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Quinton, NPA Class of 2023 – Senior Photos in Flagstaff

It wouldn’t have worked. Our goal was to show the mountains and it was one of those days where you would never know we had any in this town. The cloud cover stayed low to the ground, obstructing our beautiful peak views.

The weather relented on the day of our rescheduled session. It was especially wonderful to see Quinton in his element, with his super power. He has four self-purchased Subarus and builds, repairs and drives them like a pro.

Man! What I would’ve given to have just one of those vehicles when I was his age! Before the session his mom asked Quinton to clean his mud splashed car, but he declined, preferring to keep it in the condition it’s most suited for. I had to agree.

It was kind of an emotional session to begin with. I first photographed this particular high school senior when he was three days old. Back then, I was shooting in my garage. While it offered phenomenal light, my clients needed to politely ignore the lawnmower and crusty cans of paint sitting nearby. I have such a fondness for those who have stuck with me since those days, and this family especially. Documenting them over the lives of their children has been such a heart-filling privilege. I can’t even begin to tell you.
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Quinton graduates this week. I’m so excited for him!


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


Ellie, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Here Comes Graduation!

Ellie’s mom, Julie, was someone that I liked and admired the minute I met her years ago, so it’s not surprising that Ellie is wonderful as well. When we met to plan her senior portraits, Ellie said things that belied her visual savvy. It’s common for people to have difficulty articulating the nuances of why they are drawn to a particular photograph, but not Ellie. She sees more than most people. I loved collaborating with her to plan her session, deciding on what and who to bring, etc.

High school senior photos, Senior Portraits in summer in Flagstaff, AZ


Number one on the list? Kira the wonder pup! She was excited to be with us and had lots of energy but with Julie’s expert wrangling and Ellie’s fun, nurturing presence, they were adorable together. You can see their sweet rapport in the last two portraits. 🙂


When it came time to design Ellie’s custom graduation announcements, the collaboration continued, with Ellie sketching and designing ideas from Germany, where she’s been traveling. I wish she could come be our in-house graphic designer because I’d be happy to hang out with her and design things together every day. 🙂

High school senior photos, Senior Portraits in summer in Flagstaff, AZ

She graduated last month. Congratulations, Ellie!🥳


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


My Sister, Author Juliette Fay is Coming to Flagstaff!

Get your ticket now for May 18th at 5:30pm!

Tickets for Juliette’s book event at Bright Side Bookshop are included when you purchase the book (at a discount) from Bright Side, or you can pay $5 and get a $5 credit for the store. A great way to get a wonderful book at a great price, shop local and get to hear some behind the scenes stories about the book. You can buy tickets HERE.

One perfect night. Forty years of buried hurt. One chance to make it right. Can the past ever be fixed?

With humor, heart, and grace, USA Today bestselling author Juliette Fay delivers a poignant, propulsive novel about settling the past, rekindling lost friendships, and discovering love when you least expect it.

Can’t join us? You can order the book and I’ll have Juliette sign it when she’s in Flagstaff! Win-win. 🙂


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 Smith Family- Revisiting a sweet moment from the past

I didn’t even have a real studio. When I first met the Smiths, I was still shooting in my living room, with photo equipment crammed in between my own little kids’ toys. It worked somehow because the young subjects arriving for sessions were all too happy to find the doll house and the stacking rings nearby.

I remember that I really liked them immediately. We had a laughter-filled, snuggly session, celebrating the addition of their youngest baby, their family complete. I was surprised when they only ordered one of two prints because we had made so many tank filling memories together.

Since then, there have been many more beautiful memories made with the Smiths. I’ve had the privilege of being there to document each of their kids as they reached important milestones and witness who they’ve become.

Not surprisingly, the apples didn’t fall fall from the trees. Jen and Darin are truly lovely people and guess what? Their kids are too.

Black and White Studio Family Portraits, by KDI Photography photo studio in Flagstaff, AZ

Recently, as we completed their youngest son’s senior portraits, Jen posed a question. She regretted that they hadn’t been able to get more from that initial session. Seeing the later portraits on her wall made her really happy, especially as her kids were leaving one by one, but something was missing. Could we fill in that gap?

So, we met to review those portraits and giggled hard. Man! Those littles were cute! We designed new art together from that session 18 years ago so she could see the story of her family every day in her home. More important than ever, as their kids spread their wings.


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


Witnessing Some Magic – A Minnesota Welcome

We were pretty surprised when the message arrived in our in-box one morning. The invitation: to visit WHCC, our professional photographic lab, and watch them handcraft some of our wall art and albums. Um…Yes, please!

It was fascinating to actually learn how cutting edge technology assists some highly skilled craftspeople in creating works of art, painstakingly by hand. It gave us an even greater appreciation for the care and commitment to quality that each piece is given.

We’re so grateful for all that they do for us and for the opportunity to witness the magic of how they bring our vision to fruition.


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


Lakin, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023 – Completing the Circle

I first photographed him in 2005, and his wide eyed startled face as a baby made me laugh out loud. It still does! (Stay tuned for another post with those early portraits of the Smiths.)

