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Love Made Tangible

Blessed – Flagstaff Newborn Photographer

I just typed ‘newborn’ into the search field on my computer and watched as 20,000 images of the very beginning of so many lives came up in front of my eyes, which now have tears in them.

What a gift that I get to do this for a living.

9 day old newborn in his father's armsOne very special newborn at 9 days old

We are literally “a mom and pop” photography studio.

We truly love making these family treasures for other 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 children, family, Flagstaff portrait photography, newborn photography, parents, photography, picture of the day, studio portraitTags: , , , , ,

CEO Portrait for Body Bliss in Cottonwood, AZ

“It was like jumping onto a moving freight train.” Flagstaff Portraits - CEO PortraitWhile were making some fresh professional portraits, I’d asked Pam about becoming the new owner of the popular aromatherapy products store, Body Bliss in Cottonwood, AZ. She was scrambling to get up to speed to stay on top of all the amazing growth in her business. Instead of the usual synthetic yuckiness, Body Bliss products are made with natural and sustainable botanical raw materials and can be found at some of the finest spas around the country. The company was originated by a botanist and a massage therapist, looking to create healthier supplies for massage therapists to use day in and day out.  It’s a product line that is near and dear to Pam’s heart and she loves her fun, demanding job.

FlagstaffPortraits-BodyBlissCEOBeyond what I originally thought of as aromatherapy products (like essential oils), Body Bliss offers a huge variety of delicious sounding goodies like “I RENEW Organic Tea Tree & Rosemary Foot Soak”, “Chai Spice & Vanilla Virgin Coconut Body Polish”, and “Pink Grapefruit & Jasmine Cleansing Cream.” I get hungry just reading their titles! Personally, I’m in love with the Organic Lavender & Vetiver Body Lotion and am kind of wondering how I lived without it all these years! You can purchase online, so go get something yummy for yourself or a lucky loved one: Body Bliss website

 

Kristen Dacey Iwai of KDI Photography is a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona with more than 2 decades of experience. Making portraits of families, pregnancy, newborns, babies, children, high school seniors and for businesses in her downtown studio and on location, she serves clients from Flagstaff, Sedona, Tuba City, Winslow, Payson, Page, Williams, Prescott, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit KDI Photography’s website.

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

Posted in commercial portrait, community, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, health, individual portrait, story, studio portraitTags: , , , ,

11 Days: Pregnancy & Newborn Portraits in Flagstaff

In my 25+ years as a photographer, I’ve never before had the opportunity to make portraits of a female firefighter. Arizona is a dry place and we’re enormously grateful to the firefighters, hotshot crews and Wildland Fire Managers who keep us safe. It was incredibly fun to make portraits of Katie in some of her firefighting gear, both during pregnancy and merely a week and a half later with newborn Ms. personality-plus in her arms. Katie doesn’t prefer to be the center of attention but her husband and I loved these portraits documenting the huge changes in their family in such a short window of time.

Before                         AfterPregnancy and Newborn Portrait, Flagstaff, AZWhat a difference 11 days make! I LOVE the thoughtful finger-pointing.

Here’s some more expert finger-pointing, six months later. I’m thinking that this is her evolving personal style. Nobody does it better. 🙂6Mo-Baby-Portrait-Flagstaff-AZ-Photographer

Kristen Dacey Iwai of KDI Photography is a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona with more than 2 decades of experience. Making portraits of families, pregnancy, newborns, babies, children, high school seniors and for businesses in her downtown studio and on location, she serves clients from Flagstaff, Sedona, Tuba City, Winslow, Payson, Page, Williams, Prescott, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit KDI Photography’s website.

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

Posted in family, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, location portrait, maternity, newborn photography, parents, photography, picture of the day, pregnancy, studio portraitTags: , , , , , ,

RAFFLE TO HELP SUPPORT THE MASLAR FAMILY

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KDI Photography is holding a raffle to support a family whose 31/2 year-old daughter is going through cancer treatment. We’re offering a free studio portrait session for up to 5 people with a $99 print credit to one winner. Buy one or more raffle tickets and you will be helping to provide financial support to their family as they travel to Phoenix for chemotherapy treatments. One raffle ticket for $20 or 6 tickets for $100.  Raffle drawing will be November 21st.

