage they're in. They didn't rush the girls or stress when someone wandered off to inspect a leaf for five minutes. That patience translates directly into better photos because nobody's tense or forcing it.
Agritopia gave us enough variety without being complicated. The orchard backdrop worked for everything we needed! The November light came through the trees just right, and the girls had space to move around without me constantly redirecting them back into frame. Mark and Kari weren't trying to manufacture perfect family moments—they were just interacting with their girls the way they always do. That's what makes these photos work. You can tell they're actually present with their kids instead of performing for the camera.
Tips for Family Sessions at Agritopia
Timing matters. November through early spring is your sweet spot here. Summer in Arizona means you're either shooting at 6am or dealing with heat that makes everyone miserable. Fall and winter give you comfortable temps and better light.
Let your kids lead. The orchard has enough space that kids can wander and explore without you constantly pulling them back. That curiosity creates better moments than forced poses ever will. Don't fight their energy—use it.
Skip the matching outfits. Coordinating colors works better than everyone in the same shade of khaki. Agritopia's natural backdrop means you want textures and tones that complement each other, not identical outfits that look like a uniform.
Want to see more family sessions? Check out recent sessions on the blog.
Let's Make This Happen!
If you're in Gilbert and want family photos that look like your actual family—not some idealized version—let's talk. I work around your kids' energy levels, not against them.