Senior in high school with leather jacket in front of an old cabin and the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff Arizona. © KDI Photography

When we did his senior portraits, it was so enjoyable to see who he’s become. Spoiler alert: he can still do the startle face, only now he’s added a whole host of additional hilarious and heartwarming expressions. His bilateral alternating eye brow lift is AWESOME! His freezing, numb hands couldn’t keep the smile from his face, he’s THAT good natured.

senior in high school shows his startle face in front of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff Arizona. © KDI Photography

This was bittersweet because he is the youngest of the Smith family, Jen’s baby. I’ve SO enjoyed photographing each of her wonderful kids at this milestone, and having Jen along for each session just makes it that much more special.


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


Sloane, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023 – a Contagious Giggle and an Intimidating Stare

We trekked out north of town on a glorious fall day, the aspens somehow miraculously at their peak, despite some earlier session reschedules. She doesn’t love being the sole focus of attention but she’s been tortured by me and my camera her whole life so I’m sure she just settled into a familiar routine! 🙂

Fall senior photos, Flagstaff High School graduating class of 2023, mountain location session, KDI Photography

Her giggle and her humor have always been contagious (check out the portrait of her at aged 2 below ⬇️ and you’ll see what I mean) and YET… her steely stare can make you feel like you’re in trouble, like whatever you’re doing might go down on your permanent record. She’s so intimidating when she does that! 

Fall senior photos, Flagstaff High School graduating class of 2023, mountain location session with guitar, KDI Photography

She brought along her guitar. Oh, the sound of her playing, the rich notes wafting across the meadow, made my blood pressure drop – everything right with the world. And of course, her puppies needed some time in front of the camera, so peaceful (and remarkably compliant!) in her arms.

Can’t believe this moment is here. She graduates next month and in the fall, heads off to study marine biology at the University of Hawaii! Congratulations, Sloane!

Fall senior photos, Flagstaff High School graduating class of 2023, mountain location at sunset, 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


Meg, NPA, Class of 2023 – Going By in a Blur

She is a funny, talented, loving, quick-witted, kind, strong, intelligent, beautiful-inside-and-out badass. Meg is also FAAAST. She responds fast with her humor, she thinks fast when engaged in conversation and most of all, she runs fast! She recently won the 1600M and next up, she’s headed to college, where she’ll run for Sacramento State. 👏🏼

Courtyard Studio Portrait, Senior Photo of NPA Athlete, Runner with Shoes, Flagstaff, AZ ©KDI Photography

It’s pretty cool to witness someone grow into a phenomenal adult in front of your eyes and your camera. A whole lifetime of changes. I’m so lucky that I’ve been able to do that with this exceptional person. (Check out my recent blog post “More Than Sisters” if you want to see her whole life in portraits!) 

Courtyard Studio Portrait, Senior Photo of NPA Athlete, Runner with Shoes, Flagstaff, AZ ©KDI Photography

She is unstoppable but I am rooting for her, all the same.

Studio Portrait, Senior Photo Girl in White, With Blue Green Background, Flagstaff, AZ. ©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


Alexa, BASIS Flagstaff, Class Of 2023 – Senior Photos With Two Star Subjects: One Human, One Canine

I couldn’t stop laughing. Next to me, I could hear Corey, Alexa’s mom, trying in vein to suppress giggles, too. Alexa was seated next to the beloved Rose, their fluffy white family dog. Rose was understandably entertained by the many compelling attractions that surrounded us; birds, laughing kids in the distance, etc.

Senior photos, Fall in Flagstaff, AZ KDI Photography

So, my prompt to Alexa was “Whichever direction Rose is looking, mirror her and look there too.” She did this with aplomb and was utterly convincing in her portrayal of casualness. The sweetest thing was when Rose looked right at Alexa and they briefly smiled at each other. It was touching and hilarious at the same time.


I’ve known Corey for several years but this chance to get to know Alexa was really appreciated. Here’s what I’ve learned so far: she’s humble, brilliant, graceful, kind and has this particularly remarkable mix of seemingly contradicting qualities; She manages to pull off being supremely cool with also being totally willing to be goofy. I had so much fun on the gorgeous fall day that her senior portrait session was graced with. She and Rose can be my star subjects anytime.

Young Woman in Red Jacket, Jumping in the Middle of a Dirt Road, With Fall Foliage and San Francisco Peaks in the Background, Senior Photos, Fall in Flagstaff, AZ KDI Photography
Young Woman Looking at the Peaks, Senior photos, Fall in Flagstaff, AZ 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


Cacie, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023 – A Family Affair

On a late August afternoon, I pulled up along side the dark truck. The windows were tinted and for a moment, I wondered if it was even sidling up to the correct vehicle.

Senior portrait of girl in Navajo traditional dress, playing violin in front of the San Francisco Peaks, in Northern Arizona, Coconino County, Flagstaff AZ. ©KDI Photography

When the window rolled down slowly, I felt like I was in a spy movie and we were about to exchange some espionage dossier! But no, it was the Smiley Begay family, meeting me as planned. They had perfectly followed the random pin on the map I’d sent them.


It was so much fun to be with them again. This time, we were celebrating their youngest, Cacie with senior portraits. With her parents and grandmother along for support, it was a family affair. Her grandmother even handcrafted her stunning Navajo traditional dress. They made final adjustments to her clothes in the field of yellow blooms, tucking things in, and trimming threads.

It was a session full of flowers, laughter, and beautiful music.

Senior portrait of girl sitting in yellow  flowers, wearing Navajo traditional dress, holding her violin, near the San Francisco Peaks, in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff AZ, Coconino County. ©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


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
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