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Love Made Tangible

A Dream Come True, 13 Years in the Making

Family portraits of a husband, wife and two teen boys, on a beach in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.

It was 13 years in the making.

It all started in 2012 when my dear friend Kristen Dick was diagnosed with cancer. As the mom of 5-year-old and 2-year-old boys, she feared she might leave them motherless.

Family portrait of a husband and wife standing in the roots of a Banyan tree in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.
Family portraits of a husband, wife and two teen boys, walking away on a beach in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.
Family portraits of two teen boys, in flowers on a beach in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.

Over lunch one day, I asked her to picture something in the future, when her oldest graduated high school, where everything was OK. I asked her to describe it in detail – something she could visualize for a minute every day.

Her answer? 

You need to hear about it in her own words, because it was her dream, her manifested miracle.

Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired. Listen to the KDI PODCAST interview here. 👇🏻

Family portraits of two teen boys, in flowers on a beach in Hawaii with the sun streaming in behind them, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.
Family of four, mother, father, and two teen boys, laughing and talking on a beach in Hawaii with mountains and clear blue water in the background, location family photos, by Flagstaff Photographer KDI Photography
Family of four, mother, father, and two teen boys, smiling on a beach in Hawaii with mountains and clear blue water in the background, location family photos, by Flagstaff Photographer KDI Photography
Family portraits of a husband, wife and two teen boys, looking away at the ocean, on a beach in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.

Later, she told me she took my suggestion, and thought about it every day. She told me that visual got her through some very hard times, not just her own cancer, but her son’s and other really painful challenges. (Read his story HERE.)

Fast forward to 2025. Kristen reached out.

“It’s time. Let’s do this.” 

The framed wall art grouping installed on the family walls. 👇🏻

Wall art featuring family portraits of a husband, wife and two teen boys, near the the ocean, on a beach in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.

Behind the scenes of the family photo session in Hawaii. 👇🏻

Behind the scenes of a family portrait of a husband, wife and two teen boys, walking away on a beach in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers KDI Photography.
Behind the scenes, photogrpaher captures teen boy swimming with a sea turtle off the coast in Hawaii, location family photos by Flagstaff photographers Keiji Iwai Photography and KDI Photography.

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Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Community Profile, couples portrait, family, family health and safety, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, health and wellbeing, location portrait, parents, photography, siblings
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    Right Where He’s Meant to Be Senior Photos in Flagstaff

    I crouched down, balanced awkwardly on a collection of boulders. Trying to get low enough to see, I was trying to take myself out of the frame – or at least my shadow.

    I was struck in the moment by what I was witnessing.

    Seeing him up high, perched on a rocky outcrop at the top of the peak, appearing totally at ease, felt RIGHT. Like, he belonged up there, balancing effortlessly in the wind.

    Portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a white shirt, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography

    The clouds and sunset light played out a symphony of color in the sky, beyond where the breeze ruffled his blond hair and white shirt. A gift, hand-made decades ago by his grandmother for his grandfather.

    Looking Back

    The first time I photographed him, as a toddler, his dad calmly held him with one hand high above his head. He looked utterly at home. In some ways, he was born to climb.

    A father holds his toddler son up in the air with one hand, studio family photos, by Flagstaff photographer KDI Photography

    After a quick “buggy” ride in the family ATV, we stepped into the aspen forest where he grew up, playing. We crunched over fallen yellow leaves. The recent storm had deposited them on the forest floor, photogenically. I heard stories about a childhood lived in the wild, building forts, with time to climb, sit, ponder, and dream.

    It gave him the space to cultivate a wide variety of interests, like watercolors, making clothes, geology, history, travel, writing, and mythology.

