Blog - KDI Photography

Daniel, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – One Very Kind Assassin

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

“Senior Assassin.”

What do you think of when you hear those words? MY mind goes to images of (non-swimming) seniors in high school, showing up at my studio, wearing goggles and pool floaties, while surreptitiously looking over their shoulders. It’s the time of year when there is a vague, quirky paranoia in the air.

The game goes like this: the high school seniors all try to squirt gun their assigned “target”, before their own “assassin” can get to them first. The water safety items are the protection that keeps them in the game. By the time Daniel and I met for his senior photos, there had already been 8 attempts on his “life!” Remarkably, he lives to fight another day!

This is especially awe-inspiring, when you think of how many scheduled places this guy is during a given week. He participates in four sports; soccer, cross-country, track and basketball. That’s not even including a bunch of many other very cool hobbies.

Black and White Senior photo in Fall, Flagstaff, AZ. ©KDI Photography

Besides being well rounded and interesting, he’s also supremely empathetic and kind. I saw this in action when I told him that I hoped I could still possibly grow taller. Without hesitation, he agreed, supportively, that I could do it! 😀He’s THAT encouraging, even if you have a ridiculous pipe dream. He graduates in May. Wherever he lands will benefit from what he brings to it.

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

More Than Sisters; 18 Years of a Beautiful Sibling Relationship – Flagstaff Portraits

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

The first time I met them, I could only see Eliza. Meg was snuggly tucked into her mom’s round belly. But their relationship was already powerful. When I see this first portrait now, it feels as if Eliza was waiting for her to get here. Like they were always meant to walk through this life together.

Black and white close up studio portrait of toddler, with her chin on her mother's pregnant belly.

I count it as a huge blessing that I’ve been able to make portraits of this remarkable sibling relationship every year since then. When their parents told them they were divorcing, one of the questions they had was “Can we still make portraits with Kristen?” Happily, the reply was yes.

Color studio portrait of sisters in red dresses, by Flagstaff Photographer.

Color studio portrait of sisters snuggling cheek to cheek, by Flagstaff photographer.

Black and white studio portrait of sisters standing and looking at each other, in Flagstaff photography studio.

Color studio portrait of sisters standing and pointing at camera, in Flagstaff photography studio.

Color studio portrait of sisters holding hands in dresses, by Flagstaff photographer.

Black and white studio portrait of sisters flipping their hair.

There have been sessions when, surely, they weren’t feeling it, times when they were annoyed with each other, or maybe me. Yet they are my star subjects. Always creative, natural, insightful, kind, authentic, hilarious. These sessions always feel like a party, a great hang with people you love. They dance, sing, jump, snuggle, giggle, lounge like they they know who they are. Sometimes, I have to call their attention back because they are naturally drawn towards one anther, speaking a sister language that they alone share.

Color studio portrait of sisters jumping in blue dresses in Flagstaff photography studio.

Color studio portrait of sisters on piggyback in Flagstaff photography studio.

Black and white studio portrait of sisters, in Flagstaff photography studio.

Now, with Eliza at college and Meg college bound soon, I asked each of them to tell me about her sister.

Meg:
Eliza is my sister, best friend, mentor, inspiration, and one of my favorite people on the planet. Her hard work, passion, talent, and dreams inspire everyone she is around. I love her and couldn’t imagine my life without her.

Color studio portrait of young sisters sitting with arms crossed, in Flagstaff photography studio.

Color studio portrait of teenage sisters sitting snuggled on bench, in Flagstaff photography studio.

Eliza:
Meg and I weren’t always close but as we’ve grown up we’ve only grown closer and now I’m so lucky to be able to say that my sister is one of my best friends. I admire her endless generosity and motivation. She is full of life and so easy and fun to be around, and now more than ever, I’m thankful for all the time we get to spend together.

Black and white studio portrait of sisters sitting on stools in tutus, in Flagstaff photography studio.

Black and white studio portrait of teenage sisters sitting on stools, in Flagstaff photography studio.

I’m thankful for all the time spent with these two amazing women.

Color studio portrait of teenage sisters sitting snuggled on couch, in Flagstaff photography studio.

An Engbring Update – Heartfelt Family portraits, Summertime in Flagstaff

Sunday, January 29, 2023

She walked into the room on a Tuesday morning, sat down, and calmly and confidently, told me that my heart is good. It’s her job to deliver news like that. She is a cardiac Nurse Practitioner, after all. Thankfully, the news was reassuring – an auspicious first meeting!

