Irvine Family Photographer – Wyoming Vacation Photos

FAMILY VACATION PHOTOS FROM STAR VALLEY RANCH, WYOMING

Summer fun! Three children enjoying an intertubing adventure on Palisades Reservoir in the scenic mountains of Wyoming.

As an Irvine family photographer, I spend most of my time capturing other people’s lives—so this time, it was nice to turn the camera on my own. We packed up the car and drove from Orange County to Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming, for a week of hiking, tubing, and doing a whole lot of nothing. I didn’t plan a shoot, but I brought my camera anyway. Turns out, some of my favorite images came from the in-between. If you’re curious what it looks like to document your own family trip, here’s a peek at ours.

Family fun on Palisades Reservoir, Wyoming! Mom in a straw hat relaxes on a Supra boat while kids enjoy tubing.

Why I Always Pack My Camera

1100 MILE DRIVE FROM IRVINE TO STAR VALLEY

We left Irvine before sunrise, packed the car like a game of Tetris, and hit the road. Three kids, two adults, one long playlist, and plenty of snack breaks. The drive itself became part of the story—wide open roads, mountain passes, and that feeling of slowing down before we even arrived. If you’re planning your own family road trip, take the good camera. You won’t regret it.

Single-story family home in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming with a Chevy Silverado High Country truck and Supra wakeboard boat.
Justin Cleaves prepares his Supra wakeboard boat for a day of tubing on Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming.
Mother and her two children hanging out in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming.
This adorable English bulldog is ready for some fun in the sun at Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming!
Family fun in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming! Loading up a Supra wakeboarding boat for a day of tubing.
Girl walking English Bulldog in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming.
Woman smiles as she holds her English bulldog while boating on a scenic Wyoming lake.
Kids jumping off a bridge into Palisades Reservoir, Wyoming.

TUBING AT PALISADES RESERVOIR

We spent at least three days on the water, and it still wasn’t enough. The kids tubed until their hands were pruney and their voices were hoarse from laughing. Fourth of July weekend brought a little extra chaos—boats everywhere, music in the background, and that wild summer energy you only get once a year. I don’t usually bring a camera on a boat, but I’m glad I did. These were the kinds of moments you think you’ll remember without photos—but trust me, they’re even better when you have them. f you're looking for something closer to home, here's a look at family photography sessions in Irvine.

Family enjoying a boat ride on Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming.
Kids jumping into Palisades Reservoir, Wyoming.
Three kids laughing and splashing as they tube on Palisades Reservoir, with the Wyoming mountains and blue sky in the background.
Close up shot of a hand on a steering wheel of a Supra wakeboarding boat.
Family of four smiles in life jackets on a scenic boat tour in Wyoming.
Boy and his English Bulldog enjoying a summer boat ride on Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming.
Girl drying off boy with warm air hose on boat in Wyoming.
Two children laughing and paddling on boogie boards in the clear blue water of Palisades Reservoir, Wyoming.
Girl playing frisbee with dog in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming.
Mother and son bonding on a sunny deck overlooking the scenic landscape of Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming.
Man cooking fluffy pancakes on an outdoor griddle in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming.
Candid portrait of a man with a beard and hat, seen through a window.
Fluffy pancakes cooking on a griddle in a Star Valley Ranch house.
Smiling woman in sunglasses and an O'Neill hat cuddles her English bulldog on a boat at Palisades Reservoir, Wyoming.
Three kids laughing while tubing on choppy water at Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming.
Majestic golden eagle perched on a branch overlooking Palisades Reservoir, Wyoming.
Father and daughter bonding while boating on Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming.
Smiling man with a beard, wearing Oakley sunglasses and a hat, gestures with a 'surf's up' hand sign on a boat in Wyoming.

YELLOWSTONE LAKE TRAIL WITH THE KIDS

We stopped at the canyon overlooks—just long enough to take it in—then headed for something more doable with three kids. The trail around Yellowstone Lake was flat, quiet, and surprisingly peaceful for a national park during Fourth of July weekend. Minimal crowds, no rush—just trees, water, and space to let the kids be free without worry. It wasn’t about reaching a summit or checking off a hike. It was about slowing down, noticing things, and making sure the camera came out when the moments felt honest. This was one of them.

Family of four hiking in Yellowstone National Park with scenic mountain views.
Hiker's paradise! A scenic trail winds through fallen logs in Yellowstone National Park.
Woman hiking in Lululemon shorts at Yellowstone National Park's scenic overlook.
Panoramic view of Yellowstone National Park's Grand Canyon, with vibrant yellow rock formations and the Yellowstone River flowing below.
Joyful mother and son embrace with the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the background.
Colorful canoes on the shore of a Yellowstone National Park lake, with a dock and boats in the distance.
Ansel Adams-inspired landscape photograph of Snake River Overlook in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

Want Photos Like This for Your Own Family?

I. YES, I TRAVEL FOR FAMILY SESSIONS

While most of my work happens in and around Irvine, I’m always open to hitting the road. If your family has a trip planned—mountains, desert, lake, or anywhere in between—there’s a good chance I’ll bring the camera. These aren’t styled shoots or Pinterest boards. They’re about documenting your actual life, wherever it happens to be.

II. LOCAL SESSIONS IN IRVINE AND SO CAL

If travel’s not on the calendar, no problem. I photograph families all over Orange County—from the beaches of Laguna to the eucalyptus trails of Irvine. These sessions are relaxed, kid-friendly, and designed to capture real moments without a bunch of posing. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present. You can find session pricing and details right here: Family Photography Investment.

III. LET’S PLAN SOMETHING THAT FITS

Every family’s in a different stage, and every session should reflect that. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or grandparents in the mix, we’ll build a shoot that makes sense for you. Reach out when you’re ready—I’ll send over a simple guide with pricing, availability, and what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It depends on the trip. Sometimes I document a full day, sometimes it's a few shorter windows over multiple days—like boating one day and hiking another. It’s casual, flexible, and built around your plans. You’ll still get a full gallery, but without the pressure of squeezing everything into one time slot.

  • Doesn’t matter. What makes the photos meaningful isn’t the mountain backdrop—it’s the connection between your people. Some of my favorite galleries were shot in rental cabins, beach condos, or even hotel balconies. If the trip means something to you, the setting’s already perfect.

  • Absolutely. Some families book a full session here in Irvine, then later add a short travel shoot if they’ve got a trip planned. It’s a good way to keep things low-pressure and still come away with a complete set of memories from both home and away.