    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy standing with the yellow fall foliage of the Northern Arizona aspen trees, wearing a blue button down shirt and khaki pants, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Black and white portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy sitting up high on fallen aspen trees, looking away, wearing a button down shirt and khaki pants, standing the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy sitting on the ground leaning against an aspen tree trunk, in the yellow leaves, wearing a blue button down shirt and khaki pants, standing the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography

    Black and white portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy looking away, wearing a button down shirt and khaki pants, standing the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy looking at the camera, wearing a blue button down shirt and khaki pants, standing the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy smiling, wearing a blue button down shirt and khaki pants, standing the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy laughing, wearing a blue button down shirt and khaki pants, standing the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography

    He doesn’t spend much time here anymore. Ever since he gained hard-won acceptance into the World Class Academy: The Climbing Academy, he spends most of his time traveling the world. His classrooms now are climbing routes in Africa, Europe, and Australia, among other locales.

    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a grey sweater, looking away towards the colorful fall aspens in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a grey sweater, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography

    Portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a white shirt with his climbing gear, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Framed canvas gallery wrap wall art featuring a portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a white shirt with his climbing gear, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography

    As we made our way back from our last portrait of the day, I asked him about how seeing so much beauty around the world has impacted his perspective. Did this stunning place where he grew up seem less remarkable? “That’s not how that works,” he assured me. He holds it all in his heart, appreciating the entirety of it.

    A color portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a white shirt, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography
    Leather cover photo album featuring a portrait a rock climber, senior photos of a senior boy in a white shirt, in the mountains of Flagstaff, by family portrait artist, KDI Photography

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Community Profile, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, graduation portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, milestone, photography, senior photos, senior portrait, story

    Celebrating The Beautiful Before and After – Maternity and Newborn Photography

    She grew up skiing these slopes with her late father and their wonderful family. Later, her future husband proposed to her, and they even got married, all within view of this spot. Layers of history -memories, and meaning.

    In other words, it was the perfect location to document this auspicious moment.

    Maternity photo, portrait of a pregnant couple sitting in the grass, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the San Francisco Peaks, by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography

    When we arrived, the wind paused & the god rays streamed down over the hills and dormant volcanoes dotting the horizon. The clouds came and went, bathing her belly in soft, beautiful light. But eventually the wind whipped up and blew the rain overhead. We stayed under the trees, letting it sprinkle down, grateful for the long-overdue moisture.

    We talked about babies, told stories, and watched as the light shifted.

    Maternity photography, color portrait of a pregnant couple smiling, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the aspen trees by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography
    Maternity photography, color portrait of a pregnant couple talking to each other and smiling, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the aspen trees by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography
    Maternity photography, color portrait of a pregnant couple talking and smiling, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the aspen trees by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography
    Maternity photography, color portrait of a pregnant couple, close up of the baby bump with all four hands on belly, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the aspen trees by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography
    Maternity photography, color portrait of a pregnant couple laughing, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the aspen trees by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography

    When the brief squall passed, the sun flared around her growing baby bump. I couldn’t help but blurt out a “Wow,” seeing the beauty in the back of my camera.

    Maternity photo, black and white portrait of a woman's hands on her pregnant belly with sun flare coming across the baby bump, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the San Francisco Peaks, by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography

    This pregnancy portrait was my third session with this dear couple. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t elated about the next one… when their baby boy makes his appearance on the outside.

    Maternity photo, portrait of a pregnant couple kissing, on location at the Arizona Snowbowl, in the San Francisco Peaks, by Flagstaff pregnancy photographer, KDI Photography

    SIX WEEKS LATER…

    We all needed to be flexible with the timing of his photographic debut. When baby Knox arrived, he needed to spend a few days with the lovely folks at Flagstaff’s Special Care Nursery.

    When I finally got this adorable little guy in front of my camera for his newborn session, he couldn’t stop smiling. Maybe it was the inherent joy of being “sprung from the joint!” 😂

    Color newborn photography, portrait of a new baby boy held in his father's arms, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography
    Color newborn photography, portrait of a new baby boy in his parents' arms, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography
    Black and white newborn photography, portrait of a new baby boy, lying on blanket asleep, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography
    4 color newborn portraits of a new baby boy held in his father's and mother's arms, showing his feet, his yawn and the swirl on the back of his head in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography

    At one point, we put the naked and decidedly AWAKE Knox on his stomach. (Something that rarely works well, I might add.) Our jaws dropped as he proceeded to start swimming!

