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A Last Minute Request – Behind the Scenes For Family Photos

A family photo session in a field of flowers and the San Francisco Peaks, family of four throws son in the air, in Flagstaff Arizona, location portraits by KDI Photography

We met in the summer sunshine on a Tuesday afternoon, exploiting the last of the happy August flowers.

We laughed, danced, climbed on rocks, played the weird face game, giggled some more, hugged lots.

There were civil debates over who could have a turn holding the reflector, shirtless high-fives, silly slow-mo videos, and then finally, a little tailgate party. We had taken our “We did it!” family portrait selfie and were just standing around, grazing on snacks and sipping flavored Bubblys.

No one was in a hurry to leave – no school, work, camp, or obligations. Just family time.

As I played with Wilder, taking hilarious selfies, I noticed the sky was getting ridiculously beautiful. So, I did something I try not to do. I asked them to humor me and make one more portrait.

A family photo session in a field of flowers and the San Francisco Peaks, with three generations in Flagstaff Arizona, location portraits by KDI Photography

Being the sweetest, easy-going, fun group, they said, “Sure! Why not?”

It turned out to be the most stunning portrait of the evening – in a session already full of meaningful, joyful family portraits.

A family photo session in a field of flowers and the San Francisco Peaks, family with son and daughter at sunset in Flagstaff Arizona, location portraits by KDI Photography

I always look forward to my time with this AMAZING crew. I also get a good night’s sleep because it demands my full attention! But I wake up with a smile on my face, knowing I get to hang out with them.

I’ve been photographing them for a long time, ever since Basil and Wilder were in utero. Do you know these guys? Then, of course, you love them like I do.

Framed canvas wall art that features a family photo session in a field of flowers with the San Francisco Peaks, family with son and daughter at sunset in Flagstaff Arizona, location portraits by KDI Photography
Custom designed Leather covered family photo album, featureing portrait session in a field of flowers with the San Francisco Peaks, family with son and daughter at sunset in Flagstaff Arizona, location portraits by KDI Photography

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


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    A Leap of Faith – Senior Portraits in Amazing Summer Wildflowers

    I awoke at 4 am. 

    Driving through the pitch dark, I wound my way out of town and deep into the forest. 

    It was a last-minute leap of faith. 

    Would the lush yellow flowers remain? The most striking flowers within town had faded in the previous days. Would there be a bunch of campers in the area where we were headed? 

    Senior Photos of a Girl in White Dress Standing in a Field of Wildflowers with the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona in the Background, Location Portraits by KDI Photography

    We arrived and were rewarded with epic blooms, glorious light… and a sprinkle of sleeping campers. We tiptoed around, whispering in hopes that we wouldn’t wake them. Using hand signals to communicate, I’d say, “Turn a little to the left, move your hand lower, etc.”

    Senior Photos of a Girl in White Dress in a Field of Sunflowers with the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona in the Background, Location Portraits by KDI Photography

    Lucy is a phenomenal athlete who plays four different sports and has already been recruited by universities. She’s also had some modeling experience, so directing her for her senior photos was ridiculously easy. Her mom, Bridget, offered fantastic support, and we laughed (quietly) through the session.

    At one point, Lucy jumped, exclaiming that a “huge bug” buzzed by her and had “growled” at her. I later discovered she was talking about a hummingbird moth loudly fluttering its wings. With so many blooming flowers to pollinate, I’m guessing it was a happy growl. 🙂

    Senior Photos of a Girl in White Dress in a Field of Sunflowers Outside of Flagstaff, AZ, Location Portraits by KDI Photography
    Senior Portrait of a Laughing Girl in Red Shirt in a Field of Wildflowers Outside of Flagstaff, AZ, Location Portraits by KDI Photography

    The whole session was incredible. I drove home in a state of euphoria about what we were able to accomplish, the incredible people I get to work with, and this stunning place we get to live in. 

    Would I lose sleep to have that experience again? 

    In a HEARTBEAT. 

    I hope my subject feels the same.

