Love Made Tangible

Reconnecting with the Cosners – Family Photos in Flagstaff

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Getting them all into the same room has become more of a challenge. With two busy business owner parents, a teenager, and a recent college grad who gallivants around the globe, it’s not surprising. That’s why I was especially impressed that it happened at all! It took some finagling. Some back and forth. Some wrangling of cats (AKA family members).

But there we were again, with great music on the speakers, lots of laughter, and another “exchange student.” Although this time, it was Aspen’s wonderful English boyfriend, James. 🙂 Family portrait success!

Two Sisters Hugging in Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer

I made a point to review previous sessions so we could pay homage to the sister relationship and growth. It seems like just a minute ago Rowan was in a baby carrier and now, she is almost as tall as her big sister!

Two Sisters Look at each other in Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer, Before and After Diptych Showing the Sisters Growth Over Time

We talked about music, art, and travel, which they have a passion for. In fact, they head out on another adventure soon. It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with them for this pause in the family action.

Family of Four Snuggles in a Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer

A Young Couple Hugs in Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer

Flagstaff Family Portrait Photographer • Flagstaff Maternity Pregnancy Photographer • Flagstaff Newborn Photographer • Flagstaff Child Photographer • Flagstaff Senior Portrait Photographer • Flagstaff Couples Photography

Kristen Dacey Iwai of KDI Photography is a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona with decades of experience. Making portraits of families, pregnancy, newborns, babies, children, and high school seniors in her downtown studio and on location, she serves clients from Flagstaff, Sedona, Tuba City, Winslow, Payson, Page, Williams, Prescott, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona

Senior Photos in Beautiful, Treacherous Sedona with Liam, Verde Valley School

Monday, April 1, 2024

This session was dangerous.

Don’t believe me?

Senior Photos at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Here’s an abbreviated list of things we had to defend ourselves against:

• tarantula hawks and actual tarantulas
• red ants
• killer tomatoes
• feral cats in an abandoned bus
• spicy hot chilis
• stinging bees

The name Liam means “protector,” and he certainly lived up to his name. No hospital visits for us. Thank you, Liam!

Senior Photos in the Verde Valley School Vintage Bus, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Okay, maybe they weren’t actually coming for us, but they COULD have! Liam, his mom Michele, and I laughed it all off, but all of these living things can actually be found in the immediate environment of Liam’s Sedona school.

His senior photo session could have gone horribly wrong, but instead, it was an absolute blast.

I loved seeing who he is now at this stage. He is delightful, kind, and interesting. He played his violin, made awesome, hilarious faces, and genially greeted passersby as we wandered around campus.

At 75 years old, Verde Valley School has such a happy vibe and is amazingly innovative. Just a few of the programs I witnessed or heard about were horseback riding, a biking club, camping trips, and gardening.

I wish I could go there! I’m sure Liam will miss it when he graduates in May. Congratulations, Liam!

Senior Photos at Verde Valley School in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Springtime Photos In Flagstaff • Living To Fight Another Day

Thursday, February 29, 2024

I never do this.

It tends to overwhelm my subjects and, if I’m honest, myself!

Family portrait of family of six, smiling, snuggled together, under flowering trees, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

But I had a lot of ideas after getting to know the Pozars. I wanted to tell their story an authentic way, and they had several places that were meaningful to their family history.

So I asked them to treat this family portrait session like a scavenger hunt, where we’d bounce from place to place. They were game because, well, they’re Pozars. A defining characteristic of their family is being game for anything!

It turns out that it was VERY important that we ran from place to place.

Portrait of family of six, laughing and talking under flowering trees, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

Portrait of four siblings, laughing and talking in the branches of a flowering tree, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

As I waited to meet the family, I spotted the two sisters running towards me, full throttle. I hoped it was because they were super excited for portraits but as it turns out, nope. They were running for their “lives”.

Portrait of four siblings standing snuggled with mural behind them, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

Series of photos of married couple laughing and interacting, with mural behind them, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

“Senior Assassin” is serious business and Izzy was being aggressively hunted. Because this was ”Purge Day”, she couldn’t protect herself with pool items (you know, floaties, goggles, etc.). In other words, she was an open target while I was photographing her.

Portrait of family of six, posing hilariously in their Pittsburgh Steelers shirts, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

She was cool as ever, but the whole family spent the session looking over their shoulders. Our adventure included fake-outs, car swapping, narrow escapes, and fortunately, the aforementioned multiple photo locations. I’m proud to say that they were unable to get her on my watch and she lived to fight another day!

Portrait of family of six, posing very seriously in their Pittsburgh Steelers shirts, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

2 responses to “Springtime Photos In Flagstaff • Living To Fight Another Day”

Burt Gershater

March 5, 2024

So creative. So much fun. So full of life. Simply a gem family photographed by gem photographer.
1. Kristen Iwai
  
  March 11, 2024
  
  Aw, thanks very much, Burt! So glad you liked the post. We appreciate the kind words.