    Each time Colton reached in to stabilize his baby son, Knox would immediately kick his arms and legs out, then do a stomach crunch to pull all his limbs back in. Then, kick, crunch, kick, crunch.

    It was absolutely hilarious!

    Black and white newborn photography, portrait of a new baby boy, asleep, smiling, lying on blanket on a small couch, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography

    His mom, Charlie, dad Colton, and I couldn’t stop laughing. In all my years of photographing newborns, I’ve never seen such a good “swimmer!”

    This little boy certainly inherited his late grandfather Brian’s joie de vivre. I’m 100% “Boz” would approve.

    Color newborn photography, portrait of a new baby boy, , asleep, smiling, lying on blanket in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography
    Black and white newborn photography, portrait of a father and new baby boy held in his arms, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography
    Black and white newborn photography, portrait of a mother and new baby boy held in her arms, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography

    Framed, installed wall art that features black and white maternity portrait on location and color newborn photography, portraits of a new baby boy in his parents' arms, in a photo studio in Flagstaff by newborn and family photographer, KDI Photography

    You can see and read about an earlier family session HERE.

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Behind the Scenes, BLE, Child photography, Community Profile, couples portrait, family, family health and safety, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, maternity, newborn photography, parents, photographer newborn, photography, pregnancy, story, studio portrait

    The Montgomerys – Making Time to Be Together

    They all had other things to do, places to be. And I think it’s fair to say that none of them wanted to think about coordinating the family wardrobe beforehand!

    Family photos by Flagstaff photographic artist KDI Photography that features a father and mother, smiling and standing with their three adult daughters a rock in Oak Creek, family photos in Sedona, AZ

    But everyone carved out time for this and once our family portrait session got going, this crew snuggled freely and cracked each other up, like they always do. These guys know how to make it FUN!

    Family photos by Flagstaff photographic artist KDI Photography that features a father and mother, snuggling with their three adult daughters, standing on a rock in Oak Creek, family photos in Sedona, AZ

    The three girls helped each other with clothing changes and hair fixes, offering sisterly support. They laughed among the fragrant flowers and effortlessly climbed on rocks with the creek rushing by. We needed patience with some breezy conditions, yet they all looked beautiful together.

    Their youngest daughter’s senior photos put the idea of a family photo update on their radar, because it had been too long. So we scheduled this session during the brief window of time when mom Annie could corral everyone in one place. (To hear this family’s dramatic backstory and see her senior session, visit the KDI blog here.)

    Family photos by Flagstaff photographic artist KDI Photography that features a father snuggling with his three adult daughters, standing on a rock in Oak Creek, family photos in Sedona, AZ

    Being with them was like old times. I don’t know when we’ll all be here in one place again, since most of them will be spending a lot more time in Texas soon. I was lucky to have this reunion with them.


    (You can read about this family’s dramatic story, HERE.)

    Family photos by Flagstaff photographic artist KDI Photography that features a husband and wife, smiling, standing in front of lilac bushescolor family photos in Sedona, AZ
    Family photos by Flagstaff photographic artist KDI Photography that features three adult daughters smiling, color family photos in Sedona, AZ
    Framed photographic wall art by Flagstaff photographic artist KDI Photography that features a family of 5 with three adult daughters, color family photos in Sedona, AZ

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Behind the Scenes, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, location portrait, Sedona Photographer, siblings, sisters

    Overcoming Obstacles to Manifest a Little Miracle

    I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was.

    After all, these guys have done much more daunting things than tackling a maternity portrait session along a canyon edge near a rushing creek. They don’t shy away from challenges.

    Like the time they signed up to foster a rescue mama and her ten puppies in their 1200 sq ft home, for one thing.