Summer Family Portraits Flagstaff, Family of three with San Francisco Peaks in the Background, Arizona

Since then, I have been lucky to have many more conversations with Megan and always love them. She’s so positive and joyful. But when we reconnected for this latest family portrait update, there was something new that clearly had her fired up. She has been helping people get healthy for a long time, but now she had added a new modality to her roster of tools.

Girl Smiling, Summer Family Portraits Flagstaff, AZ

Since I’d last seen her, she had become a certified Habits of Health coach with OPTAVIA. It’s the opposite of gimmicky, quick fix weight loss programs, because it comprehensively helps folks affect lasting change with some serious supportive scaffolding surrounding them. You can hear her passion as she talks about how she feels truly grateful to be able to help transform lives with lifestyle changes that avert illness, rather than treating people after they’re already sick. Her eyes light up when she talks about it and she radiates hope and optimism. Seeing her so aligned with her purpose made me feel really happy for her, not to mention her clients.

Girl with her stuffed animals, Summer Family Portraits Flagstaff, AZ

Yet, as fulfilled as her work makes her, nothing lights up Megan more than Matt and Amelia. They are a dynamic trio! And when you include Caterina and Cleocatra (stuffed cats that replicate feline family members), and even a few M&M’s, Amelia lights up the most! Being with these three is always such a treat.

If you want to benefit from Megan’s passionate expertise, you can get in touch here.

Summer Family Portraits Flagstaff, Hands of Family of three showing Rings with Peaks on them, San Francisco Peaks in the Background, AZ

Camden, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Cool Under Pressure, Senior Photos

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Oh man. There should be some kind of award. If I could give one “Senior Portrait Survival Award” this season, Camden would be a lock.

Senior Photos Flagstaff, Yellow Summer Sunflowers in Arizona

This guy smiled and laughed while millions of mosquitos attacked him. The worst was trying to maintain a straight face while they feasted on him. He must have blood that’s the equivalent of mosquito crack. And then, after a valiant effort to keep a straight face, he’d crack up from the effort of holding all together. He has a great, full throttle laugh, so it was hilarious. I laughed sooo hard.

Senior Photos Flagstaff, Rock Climbing, Summer in Arizona

I’ve been photographing him since birth and seeing the adult he’s becoming was amazing. He’s changed a lot, just in the 2 years since our last family session! He may look different but he’s always been kind, calm and intelligent, and is an impressive boulderer, so we needed to reference his climbing in the portraits.

Somewhere over the years, Camden’s mom Liz became a treasured friend, so being with them both, cracking up, was an absolute blast.

2 responses to “Camden, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Cool Under Pressure, Senior Photos”

Liz Hobbs

January 26, 2023

We are so fortunate that we found you in 2004 and that you’ve been available to document our family’s evolution. They are already family heirlooms. Kristen has the unique gift of being able to capture the essence of her subjects, these pictures are Camden at his most authentic! Thank you!
1. Kristen Iwai
  
  January 26, 2023
  
  Thank you, Liz. It’s meant so much to see and document your family’s growth. You are amazing people, individually and as a family. I feel so fortunate to know you. ❤️

Alina, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Senior Photos in Flagstaff

Monday, January 23, 2023

Before the car has even finished rolling to a stop, the back passenger door flings open. She tumbles out onto the grass in a blur, long silky brown hair flying behind her as she blasts, full tilt towards the water. It is the kind of carefree, as-fast-as-your-legs-will-take-you run that is the province of 11 year olds. When I am properly introduced to her a few moments later, that brilliant trademark Alina smile is reflected in the water next to her.

In the intervening 7 or so years, she has endured my camera and my hugs many times.

Winter Senior Photos, Diver at NAU, Flagstaff, Arizona

Now I am standing poolside in front of a tripod, my camera holding it’s longest lens, my forehead showcasing a dewy glow from the warm, humid air. I look up to see her bouncing effortlessly, fearlessly on the very edge of a diving board that is 100 feet in the air. (OK. Sure. I’m exaggerating, but trust me, it is waaaay up there.) She is smiling down at me, mostly because I am calling out “Don’t do it! You’ll ruin your hair!” Partly, she is laughing at my anxious face, as I imagine myself at that height, perched at the end of a slippery, bendy board.

The smile is still light-up-the-room amazing, but she is also now powerful. Fierce, even. It’s hard earned. She has pushed her body to its limits, sacrificed sleep and time with friends, traveled long distances and more to become who she is now; A sought-after competitive diver. Saying yes to San Diego State requires another sacrifice – saying goodbye to Flagstaff, NAU and the supportive coaching staff that helped her get to this point.

