Many of my LDS followers probably already know who Al Carraway is (formerly Al Fox). Al is an award winning author. Her books include "More than the Tattooed Mormon", "Cheers to Eternity", "Wildly Optimistic", and more! She is super talented, and I absolutely love her books, at least the ones that I have read, I will be honest I have not read all of them, although I think my goal this year will be to read them all. My most recent purchases were her kids books, now that I have my own kids, I buy more stuff for my kids than I do myself. I have been following her on Instagram for a very long time, easily like 10 years. I was definitely a big fan of hers. She had posted a video of her on her story about moving to Arizona, and I just had the thought to email her and ask her and her family to take some family photos. I truly didn't expect an email back. I can't really afford right now to do any paid marketing, so my best bet is to take photos of people with a larger following, in exchange of them sharing the pictures. I also needed photos for my portfolio, so it was a win win. The day we had arranged to take pictures was very hectic to say the least. For some backstory, a few weeks before, we had gotten rear ended and our car had been in the shop for a month at this point, and we were driving a rental. I was almost late to meeting them, and unexpectedly ended up taking my husband and my kids with us. A couple hours before the shoot, we thought we were getting our car back, unfortunately that was not the case because the insurance company had not paid the repair shop, so we were stuck with the rental for another weekend, this rental was also being paid for out of our pocket. I cried all my makeup off before meeting up with the Carraways, haha. I always try to look professional before meeting strangers I have never met before. That morning as well was raining, and I was a little worried we would have to cancel, but miraculously the rain had stopped. Our rental nearly got damaged too, that same morning our canopy above our driveway collapsed from all the rain, and fell on top of the rental car, luckily it fell just right, and no damage had been done. We got to the shoot, and it was super cool to be able to meet Al and her family. Me being the awkward person I am, the first thing I say is you're so much taller than I thought you would be. You would never guess that half the photos my kids got in the way and I had to photoshop them out. My kids also got in the river, lol, we were not prepared, didn't bring towels or anything, and at this point my twins were still in diapers, so you can imagine how fun that was, I am just glad neither of them pooped, and that we had a couple extra diapers in the car. The spot we went to was also new to me, I had never been to Water Users recreation area before, it is a nice spot, I will definitely be coming back, the Salt River is probably one of my favorite spots to photograph! Some of my other favorites are Coon Bluff, and Phon D Sutton.
The Carraway Family's Water Users Recreation Area Family Photographs in Mesa
I recently had the amazing chance to photograph the Carraway family at Water Users Recreation Area in Mesa. This session was extra special because it featured an author I'm a huge fan of - Al Fox Carraway. The day was filled with little blessings as we captured beautiful moments with her family in this stunning Mesa location.
Why Water Users Recreation Area Makes the Perfect Family Photo Backdrop
Water Users Recreation Area in Mesa offers a gorgeous setting for family photographs. With its blend of desert landscape and water views, it creates a perfect contrast for capturing family memories. The Carraway family session took full advantage of these natural elements.
Al Fox Carraway, known for her inspirational writing and speaking, brings the same warmth to family photos that she does to her books and collections. Her family's natural joy made the session flow easily against the stunning Mesa backdrop.
Best Times for Family Photos at Water Users Recreation Area
Morning Magic
Early mornings at Water Users Recreation Area offer soft, golden light that flatters everyone.
Sunset Splendor
The hour before sunset, often called "golden hour," bathes the area in rich, warm tones. This time works great for families with older kids who can stay up a bit later. The Carraway family session benefited from this evening golden glow, creating warm, inviting photos.
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Water Users Recreation Area Family Session in Mesa
Check the weather forecast - Mesa temperatures can vary greatly, so plan for comfort
Bring water and snacks - Especially important for keeping little ones happy
Coordinate outfits without matching exactly - Choose complementary colors that work with the natural setting
Plan around nap times - Happy, rested kids make for better photos
Arrive early - Give your family time to get comfortable with the setting before starting photos
What to Wear for Water Users Recreation Area Family Photos
The desert backdrop with water elements offers a unique color palette to work with. The Carraway family chose outfits with neutral tones that complemented rather than competed with the natural setting.
Color Suggestions
Soft blues that echo the water
Earth tones that blend with the desert landscape
Cream or white for a timeless look
Styling Tips
Layer clothing for dimension
Avoid large logos or distracting patterns
Consider the season and dress for comfort
How to Prepare Kids for a Successful Photo Session
Getting great family photographs at Water Users Recreation Area means preparing your little ones for success. Kids do best when they know what to expect and feel part of the process.
Talk about the photo session in positive, exciting terms
Let them help choose an outfit they feel good in
Plan rewards for after the session
Bring their favorite small toy for comfort
FAQ About Family Photography at Water Users Recreation Area
How long does a typical family session last?
Most family sessions at Water Users Recreation Area last about 1 hour, which is enough time to capture various poses and settings without tiring out kids.
What if the weather is bad on our scheduled date?
We always keep an eye on the forecast and will reschedule if needed. Mesa weather can change quickly, so we stay flexible.
Can we bring our dog to the family session?
Absolutely! Pets are family too. Just make sure to check current park rules about leashes.
What areas of Water Users Recreation Area work best for photos?
The shoreline areas offer beautiful water backdrops, while the desert paths provide classic Arizona scenery. We'll use both for variety.
How many photos will we receive?
A typical family session yields 30-50 photos, capturing a range of poses, groupings, and backgrounds. You will get to choose your favorites in a proofing gallery after the session is over, amount will depend on the package you choose, it is also an option to upgrade later if you end up loving all of them.
Ready to Book Your Water Users Recreation Area Family Photographs in Mesa?
If you're inspired by the Carraway family's beautiful photos and want to create your own family memories at Water Users Recreation Area in Mesa, I'd love to help! Family photography in this stunning location captures both the beauty of Arizona and the connections that make your family special.
Contact me today to schedule your family session and create photographs you'll treasure for years to come. Let's make some magic at Water Users Recreation Area together!