    Summer maternity photos in Flagstaff, with a close up of an expecting couple with hands on belly, by Flagstaff Pregnancy Photographer, KDI Photography
    Summer maternity photos in Flagstaff, with an expecting couple smiling, by Flagstaff Pregnancy Photographer, KDI Photography

    I have to believe that it prepared them for the obstacles that lay ahead – surgery, visits to specialists, and treatments to arrive at a healthy pregnancy. Even then, it was a pregnancy with complications that required management, patience, and worry mitigation strategies.

    Yet, here they were, breezily jumping over creeks and hovering precipitously on the edge of 50-foot canyon cliffs like it was no big deal.

    Summer maternity photos in Flagstaff by a canyon, with an expecting couple smiling with their dog, by Flagstaff Pregnancy Photographer, KDI Photography

    Their sweet dog Cooper clearly got the memo about the family culture. He blazed around, often circling to plop at his parents’ feet to pose. With paws in perfect model position, he’d look back at my camera like, “OK, here I am!” Never once chasing after the many fun creatures that caught his eye, he listened attentively to his mom and dad with loving compliance.

    He must know how lucky he is to be part of such a fantastic family. When the time comes, he’ll be a gentle, protective big brother.

    Summer maternity photos in Flagstaff by a creek, with an expecting mother laughing as her dog runs towards the camera, by Flagstaff Pregnancy Photographer, KDI Photography

    Update: What Happened Next

    After the maternity portraits, we did family portrait sessions to document newborn, 6-month, and 12-month milestones – this remarkable little girl’s first year.

    I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to make art that celebrates this transformation. Watching them blossom into a family with a toddler has seriously warmed my heart.

    From the start, Brittany would put her daughter in my arms and laugh while I stared, entranced by this newborn miracle. To be around her sweetness is a blessing.

    And can I just tell you? How right I was about their dog, Cooper? He HAS been the best big brother to his little sister. I called it! 🙂

    His little sister, in turn, has been a ball of sunshine right back at him.

    One thing I’ve learned about this baby?

    She seems to know her mission: to shine her light. ☀️

    So, how did all this happen? We can credit this mom and dad with lovingly raising a fur baby and a human baby to be as delightful as anyone is allowed to be.

    NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

    Family photo session featuring a mother, father, and their newborn daughter in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    Black and white family photo featuring a mother, father, and their newborn daughter in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    Black and white family photo featuring a father, holding his newborn daughter in his hands in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    Color family photo featuring a father, holding his newborn daughter in his arms in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    Color family photo featuring a mother, holding her newborn daughter in her arms wrapped in a blanket in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    Color family photo featuring a newborn baby lying on a pink flowered blanket in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    SIX MONTH PORTRAIT SESSION

    Color family photo session featuring a six month old girl on a blue chair, with serious expression in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    Color family photo session featuring a six month old girl sitting on a blanket, grabbing her toe and laughing in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    Family photo session featuring a mother, father, and their six month old daughter smiling and grabbing her own foot in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    Color family photo session featuring a six month old girl sitting on a blanket, laughing in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    black and white family photo session featuring a six month old girl sitting on a blanket, looking down in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    Color family photo session featuring a six month old girl lying on a blanket, smiling and grabbing her own foot in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    TWELVE MONTH FAMILY PORTRAITS

    color family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl laughing with her hands up in the air, sitting in a wicker chair with a wooden number one in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    black and white family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl on a wicker chair, with serious expression holding a wooden number one in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    color family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl smiling, standing by a purple chair with a wooden number one in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    color family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl laughing at her mother, playing peekaboo over a blue bench, in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    color family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl smiling, peeking over the back of a chair in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    color family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl laughing, holding a green toy, in Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography

    Summer family photo in Flagstaff by a canyon, with a mother father and 12 month old girl smiling by Flagstaff Pregnancy Photographer, KDI Photography

