How to guarantee you have an unforgettable Missionary Photo Session!

lifestyle and portraits
Written By Emily Golding
An LDS missionary leans against the wall of the Columbia River Temple. He has a suit on and his missionary name tag. He is posing with his arms crossed, and is smiling, looking to the side. You can see the temple’s stained glass behind him.
A young Mormon missionary sits on a stone bench outside the Columbia River temple in Tri-Cities, Washington. He is wearing a suit, and is posing for a headshot.

I love working with missionaries! I often get asked if I offer sessions for missionaries before they start their two-year mission, and these sessions are some of my favorites. They are a great way to document the progress and growth the missionary goes through. For the missionaries who get an engraved plaque, the stress of taking the plaque photo is lifted off their family's shoulders when they hire a professional photographer. These sessions are often mini-sessions, which is the perfect amount of time for pictures to be taken with the session not feeling like it is dragging on. 

What should I bring for my Missionary Picture Session? 

A LDS missionary holds a flag for the country he is called to serve. The flag is a prop for his called to serve photo session at the Columbia River Temple in Richland, Washington.
Two LDS missionaries hold up a flag of the country they are going to serve. They are posing in front of the Columbia River Temple in Richland, Washington.
A Mormon missionary sits on a bench outside the Columbia River Temple. He holds a Book of Mormon and has a missionary name tag on his suit jacket. Taken at the Columbia River Temple in Richland, Washington.

Bring props! You want your missionary picture session to feel personal. Bring flags or other items representing the place you are called to serve. Missionaries like to bring copies of the Book of Mormon, Missionary name tags, CTR Rings, and other sentimental items to their session. These items will set your photos apart and help communicate what makes you you! 

Who should come to my Missionary Picture Session? 

A LDS sister missionary poses for a photo with her mom. They are laughing, looking at each other, while standing in front of the temple.
An Elder Missionary poses for a photo with his mom. He has on his name tag, and his mom is grabbing him by his arm. Photo is taken on location in Kennewick, Washington.

I encourage bringing one of your parents or loved ones! I love getting photos of you with your loved ones during your session. I also encourage bringing a loved one if you are camera-shy, as being around those who lift you can help you feel more comfortable during your session! 

Where should I take my Missionary Photos? 

A photo of a Sister missionary with her arms crossed looking towards the sun. She is standing in front of the Columbia River temple in Richland, Washington.
A photo of an LDS missionary in front of the Columbia River temple. He is wearing a suit and name tag. Behind him is the angel moroni. This session is shot on location in Tri-Cities, Washington.

The most popular location for Missionary Photos is at an LDS Temple. Missionary picture sessions tend to be at places with significance within the LDS religion, so either a Temple or Tabernacle. The location I have shot at the most is the Columbia River Temple. The Temple Grounds are always gorgeously landscaped and meticulously maintained year-round, making it perfect for Missionary Sessions in the Tri-Cities. 


Are you looking to set up a Missionary Picture Session? I would love to help celebrate your Mission Call with a session! Message me here with your contact details and let’s plan a session together!

Emily Golding
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