We are excited to offer some support to this amazing family so thanks in advance!

TO GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANY OF THESE FOLKS:
Kristen or Keiji Iwai at (928) 779-4151 or studio@kdiphotography.com
Shannon Ellison at (928) 213-0888 or Sehavey22@yahoo.com
Heidi Komada at (928) 221-7854 or heidinted@yahoo.com
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• Want to help even more?  Sign up to coordinate raffle tickets at your work or school!

• Not interested in winning a portrait session with KDI Photography but still want to help? Please feel free to contribute to another fundraiser, a GoFundMe campaign that was set up by Maslar family friends.

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Posted in Charity, children, community, family, family portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, health, parents, story, studio portraitTags: , , , ,

What You Need to Know About Fall Family & Senior Photos

What’s your season? Everybody seems to have their favorite.

Is it Fall, Autumn?

You know, the time of year when we all want to go leaf peeping and see the brilliant fall foliage?

Make sure you don’t miss it.

Most years in Northern Arizona, the aspens start turning from rich, radiant green to saturated yellow in late September. Some of that color can often be found as late as November.

It starts on the mountain and moves into town, so different locations show their beauty at different periods within that few-week window. It just so happens that lots of Flagstaff families and high school seniors want to make portraits in that setting every year. In fact, October is our photo studio’s absolute busiest month.

It makes sense that Fall is so popular for portraits. Like the San Francisco Peaks, those turning leaves are pretty iconic to us Flagstaff residents.

Why do I mention this while we can still see some of the flowers of summer? Well, because I don’t want you to miss out. (It makes me sad when our clients are sad!) We fill up our calendars every year, but this year we started booking fall season sessions in February!


We still have many studio sessions open, but the location portrait sessions always go faster.

So, lovely past and future KDI Photography clients, consider this your friendly reminder. Fall will be here in a flash!

 

 

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 children, family, family portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, location portrait, photographyTags: , , , , , ,

Kind Words – Professional Portraits Flagstaff

I met a lovely person yesterday when realtor Linda Kiehne came in for her ReMax Peak Properties professional business portrait. Unlike my family, children and senior portrait subjects, I find that people often come to the studio to get an updated head shot with some reluctance. I can empathize because I prefer to be behind the camera (or at least one of my children!) when it comes to portraits, too. I try to make it a painless process for my commercial photography clients and I’m so glad that Linda enjoyed her experience during our session together.

You can see some of KDI Photography’s commercial portraits here.

commercial headshots

Posted in community, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, photography, studio portraitTags: , , ,

7 Reasons You’ll Love Having Portraits Made in Summer – Flagstaff Photographer

By the time she finally called me, I could hear the guilt in her voice. They had waited and waited to find the right moment. Something always got in the way. The kids  had some school event or sports activity. She and her husband wanted to lose a little weight. One of her children was going through an “awkward teeth” phase. (For the record, I absolutely love the visual time machine aspect of “awkward teeth”!) Scheduling was always a challenge. Before they knew it, the kids were just SO MUCH older. She felt like some of the important moments in her family’s life had been missed, photographically.

Have you ever heard that proverb: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now”.

You know when the best time is to make portraits? Now.

Here are my top 7 reasons to have your portraits made during the summer:

1. Coordinating schedules is usually easier in the summer. It’s less likely that you’ll have to work around school events, sports, lessons and other after-school activities.summer family portraits flagstaff photographer

2. People often feel more “photo-ready” in the summer. We’re outdoors, getting some sunshine and are usually more active than during the holidays.