    FIRST YEAR BABY ALBUM

    album pages that show a a summer maternity photos in Flagstaff by a canyon, with an expecting couple with their dog, by Flagstaff Pregnancy Photographer, KDI Photography
    cover of a hand-made leather covered baby album, featuring color family photo session featuring a 12 month old girl smiling, holding a toy, Flagstaff Arizona, studio portraits by KDI Photography
    album pages showing a a summer 12 month family photos in Flagstaff with a couple with their one year old baby girl, by Flagstaff family and baby Photographer, KDI Photography
    album pages of a baby book showing a a summer 12 month family photos in Flagstaff showing a baby girl, by Flagstaff family and baby Photographer, KDI Photography

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Behind the Scenes, Child photography, couples portrait, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, location portrait, maternity, milestone, newborn photography, parents, Pet photography, photographer newborn, pregnancy, studio portrait, Toddler

    Not Afraid to Make the Hard Choices – Big Leaps

    I’ve known & loved his wonderful family since Theron’s parents took excellent care of our kids when they were little, at Around The Mountain Pediatric Dentistry. There have been lots of portraits and great memories made with them in the intervening years.

    senior photos of a boy shown wearing a suit in front of his church, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography

    When we met to plan his senior session, there was a lot to catch up on. For one thing, Theron had switched from Flag High to Mingus High School when his family moved to Cornville. Between that and choosing to graduate early, he had to miss out on playing football his senior year.

    Turns out that’s very on-brand for this focused guy. He’s willing to do the hard work and choose the more challenging road, if it advances his personal goals.

    senior photos of a boy shown throwing his football wearing a Mingus High School football jersey with Mount Elden in the background, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography
    Senior photo of a boy in a pink shirt near sunset, with the San Francisco Peaks in the background, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography
    Senior photo of a boy in a pink shirt near sunset, sitting next to his dog, in the forest surrounding the San Francisco Peaks in the background, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography

    Senior photo of a boy in a Navy shirt near sunset, in the forest surrounding the San Francisco Peaks, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography
    Senior photo of a boy in a pink shirt near sunset, with the San Francisco Peaks in the background, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography

    He always seems to have a lot of irons in the fire. He plays football as a long snapper, is a golfer, a reader of super-interesting, unexpected books, a sharp dresser, and an engaging conversationalist. And those are just some of the highlights!

    Even with all that he has going on, he makes time to prioritize his faith. Hence, his personal, meaningful choice of location for his senior session.

    senior photos of a boy shown wearing a suit in front of his church, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography

    We even paid homage to a younger portrait of him, “The Wink”. 😀👇🏻 See more here.

    Location senior photo of a senior boy with brown hair winking, family portraits by Flagstaff photographer, KDI Photography
    Studio portrait of a little boy with brown hair winking, family portraits by Flagstaff photographer, KDI Photography

    Since this session, even more has happened. Now, Theron is a starter at Adams State and hopes to eventually go into orthopedics. I’m excited to see where his path will lead him next.

    Framed photographic wall art that features senior photos of a boy shown in front of his church, with his football and with the San Francisco Peaks, by Flagstaff family photographer KDI Photography

    Look at how the wall art of his senior portraits pairs beautifully with his older sister’s!

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, graduation portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, senior photos, senior portrait

    What You Need To Know – Senior Photo Yearbook Deadlines

    Wondering when you need to submit your senior photo to the yearbook?

    Did you know that when you work with us, we submit the yearbook photo for you? One less thing on your to-do list during senior year. 🙂 We can also help with senior tribute ads in the yearbook, if needed.

    We reach out in the new year to design epic graduation cards for you! We aim to be a partner to help keep you on track during a super busy chapter.

    Here are some high school-specific deadlines for the Flagstaff Class of 2026.

    The yearbook deadlines for the major Flagstaff area high schools for the class of 2026, with senior photo examples, by Flagstaff photographer, KDI Photography.