    Senior Photos of a Girl in White Dress Standing in a Field of Wildflowers Looking Out at the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona, Location Portraits by KDI Photography
    40x60 inch Framed Canvas Wall Art Featuring Senior Portrait of a Girl in White Dress Standing in a Field of Wildflowers Looking Out at the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona, Location Portraits by KDI Photography
    2 responses to “A Leap of Faith – Senior Portraits in Amazing Summer Wildflowers”
    1. Beth miller Avatar
      Beth miller
      1. Kristen Iwai Avatar

    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


    The Missing Years – Why you need to photograph your tween

    We parents are pretty good at capturing our newborns and toddlers.

    After all, they are SOOO stinkin’ cute! And they change almost daily.

    But the documentation slows down by the time they’re in elementary school.

    We relentlessly snap pictures on our phones but never do anything with them.

    We frequently find ourselves running between school activities, sports, play dates, camps. As parents, we’re often just trying to get through the day.

    Portrait of a tween preteen girl in cowboy hat, snuggling her horse, location family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    By the tween/preteen years, or from ages 8 to 13, the portraits are often non-existent. And MAN, there are a lot of developmental changes in there! 

    I see little quirky, snuggly boys morph into too-cool-for-goofiness teens in the course of a year. They sometimes stop making the ever-present silly faces and start styling their hair.

    Portrait of a tween preteen boy making silly faces, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    And that little girl who always wanted to sit on your lap? She’s rolling her eyes at you because she’s already figured out you don’t know everything, like she thought you did a minute ago!

    Portrait of a father, snuggling his giggling tween preteen daughter, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    There is some awkwardness in this chapter. Lost teeth, adult teeth, braces!

    Puberty is here or en route. It typically begins around 10-14 for girls and 12-16 for boys.

    Portrait of a tween preteen brothers laughing, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    So, between the busyness and awkwardness, you put off scheduling portraits. By the time you do, your kiddo is a junior in high school, and we’re planning senior photos.

    You usually tell me, “I feel so bad! We haven’t had real portraits in so long!”

    One more reason for parental guilt, am I right?

    Here’s my plea: make time for tween portraits. You don’t want to miss this pivotal chapter.

    Why it’s important:

    SHOW THEM THAT THEY MATTER Investing in portraits sends a message to your kid that they matter, that you love them through every iteration of their development, and that they are treasured. I wish EVERY kid could feel that way.

    Portrait of a 12 year old boy tween preteen, in cowboy hat with small no teeth smile, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    SELF-ESTEEM Do you remember what a challenge middle school felt like? It can be hard to go through those transformations from elementary school to middle school. Beautiful portraits (and an uplifting portrait process) designed to remind your kid daily that they’re amazing can be a huge self-esteem boost.

    Two color portraits of a tween preteen girl in her tutu, laughing, jumping and dancing, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    PRESERVE AND SAVOR THIS MOMENT FOR THEM These portraits can serve as visual reminders of their growth, accomplishments, and connection to others so they can look back on this chapter of their story.

    Black and white portrait of a shy tween preteen boy holding his mother's hand, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    PRESERVE AND SAVOR THIS MOMENT FOR YOU Make a time machine of your child before these changes, while they still want to hold your hand, still snuggle and have those sweet, unselfconscious smiles. Document that Lego, stuffed animal, Harry Potter, or horse obsession before the next thing comes into focus.

    Portrait of a tween preteen girl with her toy collection and snuggled with her mother, studio family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    EMPOWERMENT Set the foundation now that their passions and quirks are their superpower. It’s what makes them unique and special.

    So, reach out to talk about options. Your future self (and your tween) will thank you for it.

    Color location portrait of a tween preteen girl standing pin top of boulders in Joshua Tree National Park, looking up, her fist in the air, family pictures in Northern Arizona, family photographs by KDI Photography

    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


    Embracing the Beauty in the Pandemonium – Studio Family Photos

    Black and white family photos of two parents with a toddler, a preschooler and a kindergartner, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography

    When I asked them what they hoped to portray about this chapter in their family portraits, Nick answered, “Just us being real.”