We leave the pool and step outside into frigid winter wind. Now, Alina is a warm weather girl, like her awesome mama. So …brrr! I ask her to let her glorious locks be tossed about by the gale and she complies but the second I spring her, saying, “All done!” She RUNS back to the car to warm up. 🙂

Winter Senior Photos, NAU, Flagstaff, Arizona

She is amazing. I hope she knows it. At the very least, I hope she knows that I adore her and am cheering her on for all that comes next.

Music and Love – Flagstaff Studio Family Portraits

Saturday, December 31, 2022

He flings himself off of his mom’s lap, runs full speed to me, skids to a stop and then “tickles” my foot through my sandal. I give him my best crazy laugh, and his little body shakes with delighted laughter. His ridiculously contagious laugh never fails to get me.

father and son music lesson with guitar and ukulele

Turning around, he runs back to hurl himself onto his mom’s lap for a snuggle, and looks back to give me his best mischievously smile. One moment’s pause. Just enough time to shoot one frame, make one adorable portrait, before he starts the process all over again. He does this on the repeat cycle, never seeming to grow tired of it. I saw him recently and we played the same game. This time, he pretended to drill a hole on my boot with a (fortunately) plastic toy drill.

How cool is it that I get to watch this adorable family grow and document their growth? I mean, come on! I’ve been photographing them since this little guy was new.

I love my time with his mom Ashley. She may just love portraits as much as I do, which is saying something! And seeing Daniel teach his son music, is a special kind of awesome. Not only does it nurture their sweet father son connection but research tells us how phenomenally beneficial music is for developing brains.

Expecting family laughing, studio portrait, Flagstaff

Family snuggle, studio portrait, Flagstaff

And now, they are adding one more to this beautiful mix! I can’t wait to meet their new addition.

expecting family snuggles in courtyard, studio portrait, Flagstaff

Ava, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023 – Senior Photos

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

I imagine that when Ava rides in bike races, she could benefit from a pit crew. That’s pretty much what we had for her senior portrait session. We met on location with what I’ve come to think of as “The Amazing Loxley Team.”

Senior portrait of biker with San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff, Arizona

Her dad was an expert with the reflector, her mom managed and shuffled wardrobe and her brother wrangled her bike when it wasn’t needed. They did all of this with joy, kindness and support. We hiked up a small mountain carrying all the above, with me lugging my camera gear. Not one Loxley seemed to sweat it. They are an active bunch. In fact, Ava is a third generation mountain biker, who rides with her dad and maternal grandfather.

Senior portrait of a mountain biker and her bike in front of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff AZ

Senior portrait of a mountain biker in front of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff AZ

The whole shoot felt like a celebration. I hadn’t seen this astounding girl since she was a toddler, so I was thrilled to get to mark this milestone with her. Ava is a compelling conversationalist – I could talk with her for hours.

Senior portrait in fall foliage, Flagstaff AZ

Senior portrait of girl, birds and rainbow in front of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff AZ

Senior portrait of a mountain biker and her bike with aspens in fall colors, Flagstaff AZ

I got to be a greedy, spoiled photographer. Not only was she was an incredible subject, I got to choose from two rainbows, stunning fall trees, mountains all around, and the otherworldly beauty of some magical Flagstaff skies. I think we all felt the privilege of being in that place at that moment with Ava, nature showing off for us.

Senior portrait of girl, rainbow with fall color in front of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff AZ

Senior portrait of girl with a dandelion, Flagstaff AZ

Senior portrait with aspens in fall colors, Flagstaff AZ

Senior portrait with colorful sunset skies, Flagstaff AZ

The Schmitz Family – Summer Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ

Monday, October 31, 2022

I don’t know what I expected. Maybe I thought that, like every one of my family portrait sessions, my primary job was to loosen them up. To get them to authentically be themselves. The kids’ ages range from 11 to 20. Statistically speaking, I figured that at least one of them would be shy, reticent, or even outright obstinate. Maybe they get on each others nerves, or bicker?

When I stepped out of my car, I saw 2 sisters line dancing in the parking lot (mostly without any audible sound, just the synchronized soundtrack in their heads). I was starting to get the idea that this crew knows how to cut loose.

And boy, was I right. Like any siblings, I’m sure that they don’t always maintain perfect harmony, but you’d never know it. They had to work hard at NOT cracking each other up. And all six of them have an ease and a playful irreverence with each other that was totally fun to witness.