Celebrating Hailey’s Remarkable Achievements – Dual Graduation Portraits in Beautiful Sedona

Thursday, February 1, 2024

When Hailey’s sister and mom, Krista, braved the five-hour drive to make portraits with us two years ago, it was an absolute delight. So, naturally, when Krista reached out about making s enior portraits with her other daughter to celebrate her dual graduations from college, I was thrilled.

Fine Art Black and White Graduation Portrait with White Flowers, Sedona AZ, Northern Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography

A little about Hailey; She likes to play and listen to music, is an amazing chef, and cares about treating people well. Besides being funny and smart, she is what I call a ‘thought broadcaster.’ When she makes her trademark faces, you can see what she’s thinking – something I consider a gift and a source of endless entertainment!

Culinary School Graduation Portrait, Sedona AZ, Northern Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography

Graduation portrait, Sedona AZ, Northern Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography

Case in point; Midway through during a Zoom meeting, she began making a pained, disgusted face. Trying not to take it personally, I inquired if she was OK. Laughing, she admitted that her dog was licking her feet off camera.

On the afternoon of our session, standing in ankle deep water, she suddenly screamed, nearly fell and then leaped dramatically to the beach nearby. Why? Well, a wee frog fell from the cliff above her into the water next to her and scared her out of her wits. I mean, who expects a FROG to fall from the SKY and splash down at your feet? Got a video of the cute little guy swimming, but sadly, not of her heroic leap. #photographerfail

She has achieved so much, graduating with two degrees in only three years while also managing her family’s citrus farm, yet she remains humble, kind, gracious. My only complaint is that she has no plans to open a bakery here in town. Congratulations, Hailey!

Veterinarian. Mom. Superhero. Portrait of Chelsey in Flagstaff, AZ

Monday, December 18, 2023

There’s clearly a dichotomy here.

On the one hand, she is an absolute badass, something that is certainly represented in the first portrait. She will not only get excited to perform surgery to repair your guinea pig’s eyeball, she will calmly nerd out on the science of it. She will do this unflinchingly, with a love for the science of veterinarian surgery.

Black and White Portrait of Veterinarian Holding Chicken in Flagstaff AZ, by KDI Photography

But on the other hand, she cares so deeply about others that the toughness you see in the first portrait really doesn’t begin to cover it. She is compassionate and humble to a fault. I joke that she will not cross the street if she thinks someone else might prefer to go first. She certainly got into veterinary medicine out of that unbelievable compassion for both the animals she cares for and the humans who love them. I call her a Magical Animal Whisperer because Dr. Doolittle is an inadequate description. She has a great laugh and tremendous amount of patience.

Our town is incredibly lucky to have her. I am even luckier to call her a friend.

Black and White Portrait of Veterinarian Holding Chicken, Laughing in Flagstaff AZ, by KDI Photography

4 responses to “Veterinarian. Mom. Superhero. Portrait of Chelsey in Flagstaff, AZ”

Deb smith

December 19, 2023

What a sweet write up about Chelsey. You nailed it and of course the photos are perfect! Happy holidays to you and yours from Peter and me. We’re happy and healthy and loving being retired. We do miss all the friendly faces from our past though…. ❤️
1. Kristen Dacey Iwai
  
  January 11, 2024
  
  Thank you so much, Deb! Happy holidays to you and Peter. I’m so glad that you are well and that you liked Chelsey’s portraits. She is amazing! Wishing you all the best.
Leslie

January 4, 2024

Kristen, Your ability to capture so much about people in words AND photography remains only a part of how fully you are able to connect with humans and other beings. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with so many so often.
1. Kristen Dacey Iwai
  
  January 11, 2024
  
  Leslie, You are sooo kind to say that. I’m really touched. Thank you!

Welcoming a New Addition – Newborn Photography in Flagstaff

Thursday, November 30, 2023

I love the way they think. That’s what you say when someone shares your mindset! 🙂

Truly, I love the way they see their children. They revel in each one’s uniqueness, while celebrating their overlapping traits. In selecting family portraits that tell the story of this chapter, authenticity was their top criteria. They work together as a fabulous team. Level headed, loving parents, trading off ideas and tasks with a shorthand ease that’s impressive.

It was a delight to be back with this awesome family. I got to watch them welcome their second cutie, witnessing the way that the family enfolds him in their arms, literally and metaphorically.

Cora is the fun, doting, big sister now, and Finn clearly adores the attention. Each parent snuggles him in that perfect puzzle piece way, a vantage point from which he’s safe to look out at the world and socialize.

Maybe that safety and love is why he’s maturing fast, seeming beyond his chronological age. It’s not every newborn that brightens my day as often as he does, with one of his trademark, beaming smiles. Such a sweetie!

