Western Family Session at BJ Ranch
Oh my gosh — this photoshoot with Becky and Benny’s family was pure magic.
When Becky first called me, she told me she dreamed of photos in an open field with a western feel, maybe even some horses or farm animals. My first thought was Mini Moos, but the timing didn’t work. That’s when BJ Ranch popped into my head. I sent her some photos, and the second she saw them, she said, “That’s perfect.”
BJ Ranch is tucked away in New River, AZ, and let me tell you — it’s a gem. The ranch owners, Jamie and Brian, are some of the kindest people to work with. They opened their gates with such warmth and made this whole session feel effortless. Between the western town backdrop, with everything from a General Store front to a Saloon this location had everything we needed and more for a western themed photoshoot. I can’t wait to bring more families here in the future — it’s the perfect mix of rustic and magical.
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Since her kiddos are at their best in the morning, that’s when we booked. Sure, the lighting wasn’t ideal, but I’ll take happy kids over perfect light any day.
When they arrived, little Ryan needed a little time to warm up. His way of breaking the ice? A full dinosaur roar — completely perfect for his love of dinosaurs. Once he spotted the western town backdrop, complete with two horses and a couple of goats, his walls came right down.
His little sister was just as smitten. She adores cows and chickens. One of my favorite moments was Ryan “reading” their fuzzy farm book to his sister. She leaned in so close and I thought, these are the kinds of moments that matter.
We made sure to capture the photos Becky had her heart set on — each parent with each child, the siblings together, and of course, the whole family as one. But some of the most meaningful images came in the small in-between moments. Like when Ryan boopt Becky on the tip of the nose when I asked him to give her a kiss. Editing those photos made me tear up — it reminded me of her words: “Don’t stress so much. Put down the mop and the phone. Time passes too quickly.”
And then there were the silly moments — peek-a-boo, bubbles, and the funniest squishy faces. Those quirks won’t last forever, but now they’re captured.
This session had everything I love about family photography — laughter, tenderness, and a little western charm. And with a backdrop like BJ Ranch and hosts like Jamie and Brian? Honestly, I couldn’t have dreamed up a better morning if I tried.
Do you want to book a western photoshoot at BJ Ranch? Email me at kimvanosphotography@gmail.com and let’s book it today!!!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer,
Kim