    11/1/25  Northland Preparatory Academy (NPA) 

    12/15/25 Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA)

    12/17/25  Coconino High School

    1/15/26  Flagstaff High School

    2/1/26   BASIS Flagstaff    

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in College Counseling, Education, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, graduation portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, milestone, photography, resources, Sedona Photographer, senior photos, senior portrait

    Things Handed Down To The Next Generation

    Handing down a message from those who came before:

    be good, have fun

    Black and white family photo of a mother's hand holding her newborn girl's hand with a tattoo on her wrist that says - be good have fun - while the baby is calmly asleep, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography

    This sweet newborn is clearly very loved.

    And judging by her sparkly personality and the charming facial expressions, she knows it!

    Family photos of a mother with blond hair holding a newborn girl on her shoulder, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography
    Family photos of a mother with blond hair holding a newborn girl on her shoulder, who is looking up at her and smiling, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography

    Family photos of a a father snuggling a newborn holding her hand and smiling at her cute expression, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography
    Family photos of a mother's arms holding a newborn girl who is calmly asleep, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography
    Family photos of a a father snuggling a newborn holding who is looking at the camera with a cute expression, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography
    Color baby photo of a newborn baby in pink blanket, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography
    Family photos of a two parents snuggling a newborn who is yawning, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography

    Check out this huge yawn! She is adorable!

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Baby, Child photography, children, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, newborn photography, parents, photographer newborn, photography, studio portrait

    Basking in the fall in Flagstaff, Ella’s bookend senior photos

    It was a drama-filled beginning.

    A black and white photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl smiling at the camera with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    I first met the Montgomerys when their friends gifted them a family portrait session before William’s deployment to Iraq. I loved them immediately.

    Just weeks after Williams’s deployment, Annie discovered she was pregnant with their third child.

    I couldn’t imagine what it felt like to be either of the parents in that story: the mom at home with two little girls, a baby growing in her belly, worrying about and missing her husband. Or the dad, sent into the fray, trying to remain safe, absent for a monumental chapter in his family’s story.

    I offered to do pregnancy portraits so William could experience it somehow. The letter he wrote me about what that meant to him was something I carried in my purse for a year. A prayer for his safety as much as a reminder of why I do what I do for a living.

    He made it home with 12 hours to spare before baby Ella was born. We made portraits of them snuggling together before he left again. Happily, he eventually returned home safely, but it was an incredibly dramatic start to Ella’s life.

    Fast-forward 17 years.

    Now, can you understand why I was a giddy little kid at the prospect of making Ella’s senior portraits?!

    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, laughing at the camera, among the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, laughing, sitting among the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, making a funny face while sitting among the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A black and white photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans and a white cable knit sweater, looking at camera wiht serious expression, among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    It’d been five years since our last session, and reconnecting with Ella was so much fun. She is engaging, intelligent, beautiful, talented, patient, graceful, strong, delightful.

    Nothing deterred her. Not fighting off the last of a cold, some hair-mussing wind, or some seriously questionable rutted roads into the middle of the forest.

    High school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and jean jacket standing among the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    High school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and jean jacket standing and smiling among the colorful fall aspen trees, laughing, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    Senior-Photos-Fall-Flagstaff_KDI-Photography-Studio_018
    High school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and jean jacket standing and smiling while leaning against a colorful fall aspen tree, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Ella’s crew, mom Annie, and sister Grace were the dream team. Montgomerys are get-it-done people. If you want something done, ask a Montgomery!

    High school senior photo showing girl jumping with light brown hair, in white dress jumping and smiling among the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    High school senior photo showing girl jumping with light brown hair, in white dress with raised eyebrow, among the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    High school senior photo showing girl jumping with light brown hair, in white dress balancing on log with arms outstretched in the colorful fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in jeans among the fall aspen trees, with the San Francisco Peaks in background, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    We talked about Star Wars and Disney, horror movies, poison brownies (you had to be there), Texas, Batman, Halloween traditions, ballet, and sushi. We tromped around the mountains through meadows, rocks, and aspens. Ella was lovely through it all; her stamina as a dancer clearly an advantage. We even recreated one of her baby pictures, trying not to giggle.