Joss, Northland Preparatory Academy, Defying Expectations – Senior Photos Flagstaff

Thursday, November 16, 2023

She won’t be defined. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that she won’t LET you define her, she is an easy going person. Define away.

No, I mean, she makes it impossible to put her into some narrow category.

Senior Photos in Flagstaff, by KDI Photography

When you meet her, she’s not a super chatty person, but I tend to pry. 🙂 Here’s what I found out:
A hard worker who quit her job to focus on school, she plays guitar, likes photography and played soccer for this year’s state champs, NPA. WOOT!

High School Senior Portrait of Girl Wearing Blue in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

She has the presence of a gentle soul, and a contagious laugh. But, her game day face? Whoa. DO NOT mess with that athlete. She had injured her arm right before her senior session, but never once whined about it. That gentle soul has fierce inner strength.

She loves being outdoors, especially at Snow Bowl, is a great dancer, can somehow manage to play nice music with giant, pretty nails, when asked.

High School Senior Portrait of Girl Wearing Blue, Playing Guitar in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

What surprised me the most? She likes to go to Good Will. Not so much for clothes, like the rest of us. For law books. For FUN. She finds them really interesting. Strength AND brains.

See? She’s lots of things. Lots and lots of awesome things.

NPA Senior Photo, Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ, Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography, Flagstaff, AZ

Navigating The Maze of College Decisions – Help With College Matchmaking

Thursday, November 2, 2023

The end of high school is filled with new tasks and challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by even the idea of the college application process, you’re not alone. We love an opportunity to help our families with this chapter, so next up, we at KDI Photography are sponsoring a juniors night at our studio.

For our first one, we’ll have expert college counselors help you figure out how to choose colleges to apply to. Later they’ll share what you need to know about the FAFSA application process.

Where: KDI Photography Studio, Flagstaff, AZ
When: February 1st, 2024 at 6:30pm

Parents and juniors welcome. There is no charge for these services but seating is limited, so email us if you plan to attend!

Mollie, NPA, Class Of 2024 – Revisiting Her Happy Memories

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Again and again, she returned with friends and siblings for visits to this special place. Games played, prom attire documented, picnics shared, impromptu photo shoots enacted. Over the years, memories accumulated.

It had started when they lived closer, the attachment to this lovely location. With a deck overlooking a pond and amazing flora and fauna on display in every direction, it’s pretty remarkable. Back in the day, it was right across the street, and even though they no longer live nearby, many happy memories remain. I have memories of her growing up, too. I used to see her in the neighborhood, usually in motion, always a bright smile and a friendly vibe.

Now, she’s selected this spot as the most meaningful place for senior portraits and I’m all in. She and her mom Belinda have that effect. If they want something, you want them to have it! They are both that wonderful.

I aimed to show the many facets of Mollie’s personality and interests, her strength, her humor. When we made portraits with her soccer gear, we didn’t know that Mollie would later lead her team as co-captain to win the state soccer championship! 🥳 💪🏼 I would follow her lead anywhere because she is so kind, so much fun, such a sweetheart.

Congratulations Mollie, on ALL the amazing things you’ve achieved!

Making Bryce’s Senior Photos – An Afternoon With Two Special People and Three Handsome Horses

Monday, October 2, 2023

I drove through the drizzle, in frustration. Not because of the weather, but because I found myself crawling along behind a slow poke going 25 miles below the speed limit, with no opportunity to pass. I careened into the parking lot at exactly the session’s start time – AKA late, since I like to get there early. The rain was just stopping so we thankfully didn’t miss anything.

Senior photo of cowboy looking at his horse in the mountains of Flagstaff, AZ, KDI Photography

As Bryce, his mom Tammy, and I stood strategizing by the horse trailer, one of the 3 horses started loudly peeing. At first it was kind of funny but as it progressed on and on and ON, it became challenging to concentrate or talk over him! I guess it’s important to stay hydrated.

Senior photo of cowboy on with three horses in the forest near Flagstaff, AZ, KDI Photography

Big Red, Little Red and Willie (a steadfast presence since before Bryce was born) were more interested in eating delicious grass than looking up or pointing their ears towards the camera. But Tammy was an AMAZING, intuitive helper. Running, before I could ask, to exactly where I’d wish her to be, she would shake enticing treats in a cup. Between her expert maneuvering and a squeaky toy I keep in my camera bag, they gave us their stately attention.

Black and white senior photo of cowboy holding lead ropes with three horses in the forest near Flagstaff, AZ, KDI Photography

Senior portrait of cowboy on horseback riding in the mountains of Flagstaff, AZ, KDI Photography

Senior portrait of cowboy with horse in the mountains of Flagstaff, AZ, KDI Photography

I loved making this bookend senior portrait with Bryce, having first photographed him before (his pregnant mama) and after his birth. It was great to see his mastery with the horses and learn more about his artistry with leather work. Check him out at his Facebook Page.