Behind the Lens: Capturing My Own Family Photos at the Cactus Garden


As a photographer, I’m used to being behind the camera, crafting memories for other families. But when it comes to my own family photos? That’s a whole different challenge—especially when you’re juggling three kids, a husband with a military schedule, and the typical chaos that comes with family life.


Recently, I managed to pull off a family photoshoot at the Kate O. Sessions Cactus Garden. And let me tell you, it was worth it. If you’ve ever hesitated to schedule family photos, I hope this story inspires you to go for it.


Family Photos: A Labor of Love


Scheduling a shoot for a family of five is no easy feat. Between school schedules, my husband’s military commitments, and the everyday unpredictability of kids, it felt like trying to coordinate a five-person marching band. I planned to take the photos early in the day, but life had other plans (surprise, surprise). We ended up squeezing it in just before sunset, racing against the fading light.


I’m proud we made it happen because these photos are more than just pictures—they’re proof of where we are in life right now. My kids are all school-aged, which helps in some ways (no diaper bags or naps to plan around) but also brings its own challenges. The goal? No fighting, no stains, and smiles all around. If you’ve ever tried this with kids, you know it’s a minor miracle when it works.


Our Family Story: 15 Years of Military Life & Counting


I’ve been with my husband since I was 16 years old. High school dances turned into a marriage and three beautiful kids, with 15 years of military life woven in between. It hasn’t always been easy, but when I look at our family photos, I’m reminded of everything we’ve built together. They serve as a time capsule of who we are—a testament to the journey and the love that’s kept us going.


I hope your family photos remind you of the same. Time moves so fast, and those everyday moments we take for granted can feel like distant memories before we know it. Trust me—take the time, pay for the photos, and treasure them forever.


Shout-Out to My Photographer


A huge thank you to Mariah with Riah's Creatives for capturing these stunning shots of my family! Mariah specializes in music videos, dance photography, and creative storytelling, and her talent truly shines through. Even with the time crunch and fading light, she worked her magic and delivered moments we’ll treasure forever.


As a fellow creative, it’s such a blessing to collaborate with someone who deeply understands the importance of preserving memories. The edits were done by Etta Renee Photography, adding my personal touch to these beautiful images. Teamwork like this reminds me why I love what I do.


Behind Every Photographer Is a Family Who Supports Them

Let’s be real—there’s no way I could do this without my family. My oldest doubles as my content creator at times (he’s a natural, by the way), my husband is always helping behind the scenes, and my boys are my go-to models for testing light and poses. Their support means the world to me, and while this journey hasn’t always been easy, it’s been absolutely worth it.


Outfit Links: What We Wore

Getting outfits right is half the battle in family photos. Here’s what we wore to inspire your next session!



As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from your purchases, which helps me continue creating unforgettable memories for families like yours.


Final Thoughts: Book the Photos


If you’re on the fence about booking family photos, here’s your sign to go for it. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to put off things like this. But trust me when I say: You’ll never regret having these memories to look back on.


ETTA RENEE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDES THAT PERSONAL TOUCH


When you’re ready for a low-stress photoshoot that captures the essence of your family, look no further than Etta Renee Photography. As a highly active wife, military spouse, and mother, I understand how meaningful these moments are.


You can count on Etta Renee Photography to create images you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Book your session at www.ettareneephotography.com, and let’s capture your family’s story together.


-Etta Renee



A happy family stands together on a paved path with eucalyptus trees in the background on a sunny day.
Three smiling young students sitting together on outdoor steps wearing white and light blue clothing.
Sweet mother and son moment captured in front of desert cactus garden wearing casual summer outfits.
A candid black and white photo shows a joyful family group sitting together outdoors and laughing.
Standing by a cactus on a desert path, a pair share a sweet embrace while wearing casual spring outfits.
Three people dancing and playing in a desert garden setting with cactus and green trees in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors, with the woman wearing a mint green dress and the man in a beige shirt.
A couple walks hand in hand along a desert garden path with tall cacti and eucalyptus trees in the background.