    A color photograph of a one year old baby girl with reddish blond hair, in pink dress, talking on a cell phone, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress among the fall aspen trees during sunset, talking on a cell phone, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress among the fall aspen trees during sunset, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A color photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and point shoes, among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Black and white high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and jean jacket among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    KDI Photography staff install a framed canvas wall art portrait featuring a black and white photograph of a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and jean jacket among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    A mother looks at a framed canvas wall art portrait featuring a black and white photograph of her daughter, a high school senior photo showing girl with blond hair, in white dress and jean jacket among the fall aspen trees, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    As the sun set, bathing her in a warm glow, I felt so grateful for this moment and everything that led up to it.

    High school senior photos showing girl with blond hair, in white dress among the colorful fall aspen trees, with a dramatic sunset sky, portrait photography in Flagstaff AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Behind the Scenes, Community Profile, family health and safety, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, graduation portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, milestone, photography, senior photos, senior portrait, story, Wall Art

    Family Photos with People Who Know How to Bring The Sunshine

    So much had happened that I felt the need to take notes! Since we last saw each other, they’d moved multiple times, changed jobs, and traveled extensively. They’d even started FOUR new businesses, like Catalyst Coaching and Mentoring and Loveless LLC. And those are just a few highlights!

    Portrait of mother, father and tween daughter standing on rocks by a creek with refloection below them in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of mother and preteen tween daughter, looking at each other laughing in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of father and preteen tween daughter, laughing while looking at the camera in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of father in purple shirt and preteen tween daughter in jean jacket, laughing and goofing around in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.

    As we talked, memories of our time together floated through my mind. I was reminded of their kindness, humor, many talents, and their sweet extended family. It was wonderful listening to their South Carolina accents again. I adored hearing about their darling daughter at this stage, and the adventures they’d been on. I could easily talk with either of them for hours.

    Portrait of mother, father standing behind their tween daughter, with lilacs behind them in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of mother, father laughing as they stand behind their tween daughter making faces, with lilacs behind them in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.

    When Keiji and I met them on location in Sedona for family photos and saw their daughter again, she was utterly enchanting. I remember her as if it were yesterday, but she could hardly have remembered me after all this time. Nevertheless, she literally welcomed us with open arms. Her next move was to invite us to ice cream, which is the way to my heart, BTW. 😉 That’s just how adorable and engaging she is!

    Portrait of tween girl smiling, looking away from camera, holding a purple umbrella with lilacs behind her, in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of tween girl wearing pink dress and jean jacket, standing near red rocks, with arms triumphantly outstretched in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of tween girl blowing kisses, with her foot kicked up behind her, holding a purple umbrella with lilacs in the background in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of tween girl sitting near red rocks, with purple flowers next to her in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.
    Portrait of father, mother, and preteen tween daughter, sitting on rocks by a creek in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography.

    During this Sedona family portrait session update, we were accompanied by Blue Herons, jumping fish, and the scent of lilacs wafting on the breeze. As we walked, she charmed me with stories, cracking me up. She even enthralled us all with a heartfelt rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.“

    This bright, compassionate girl is an original. She’s going places. I just hope she remembers me when she gets there because she and her parents have a special place in my heart.

    Color portrait of tween girl smiling, looking at and catching bubbles with lilacs behind her, in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography
    Color portrait of preteen girl looking upwards, in Sedona AZ, photographic art by KDI Photography
    KDI Photography portrait of tween girl in jean jacket, laughing and pointing at camera in Sedona AZ
    KDI Photography portrait of mother, father and tween daughter standing on rocks with arms around each other by a creek in Sedona AZ, photographic portrait art
    Framed wall art that features photographic art, portraits by KDI Photography showcasing a mother, father and tween daughter standing on rocks by a creek in Sedona AZ
    Framed wall art that features photographic art, portraits by KDI Photography showcasing a tween girl in jean jacket, standing on rocks by a creek in Sedona AZ

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Behind the Scenes, Child photography, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, parents, photography, Sedona Photographer, story, Wall Art

    KDI Photography is Sponsoring a Free College Counseling Class

    Working with juniors and seniors in high school, we get to know our families during the senior photo process, and we understand how challenging charting a path to college can be!

