There are few moments in life as emotional as sending a missionary off to serve or welcoming them home after years—away. These milestones are filled with excitement, anticipation, pride, happy tears, and unforgettable reunions.
While families often think about graduation photos, wedding photography, or yearly family portraits, missionary farewell and homecoming sessions are another beautiful chapter worth preserving. These are the photographs you'll look back on for decades.
Why Missionary Farewell Photos Matter
The days leading up to a mission often feel like a whirlwind.
Between family gatherings, farewells, church meetings, packing, and preparing for the MTC, it's easy to forget to slow down and document this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A farewell session captures:
-Individual portraits before leaving
-Family photos together
-Photos with your Mission Flag
-Parents with their missionary
-Mission call details or scriptures
The excitement before beginning this new adventure
deserves to be documented. these photographs become priceless reminders of where the journey began.
The Joy of Missionary Homecoming Photos
Homecoming sessions are some of my absolute favorites because they're filled with genuine emotion.
The hugs.
The smiles.
The tears.
The laughter.
Whether your missionary has been serving for 18 months or two years, there's something incredibly special about documenting the moment your family is together again.
Homecoming sessions celebrate not only your missionary's return but also the growth, strength, and memories that came from their service.
When Should You Schedule Your Session?
Farewell Sessions
I recommend scheduling your missionary farewell photos about 4-6 weeks before they leave.
This allows enough time to create announcements, without trying to rush schedule during that last few weeks.
Airport Homecomings
There is nothing quite like the moment a missionary walks through the airport doors and into the arms of the people who have missed them most. The anticipation, joyful tears, tight hugs, and overwhelming excitement happen in just a few unforgettable moments—and they're moments you'll want to remember forever.
An airport homecoming session captures those genuine emotions as they unfold naturally, preserving one of your family's most meaningful reunions in timeless photographs you'll treasure for years to come.
Favorite Locations Around Utah
The grounds surrounding temples are obvious. Can't get a more beautiful setting. (Remember Temple grounds are closed Sunday and Mondays.)
Other locations include any scenic backdrop. I can suggest locations near the temple of your choosing, if you'd like two locations.