    With three kids under five, I assumed that “being real” might have a more energetic flavor than a subdued one. I leaned into the beautiful pandemonium inherent to a family with young children and encouraged Nick and Jessica to do the same.

    Black and white family photos of two parents with a toddler, a preschooler and a kindergartner, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography


    After all, before long, they could potentially have three sullen teenagers who’d prefer to look stoic than goofy. The beauty of this time can be found in its silliness, playfulness, and some occasional outright anarchy.


    They are an endearing bunch. You can’t help but enjoy their company.
    In the mix, you’ve got:

    • two patient, loving parents; a nurse mom and a restaurant* owner dad

    • a one-year-old, recently recovered from surgery, free of his helmet, double-fisting juice boxes

    • a game-for-anything preschooler and kindergartner who answer to the names of fictional characters and delight to see their brother flying through the air

    The combo made for a session that left us all in need of a nap and, in my case, with a massive smile on my face.

    Black and white family photos of two parents with a toddler, a preschooler and a kindergartner, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography
    Framed wall art featuring black and white family photos of two parents with a toddler, a preschooler and a kindergartner, studio portraits in Northern Arizona, family portraits by KDI Photography

    (*check out That Place Projects here)


    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


    A Graduation for One Amazing Baby and His Sweet Family

    I’m gonna admit it. I’m a touch sad. Happy, of course, yes. But also, a little sad. 

    It’s just bittersweet to reach this noteworthy milestone with these guys.

    I’m trying to remember when I just KNEW I loved this family. Was it five minutes in? Ten? 🤔 It was quick. I’ll tell you that.

    It was 2020, and as you might remember, things were a little wonky. It didn’t seem to matter. Even with pandemic mitigations in place, the connection forged.

    Family portraits in studio featuring a laughing one year old toddler being tickled by his mother on her lap, by Flagstaff photographer, KDI Photography

    In the nearly five years since, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of watching and documenting this awesome family’s growth. From two parents with a teeny two-week-old to a full-throttle family of four, a toddler and a preschooler exuding transformational energy daily! It’s been amazing.

    
Family portraits in studio featuring a laughing one year old toddler sitting on a family heirloom, a one hundred year old rocking chair, with cowboy boots, by Flagstaff photographer, KDI Photography

    There are too many beautiful/hilarious/poignant/awe-inspiring moments to recount, but here’s one:

    After Sawyer needed surgery to separate the fused plates in his little baby noggin, he needed a helmet. (Can you imagine how his parents felt, going through that?) 

    Well, in true Hatch McDonald style, he absolutely ROCKED that look. He grew out a fluffy shock of hair and proudly sported a “Helmet Hair, Don’t Care” onesie.

    Check out 6 month old Sawyer rocking his helmet with style!☝🏻

    At his 12-month session, he happily “graduated” from that chapter. And he showed us how he felt about it by walking up to his helmet and hurling it to the ground with a flourish and a celebratory chortle! I think we all had tears streaming down our cheeks with laughter. 

    It was perfect. Just like so many moments with this incredible family.

    Family portraits in studio featuring a laughing one year old toddler wearing a graduation cap and gown, no longer needing his corrective helmet, by Flagstaff photographer, KDI Photography

    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


    One Heroic High School Senior Uses His Make a Wish to Protect His Teammates

    This wonderful family became dear friends after I photographed Kristen pregnant with Stephen 18 years ago. Over the years, there have been so many laughs, tears, hugs, hikes, and, of course, portraits. I treasure their friendship.

    In June of 2023, something happened that no one saw coming.

    A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography

    Stephen was working out with his Flag High football teammates. Feeling his right arm locking up, he re-racked the 145-pound weights and sat down on the bench to see if he could revive it. 

    In his mind, he remembers saying, “I need some help.” 

    He doubts now that those words actually left his mouth. 

    Until that moment, there were zero symptoms.