    Besides, we’re parents ourselves. We get it. We’ve been there!

    Need help? We’ve got your back.

    On September 9th, 2025, we are offering a free college counseling class with a fantastic college counselor. Juniors and seniors in high school, along with their parents, are welcome to join us for a warm, informative, and enjoyable presentation.

    There will also be time for questions afterward so you can get the specific information you need.

    Hope you can make it!

    Sign up HERE.

    College counseling: How to pick a school and how to apply. KDI Photography in Flagstaff is offering a free class for high school students and their parents.

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in College Counseling, college graduation, Education, Event, Family Photography Flagstaff, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, graduation portraits, milestone, parents, resources, senior photos, senior portrait

    Time traveling, senior photos in the aspens of Flagstaff

    Imagine this:

    She is almost 7 years old, ridiculously cute with wavy auburn hair, and has the most contagious giggle.

    I mean, you could NOT keep a straight face once she unleashed it. I assumed she’d lose that sweetness over time and eventually morph into a stoic teenager, too cool for the giggle. Boy, I was wrong. Thank goodness!

    high school senior photo showing girl with light brown hair in purple dress, looking away, smiling while sitting in the mountain ferns and yellow flowers, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    high school senior photo showing girl with reddish light brown hair, in off-white sweater and jeans, looking at camera, sitting in mountain grasses, leaning against large aspen trees, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Over the years, Jorah has been remarkably consistent. Sweet, funny, wise, empathetic, warm, a creatively talented soul, and a GREAT laughter.

    She grew up playing in the ferns on the mountain in Flagstaff, so that is where we headed for her senior photos. It was a heart-filling session. I was grateful to be with Jorah again, and we reveled in a succession of ideal lighting conditions – first beautiful clouds, then the blessing of a quick sprinkle of rain, and lastly, sunshine.

    high school senior photo showing girl with reddish light brown hair with glasses, in off-white sweater and jeans, looking at camera laughing while sitting in the mountain ferns and yellow flowers, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography
    high school senior photo showing girl with reddish light brown hair in purple dress, looking at camera, smiling while standing in front of mountains, San Francisco Peaks, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Ever the imaginative theater kid, Jorah did accents with me, making up a hilarious fictional narrative about boarding school. Later, she graced us with a song, her voice carrying across the meadow to me and my camera, making me beam.

    high school senior photo showing girl with reddish light brown hair with glasses, in off-white sweater and jeans, looking at camera smiling while standing in the mountain ferns near large aspen trees, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    She brought the sweet and quirky Voodoo along. After completing his puppy modeling duties, he found his little body and leash completely ensnared in a pile of ferns. Thankfully, his family executed a highly skilled rescue.

    high school senior photo showing girl with reddish light brown hair holding black dog, in off-white sweater and jeans, looking at camera, sitting in mountain grasses, leaning against large aspen trees, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Jorah’s mom was on hand for support. (In case you can’t tell, I adore both of these women.) Glancing over, I could see Ariel soaking this all up, as she always so masterfully does. Taking in this once-in-a-lifetime scene, her daughter in a watershed moment, shining like a beacon of light.

    high school senior photo showing girl with reddish light brown hair wearing an off-white sweater, blowing a large dandelion, as the seeds (pappus) blow away, with Ponderosa trees in the background, portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by senior photographer KDI Photography

    Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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

    Posted in Behind the Scenes, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff Portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, individual portrait, location portrait, senior photos, senior portrait
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    Keiji Iwai & Kristen Dacey Iwai

    Follow us on:

    KDI PHOTOGRAPHY

     

    724 N. Humphreys St

    Flagstaff, AZ 86001

     

    Phone

    (928) 779-4151

     

    Hours:

    M - F 9 - 5 by appointment

    KDI Photography Portrait Studio in Flagstaff, Az
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