Love Made Tangible

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

Thursday, April 27, 2023

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

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

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

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

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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

Studio Portrait, Senior Photo Girl in Overalls, Dancing, Flagstaff, AZ. ©KDI Photography

Studio Portrait, Senior Photo Girl in Overalls, Making Pouty Face, 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!)

Studio Portrait, Senior Photo Girl in Red Dress, Laughing, 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

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

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

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

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

Thursday, March 30, 2023

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 in front of the San Francisco Peaks, in Northern Arizona, Coconino County, Flagstaff AZ. ©KDI Photography

Senior portrait of girl sitting in yellow and purple flowers, near the San Francisco Peaks, in Northern Arizona, Coconino County, Flagstaff AZ. ©KDI Photography

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

Senior portrait of smiling girl sitting in the ponderous pine forest, near the San Francisco Peaks, Coconino County, Northern Arizona, Flagstaff AZ. ©KDI Photography

Senior portrait of smiling girl sitting in little pink flowers, near the San Francisco Peaks, Coconino County, Northern Arizona, Flagstaff AZ. ©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.

More Than Sisters; a Beautiful Sibling Relationship Over the Course of 18 Years of 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 family 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.