    The tonic-clonic seizure (previously called Gran Mal) lasted 3.5 looong minutes. About 1.5 minutes in, he became aware of his surroundings and could hear but couldn’t speak. 

    The first of many scary experiences. 

    After being flown to Phoenix and hours of tests that tried their stamina and strained their emotions, Kristen found herself alone with the news that her teenage son had a brain tumor that required surgery. 

    “Are you sure it’s not something else?” she asked, desperately hoping for better news.

    After a 3-hour brain biopsy surgery a few days later, they had to wait a month for results. It was a surprise to see 16-year-old Stephen’s brain cancer diagnosis – something which usually strikes adults 45-65. 

    Brain surgery lasted longer than expected. Stephen awoke after 9 hours to the reality of a dumbfounding complication. The electrodes attached to his tongue to monitor him while under had caused an alarming swelling of his tongue. Needing a breathing tube and a feeding tube for nearly a month was an outcome “nobody prepared us for.” 

    There was no treatment, only frustration and pain. 

    A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography

    He started chemo and radiation while still recovering from the damage to his mouth, traveling back and forth between Phoenix area hospitals by ambulance for the punishing treatment. 

    With lots of help, he’s completed a year of chemotherapy in Flagstaff, overcome partial paralysis, and relearned how to walk, talk, write, eat, throw a football, and lift weights. He missed most of this junior year and pushed through a myriad of challenges to make it up while still undergoing chemo.

    His hard work is paying off. His scans now look good, and there is reason for optimism. He’ll even graduate on time – a Herculean effort.

    Remarkably, despite everything he’s endured, he attended almost every one of his teammates’ football games, even when that meant traveling long distances directly from radiation treatment. 

    Kristen applied to the Make-A-Wish program after she was advised of the better outcomes recipients experience. When she told Stephen, he was angry, feeling that others deserved it more. 

    He ultimately reached a decision. “Mom, it can’t be all about me. What I really want is to do good for others, to do something bigger than myself.”

    “I figured it out. I want to help reduce brain injuries for my Flag High teammates.”

    I asked where the idea came from. “All my concussions,” he replies, laughing.

    So, at 16, Stephen asked the Make-a-Wish Foundation to replace the 11 – 12-year-old helmets for each of his teammates. The surprise gifts were announced on August 3 in an emotional, heartwarming ceremony.

    He got to wear one, too, although he’s gone from playing just about every position to Place-holding – which puts his recovering body at the smallest amount of risk.

    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography
    • A heroic high school senior with brain cancer uses his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography

    Click though Stephen’s images in the gallery above. ☝🏻

    Framed wall art grouping of a heroic high school senior with brain cancer who used his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography

    He’s been through so much, yet he remains kind, thoughtful, funny, and sweet. He leads by example. It’s obvious in the way his teammates cheer,  support, and show up for him.

    Now, you can find him crushing his senior year of high school, getting ready to graduate in May, leaving behind the astonishing challenges of the last year and a half. 

    It’s nothing short of heroic.

    Portrait of a heroic high school senior with brain cancer who used his Make-A-Wish to replace the helmets of his Flagstaff High School football teammates, Senior Photos by KDI Photography

    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


    Wyatt’s Senior Photos – Getting Ready for the Next Exciting Chapter

    The most frustrating thing about making senior portraits with Wyatt? Narrowing them down afterward. With an easy smile and a natural grace, he’s really good at being in front of the camera. He’s also a super nice guy.

    Senior portrait of a boy wearing a red shirt, with sun and aspens in the background, by Flagstaff senior photographer KDI Photography
    Senior portrait of a boy wearing red shirt, with pond, aspens and the San Francisco Peaks in the background, by Flagstaff senior photographer KDI Photography

    As I photographed him, I sometimes saw flashes of his cousins’ faces, many of whom I’ve photographed over the years. His awesome mom, Lainie, hung back, letting him make his own choices, occasionally offering a great suggestion here or there.

    Wyatt’s roots are intertwined with this place, nestled north of the peaks. It’s where he grew up, rode motorcycles, skied the nearby slopes, and tromped through meadows and forests. So, our session there felt like a kind of homecoming.