3. Your stress level will be dramatically reduced when your holiday gift giving and holiday cards are completed before the rush sets in. And, when you and your family members find yourselves in relaxed summer mode during the session, your holiday portrait gifts and cards will show it!Family-Portrait-Flagstaff-AZ4. Family and senior portrait photographers (like me) (more…)

Posted in family portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, parents, senior portraitTags: , , , ,

Emmalee’s Gift – Photographer in Flagstaff, AZ

She was clearly getting ready to say something. She stood in front of me and paused, looking at the floor for a second. When she did glance up at me, she quietly mumbled, ‘I’m gonna miss you.’ I said ‘Oh, I know. Me too. I always love when I get to play with you.’

Later, at the end of the very full day, KDI Photography I looked at the wax bracelet she’d made me, snuggled sloppily around my wrist, and smiled again. My 3-year-old friend (she’d made a point to assure me we were real ‘friends’) had arrived in the morning with her awesome parents for their portrait View and Order meeting like she almost always arrives – looking very serious and shy. About 15 minutes in, she usually starts to warm up and progresses from there to the freely-climbing-on-my-lap level, and then finally on to full-out dance party mode by the time she has to go. In like a lamb and out like a very playful, giggly lion.

Today, our little dance break needed no music except us humming along to our crazy steps. I’ll confess, I love it when kids are reluctant to leave the studio because it means they’re happy to be here. Fortunately, I’ll get to see her again soon – there’s more on the calendar with her delightful family.

The bracelet was tangible evidence of some sweetness in a day that was full of sweet moments. A wonderful email from clients who were happily surprised by something that Keiji and I sneakily included in their order; a newborn’s sleepy sounds, furrowed brow, and prayerful toes; parental expressions as they reacted to their teenage daughter’s photographs; a woman’s joyfully enthusiastic voice on the phone as we conspired about her upcoming couples engagement portrait.

Again and again, beautiful souls somehow find us, walk through our studio door, and fill up my heart. Their presence is an amazing gift.

 

Kristen Dacey Iwai of KDI Photography is a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona with more than 2 decades of experience. Making portraits of families, pregnancy, newborns, babies, children, high school seniors and for businesses in her downtown studio and on location, she serves clients from Flagstaff, Sedona, Tuba City, Winslow, Payson, Page, Williams, Prescott, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit KDI Photography’s website.

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

Posted in BLE, children, Flagstaff portrait photography, musings, storyTags: , ,

Pregnancy Portraits Over Time – Flagstaff Maternity Photographer Looks Back

This year will mark the 25th anniversary of my first pregnancy portrait! (These sessions are sometimes also called maternity photography.)

KDI Photography Pregnant Portrait Flagstaff, AZ
pregnancy, maternity portrait, Flagstaff AZ

Clearly, that first mama’s belly got me hooked immediately because I’ve been photographing pregnancy and babies ever since that first session. For the last 20 years, I’ve been making portraits in my studio and on location in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona.

Pregnancy and Newborn portraits, Before and After, Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

If it’s possible, I’m even more passionate about making these photographs now than when I first started. Maybe becoming a mom simply made it more meaningful to me. As a parent, I certainly have a higher awareness about how quickly the time passes.

Pregnancy and Newborn portraits, Before and After, Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
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Waiting for a baby to come is such a magical time in a family’s history, and I love helping them document it to enjoy far into the future.

KDI-Pregnant-Portrait-Flagstaff-DS Family
 

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 family, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, newborn photography, parents, picture of the day, studio portraitTags: , , ,

Live Like Mason – A Heartbroken Mom’s Words of Wisdom

Two weeks ago, the phone rang and it was horrible news. My friends and clients, the Hanson family, had suffered an unimaginable tragedy. That morning, their 22 month old son Mason had unexpectedly run outside and was hit by their car. This precious boy, this adored ball of sunshine and love, was gone. In the days that followed, as I sat with them and created projects for his memorial and for their home with the portraits we’d made together, I saw up close what it looks like to suffer the worst pain anyone can imagine. The pictures were some comfort to them, and I was grateful there was something I could do to help, as I struggled with the absolute powerlessness we all feel when watching friends live through enormous grief.