Siblings Dancing in front of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff, AZ

After all the laughter and family sass, we stood by our cars again. Jodi showed me videos of the muddy torrent that their street on the east side of town has become. Their road and property have flooded on nearly a daily basis since the monsoon started. It makes their ability to create a good time wherever they are even more impressive.

One response to “The Schmitz Family – Summer Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ”

Beth C Miller

November 3, 2022

Amazing story and amazing photos!!

GUEST POST: Shooting For the Sky, by Tom Bean

Monday, October 31, 2022

For this month’s photo tip, I’m going to turn it over to my dear friend, professional photographer Tom Bean. With decades of experience, work showcased in publications such as Arizona Highways and National Geographic, he’s truly an expert.

Cumulonimbus storm clouds with falling rain over Anderson Mesa with Lake Mary Road, FS#3, view near Mormon Lake overlook, June 22, 2019, Coconino National Forest, south of Flagstaff, Arizona

The clouds passing overhead are perhaps the most visually accessible but also the most overlooked of nature’s great displays. They are available to anyone, with a view of the sky.

Some tips for capturing clouds:

Don’t forget to look up and see what’s going on, as you take a walk, or a ride or push a shopping cart in parking lot. There are beautiful things to enjoy, and photograph, if you remember to pause for a moment to look skyward.
Clouds can show us what’s going on in the atmosphere and you will be surprised by how quickly they develop and then evolve into other clouds or disappear entirely. So the most important photography tip is to have a camera with you and take the shot when you see it.
Luckily, many of us carry a camera with us everyday. It’s our smart phone, which can take wonderful sky photos. No special camera or lenses are required.
Sometimes I want to compose photos that include only the sky, but more often I include part of the landscape in my cloud photos. That could be trees, buildings, roads or even people. Try to only include these elements when you feel they add to your composition. Often, if you just move a short distance, across a parking lot or down the trail, before you shoot, you’ll remove distractions like power lines, light poles and signs. It’s worth doing.
A fiery sky at sunrise and sunset is a spectacle that all of us notice. So that’s a great time to be out and alert to the clouds. Usually the most vivid red, orange and copper colors happen about 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after the sunrise or sunset.

Sunset on Cumulonimbus storm cloud with line of ponderosa pines, viewed from Anderson Mesa, along USFS 125 Road, August 27, 2022, location east of Pine Hill, Coconino National Forest, west of Mormon Lake, Arizona

Anytime during daylight hours is a good time to watch the spectacular cloudscapes passing overhead. We can all feel inspired by a moment of unexpected beauty. You won’t be wasting time with your head in the clouds.

*Cloudscape of Altocumulus clouds above with many mid-level cloudlets, viewed from meadow near Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Dec. 14, 2019, Flagstaff, Arizona*

Some Senior Photos With an Unexpected Audience – Keira, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023

Friday, September 30, 2022

They kept yelling.

We were in the woods far from “civilization” but it seemed like every human we encountered during Keira’s senior session wanted to wish her well and verbally acknowledge her beauty.

“YOU”RE SO PRETTY!!”

“YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!”

Kids on a group hike, cars and trucks bumping down the road, yelling out the window as they passed. You name it.

“YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL. HAVE A GREAT SESSION!”

Heck, even the passing dogs barked a wagging greeting at her. She tends to inspire compliments, not just because she is indeed beautiful, but because she’s also the kind of person you want to compliment; kind, gracious, appreciative.

After it had happened a few times, her father – fresh from performing dental surgery yet now expertly holding my reflector – started calling over his shoulder.

“THANKS, I TRY!” :):)

The whole session was smile inducing. It was wonderful to see the ways that Keira had changed – and not changed – since I’d last photographed her. In the intervening 7 years, she has matured from a kid into a capable, accomplished woman with grit and determination, devoting many, many hours to soccer. But I was happy to see the joyfulness and easy laugh remained a constant. I’m so excited for her senior year and all that comes next for her.

Love Made Tangible

Daniel, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – One Very Kind Assassin

More Than Sisters; 18 Years of a Beautiful Sibling Relationship – Flagstaff Portraits

An Engbring Update – Heartfelt Family portraits, Summertime in Flagstaff

Camden, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Cool Under Pressure, Senior Photos

2 responses to “Camden, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Cool Under Pressure, Senior Photos”

Alina, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2023 – Senior Photos in Flagstaff

Music and Love – Flagstaff Studio Family Portraits

Ava, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023 – Senior Photos

The Schmitz Family – Summer Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ

One response to “The Schmitz Family – Summer Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ”

GUEST POST: Shooting For the Sky, by Tom Bean

Some Senior Photos With an Unexpected Audience – Keira, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2023

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