    Senior portrait of a boy with a motorcycle, a meadow and hills in the background, by Flagstaff senior photographer KDI Photography

    He brought two of the three (!) vehicles he owns and maintains. When you add the motorcycles and skis, we had a lot to work with. It made it easy to tell the story of some of his many interests during high school. I’m glad we were able to sneak this in. Not long after our session, he graduated and headed off to college to start his next chapter.

    Senior portrait of a boy with a his car, a meadow and the San Francisco Peaks in the background, by Flagstaff senior photographer KDI Photography

    Senior portrait of a boy looking over a railing with the snowy San Francisco Peaks in the background, by Flagstaff senior photographer KDI Photography

    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


    The Special Care Nursery at Flagstaff Medical Center – Helping Families

    I’m sure it was scary because it always is.

    After baby Gwendolyn’s unexpected arrival at 34 weeks, Alex and Colleen found themselves spending many worrying hours sitting next to a newborn isolate in the Special Care Nursery.

    More than a decade ago, after one of our clients had spent 72 anxious days with her newborn being cared for there, we decided to donate a gallery of portraits of “graduates” to adorn the walls there. After some initial confusion about the nature of our proposal, the clinical manager happily accepted our offer. 🙂

    We set about photographing these now healthy and thriving ‘big kids’ who had spent the first days of their postpartum lives in the Special Care Nursery. The portraits showed these kids dancing, laughing, wearing martial arts or gymnastics uniforms, showing off how beautifully they’d overcome a rough start.

    Our goal was to give hope to those worried parents during a fraught chapter. “Here’s what the future can look like for your baby, too.”

    Alex and Colleen reflected that looking at those portraits had given them courage during their daughter’s time in the SCN, just as we’d hoped. They dreamed of having Gwendolyn’s portrait adorn the walls to offer that optimism to others.

    Keiji and I volunteered to donate a wall portrait of her on their behalf. Besides, we were overdue to check on our previous donations and see if anything needed to be refreshed.

    When we reached out to the current clinical manager, Jeanne, she couldn’t have been nicer. She welcomed us to tour the SCN, and our hearts warmed to see that the staff had added MANY new portraits of graduates in the intervening years. Jeanne had even added a plaque under each child’s portrait to indicate how long they’d stayed. It was lovely to see.

    We decided to refresh one of our portraits, which had become damaged over the years, and collaborated on where the new addition of Gwendolyn’s portrait should live.


    Recently, we went back with Colleen to see her daughter’s healthy, beautiful face on the walls. It was a joyful day, a tangible manifestation of Gwendolyn’s miraculous progress.

    The whole project was a labor of love – a wonderful reminder of children’s resiliency and the Special Care Nursery staff’s essential work to help Flagstaff’s families.


    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


    Making the World Better Than She Found it – Sydney’s Senior Photos

    It’s not every teenager who can advise you about how to revive a person suffering from a fentanyl overdose, but Sydney can.

    In fact, it is one of the many things she volunteers to do and teach. I found myself asking her questions about this and her many other volunteer outreach activities, during her senior photo session.

    Without her ever saying it, here’s what I’ve learned: She’s here to quietly, humbly make the world better than she found it. I love that about her.

    Besides her various volunteering activities, she does a spot-on fake evil laugh, loves her mochas from Dutch Bros, and will climb a tree when asked without complaint.

    She told me she loves vibrant sunsets, especially when viewed from Snowbowl, and I crossed my fingers that our session day would deliver her wish.

    As the day came to a close, the mountains of northern Arizona stretched out below us, glowing in the setting sun behind illuminated clouds saturated with color. It was nothing short of glorious.

    It was a well-deserved feat of nature for my outstanding subject.


    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


    HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY REGRETS

    What You Need to Know About Taking Pictures this Holiday Season

    My Random Tips for Holiday Pictures:

    Here’s my holiday wish. When you are gathering with the people you love over the holidays, please, please take pictures, especially of those older family members. When the menorah is put away, the tree is on the curb, the food eaten, presents opened, what you’ll be left with is (hopefully) warm memories. Years from now, those memories will be a lot less fuzzy if you have some pictures to remind you of them.