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In the 10 days following Mason’s passing, they were surrounded with a tsunami of support, from helping with financial concerns to building “Mason’s Garden”, a beautiful growing, flowing memorial to their littlest child in their backyard. Along with extended family, friends and our remarkable Flagstaff community, they accomplished herculean tasks of organization and planning. When Mason’s parents took to the podium next to his casket to beautifully remember their child on Sunday, the sorrow in that room was palpable. But Jessica’s speech was also something else. An inspiring entreaty to make the world more Mason-like.

With Jessica’s permission, her words are included here.

Wow, there is a lot of love in this room. A lot of sadness, but a lot of love. Look at how beautiful that little boy is.

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I was contemplating talking about the most dramatic poop experience with you all but I suppose it would be a good ice breaker. 5 weeks ago I let my Mason go without a diaper for no more than 3 minutes. I wanted to watch his cute little naked butt running around for a short period of time. As I was watching him I noticed he was giving me the look….The, I’m going to poop on the floor look. From that second on everything was in slow motion. I said buddy, don’t do it… I stood up and as I was going to pick him up he pooped right on the floor…then I stepped in it. So there I was standing in my daughters room on one foot holding a naked baby who was ready to fire at any given moment. I started yelling for Mikey…

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Posted in children, community, family, family portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, location portrait, storyTags: , , , , , , , ,

Studio Portraits of Two First Communion Girls in Flagstaff

When the Rodriguez family first arrived at my studio, they appeared, in a group. Since then, whenever I meet with them, there’s usually quite a few members of the family present. 

It makes sense, since they comprise two of the three local families that own the delicious Tacos Los Altos on Route 66 here in Flagstaff Arizona. Running the family restaurant business together, I’m sure they’re used to the need for lots of familial cooperation! 

Being really passionate about their food and about their customers means a lot of hard work. If you haven’t been to Tacos Los Altos, you need to go because it’s quite yummy: Check it out HERE.

First Communion Portraits, Studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of girl in white dress, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of girl in white dress holding bible, rosary, and candle, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of girl in white dress with veil, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of girl in white dress with veil, holding rosary, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of girl in white dress holding bible, rosary, and candle, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

The two oldest daughters in each family were about to receive their First Communion and we needed to celebrate this important rite of passage. 

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed being with them and being entrusted with documenting such a meaningful moment in their lives. Being with this family always brings a smile to my face and I hope we’ll get to make more portraits together down the road.

First Communion portraits of girl in white dress with veil, holding rosary, candle, and bible, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of girl in white dress with veil, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of two girls in white dresses with veils, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography
First Communion portraits of the feet two girls wearing white dresses and cute white sneakers, studio photography in Flagstaff, AZ by 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 children, community, family, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, story, studio portraitTags: , , ,

The story behind the sign – portrait memories in Flagstaff

It’s the first time I cried while changing the picture on our photography studio’s sign. We switch the portraits on our sign every few months but we put this portrait of a father and son up for a very different reason than the usual. We want to honor a friend who just passed away unexpectedly. Ed George was an amazing cinematographer/ still photographer, and an all-around great guy. Every time I saw him, his passion for his work, his family, and his life were very evident. His inner delight and enthusiasm shined out of his crystal clear, crinkly blue eyes. You can see some of his character in these portraits with his son, Kyle.

Father and Son Portrait, Flagstaff, AZ

A few months ago, I was talking to Ed about his latest globe-trotting adventures. He’d been to several countries recently, was working on an amazing film project here in town and then planned to gallivant off to yet another exotic locale. Through his work, he’d been stalked by lions, filmed anacondas, swam with sharks. I said “Wow, Ed! Do you ever stop to realize that you have an amazing, enviable life? I mean, so many people only dream of the kind of life you have and would probably love to trade places with you!” He paused, smiled and said, “Yeah, well I’m not getting rich, but yes, it  is a great life. I really feel grateful.”

Father and Son Portrait, Flagstaff, AZ

This beautiful, very short film about Ed George is worth watching.

He will be missed.

Posted in BLE, community, family portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, picture of the day, story, studio portraitTags: , , , , ,
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Keiji Iwai & Kristen Dacey Iwai

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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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