    1. Let’s be candid.
      No need to annoy everyone by making them stop to look at the camera and yell “Cheese!” You’ll be transported back to the moment better later if the subjects were “in the moment” when you took the picture.
    1. Yes, you too.
      Make sure you are actually in some of the pictures. I recently noticed that of all the images of our family decorating the tree over the years, I wasn’t in one of them! It’s like I wasn’t there. It was time to hand over the camera for a change. I don’t want my kids and grandkids to be sitting together looking at these pictures later and wondering “Where was grandma?”
    1. Perfect is the enemy of the good.
      You don’t need perfect hair or even a clean house. Come as you are. If you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll likely miss the opportunity altogether.
      This is the last portrait I made of my great aunt Louise. We were at a family gathering and I had just given her a print of herself as a young woman. I remember thinking “I wish I had asked her to move into a nicer chair.” Now that she’s gone, I have a clear memory of her happily sitting in that little lawn chair lakeside. It doesn’t matter that it’s not perfect. I’m just so grateful to have this.
    1. Get ready!
      What do you have to do right now to be ready? Charge your phone battery, and backup your phone, to clear off the old images, making room for new ones. Learn how to use that new “real” camera. If you do these things now, it’ll be easy to record those memories when the time comes.

    I hope this is a helpful reminder. I wish you a peaceful and fun holiday season!


    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


    What You Need To Know – Senior Photo Yearbook Deadlines

    Wondering when you need to submit your senior photo to the yearbook? Here are some high school specific deadlines for the Flagstaff Class of 2025.

    11/1/24   Northland Preparatory Academy (NPA) 

    12/1/24   BASIS Flagstaff    

    12/18/24  Coconino High School

    1/1/25  Flagstaff High School

    TBA Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA)

    (Historically, FALA’s deadline has been close to winter break)


    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


    Not Missing The Big Changes – Flagstaff Family Photography

    I’ve been photographing them for years, and I adore them. This time, Paxton and his mom, Amy, were breezing back through Flagstaff from their home in Missouri en route to a Grand Canyon river trip. Amy wanted to document this moment, with good reason.

    Teen Boy in Courtyard Photograph, Family and Kids Portrait Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

    In the three years since I last saw and photographed him, Paxton had morphed from a cute 11 year old kid into a full-on teenager, yet hadn’t lost any of his charm or kindness. It’s just that now, he’s a badass lacrosse player. Thank goodness he can still do the eyebrow trick and has retained his fantastic laugh.

    Teen Boy Laughing in Studio Photograph, Family and Kids Portrait Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

    His favorite food can be found at Pita Pit in Flagstaff. Naturally, they made a stop there before coming to the studio. Like the last location family session I had with them, we dodged some raindrops and got very lucky with clouds, giving us lovely light in our studio courtyard. 🙂

    Teen Boy Smiling, Looking Away from Camera in Courtyard Photograph, Family and Kids Portrait Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

    Many people procrastinate family portraits between the ages of 5 and 17. I hear the regret in parents’ voices when they talk about this later, as their kids are getting ready to launch.

    Teen Boy in Studio Photograph, Family and Kids Portrait Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

    I wish everyone would be more like Amy and cherish each stage of their kids’ lives, taking time to document and savor them. She knows on a bone-deep level that all of these moments are fleeting. She sees her kids deeply, savoring what makes them unique and loving them fiercely.

    I’m the lucky photographer who gets to make the art that helps her hold onto these ever-changing moments.

    Custom Commissioned Wall Art, Family and Kids Portrait Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
    Mother and Teen Son Hugging, Family and Kids Portrait Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

    Because we were back in the studio again for this session, we decided to pay homage to Paxton’s 5 year old portraits. Check out the before and afters! 👇🏻


    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


    Keiji Iwai & Kristen Dacey Iwai

    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
    G-2ZHNTM925L