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Dibble family and their beloved family dog – A poignant update


Often the impetus for people to reach out to plan portraits is that their family is expanding. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of making portraits with the Dibbles with that in mind. Sadly, this story happened for the opposite reason. With their beloved family dog Gunner diagnosed with a terminal illness, they knew time was limited. They wanted to document his place in the family and have those memories in a tangible way, forever.


Gunner was having good days and bad days, and there was no way of knowing how many he had left. It felt like there was no time to waste. So we shoehorned a session into the schedule to give our goal the best chance of success. On the afternoon of our winter session, the temps were in the 40’s, but each family member was delightful, as they always are. Especially Gunner. He snuggled his family, walked with ease, and smiled. This family are a bunch of loveys and Gunner wisely didn’t want to leave their sides, preferring to stay close to his adoring family. 

Even knowing his time was limited, it was heartbreaking when Kim and Nathan told me recently that he had passed. I hope his well-lived life and these portraits will be a comfort.

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

Posted in Child photography, children, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, location portrait, parents, Pet photography, story

Shiny Happy People, A Studio Portrait Session in Flagstaff, AZ

They sat in the stifling traffic, debating whether they’d make it. Should they call to warn me? Or, even cancel? Their session was planned for 3:30pm but the sluggish voyage from Tucson to Flagstaff was making that seem less and less likely by the minute. It was kind of stressful. After the hours of uncertainly, they rolled through my studio door five minutes EARLY. They claimed to be a little ruffled but I’m not sure I believe it. All four of the Bill family members must be extremely adept at managing stress because they were the most fun! We cracked up, chatted and made some portraits as we went.

Smiling Family, Studio Family Portrait, Flagstaff AZ


This was the fourth time I’ve photographed the family of one the dentists from Around The Mountain Pediatric Dentistry. There must be something in the water at their practice because I always absolutely LOVE my time with each group. They are warm, patient and seem to magically just make my job easier. It makes sense because that has been our experience in the many years we’ve taken our own kiddos to their practice.

The next time you take your kids into Around the Mountain, look for some of these joyful faces, welcoming you from the walls. 🙂

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 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

Posted in Child photography, family, family health and safety, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, health and wellbeing, individual portrait, parents, studio portrait

Help Students from Ukraine and Be Entered to Win a Free Portrait Session With us.

You know that powerless feeling you have in the pit of your stomach when you hear bad news, knowing you can’t do anything to help? This story offers a small antidote to that. When my dear friend Dr. Nora Dunbar told me about this project, I felt a spark of optimism.

NAU’s Department of Psychological Sciences is bringing 3 Ukrainian psychology students to Flagstaff to help them to complete their interrupted education. It’s just three students, but think about the impact this could have. These displaced students can be empowered to be part of rebuilding a stronger Ukraine after they are able to return home.

Some of the applicants have lost their homes, and a few have small children. NAU is covering their tuition, health insurance, and a small stipend but the students will still need financial support for travel and other living expenses.

Want to help? Two ways:
1. Make a donation here to ensure that this project is a success. The deadline is August 26th.

Send us confirmation of your donation and you’ll be entered to win a free session with KDI Photography. (Terms and conditions apply.)

2. Offer housing.
No or low cost housing is needed – a room in a house, a mother-in-law unit, or a small home for example. If you are interested in housing or hosting a graduate student please contact Nora.Dunbar@nau.edu .

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

Posted in Charity, Flagstaff portrait photography

Emily, Graduating Class of 2022, Summer Senior Portraits in Flagstaff

How did this happen? When I first met her, she was a little girl in a clamorous classroom at Sechrist Elementary School. Now, the person I was seeing though my camera’s lens was a newly minted adult!

Portrait in the Yellow Summer Flowers, on Location, Senior Photos Flagstaff, AZ

Her senior photo session happened exactly one month after her 18th birthday. Emily, her mom, and I basically just cracked up in the flowers all afternoon.

Portrait in the Yellow Summer Flowers, on Location, Senior Photos Flagstaff, AZ
Portrait in the Yellow Summer Flowers, on Location, Senior Photos Flagstaff, AZ

She was just as amazing and funny, intelligent, and beautiful as she always is, but this time, there was also this undercurrent of something else… Wisdom? Maturity? When she gives you that signature stare, you do NOT want to mess with her! 🙂

Portrait in the Yellow Summer Flowers, on Location, Senior Photos Flagstaff, AZ

She works hard and has made a lot of things happen for herself, her work ethic and grit are admirable. And when it comes down to it, she’s just a totally delightful person to be around. Kind, quick-witted, hilarious. Our town will be emptier when she heads off to college. I guess I’ll have to make her mom Lexi keep me posted on all that comes next.

Portrait of Senior Girl in the Yellow Summer Flowers, on Location, Senior Photos, Flagstaff, AZ

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

Posted in Family Photography Flagstaff, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, senior portrait

Horses and Dogs in a Field of Flowers – Spending Time in Ella’s World

A few months ago, we shared a behind the scenes video of Ella’s senior portrait session. Here, as
promised, is the video of her finished portraits. Congratulations to Ms. Ella who has officially
graduated!

Just knowing Ella means that you will be the beneficiary of certain gifts.

First, there’s the megawatt-light-up-the-room-till-you’re-blinded smile. That might be the first thing you’ll notice. You can be grumpy or cynical or blue but when you see that smile, I defy you to remain so.

If you’re fortunate enough, like I am, to be her friend, you also get THE HUG. I mean, there are hugs and there are HUGS. When Ella hugs you, you get the HUG, in all caps. You feel the transfer of all her love and positive energy into your being. It’s like a charging station for your soul. Seriously.

And then there is her super power. I’ve always called Ella “Love Personified.” I’m lucky enough to have known her since birth and I can tell you that she has always just radiated love. You feel it in her presence. She is a bright light and being around her, you feel the warmth of that super power.

It was an amazing experience to make senior portraits with her – to get to document this moment in her life, and show her spirit – her beauty, grit, joy and love of her animals. The one thing that was challenging about it? Not crying!

2 responses to “Horses and Dogs in a Field of Flowers – Spending Time in Ella’s World”
  1. Kristine Avatar
    Kristine

    This is such a work of art and I can not describe the amount of joy it brings.  You are incredible. 

    1. Kristen Iwai Avatar
      Kristen Iwai

      It makes me incredibly happy that you are enjoying it. Thank you for your kind words. ❤️

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

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Family Photography Flagstaff, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, senior portrait, Video

Looking Back – A Toddler Relates to His Family’s Portraits

One year later

This guy just turned TWO! But here I am reflecting back on his miraculous and very early start. You can read about his remarkable arrival and see how cute he was in this post about his newborn photos.

Here he is at one. 🙂

One Year Old and Family Studio Portraits, Flagstaff, AZ

One Year Old and Family Studio Portraits, Flagstaff, AZ


Recently, Keiji and I went over to his house to help with the walls. There was a flukey issue with a couple of the pieces of wall art so we went over to replace them. It was such a treat to catch up with Alex and see this little man and experience how he relates to his portraits!

One Year Old and Family Studio Portraits, Flagstaff, AZ

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

Posted in Baby, Behind the Scenes, Child photography, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, studio portrait

A Triumph Over Adversity – Family Portraits in Flagstaff

Have you ever taken a break from social media or just been caught up with the whirlwind of your own life, only to look up and see that you missed something important? That happened to me last year when I discovered that my friends, the Samuel Koshutas had been going through some serious trials.

It started when Jen needed surgery in California with a specialist. The plan: recover back here in Flagstaff, check in via telehealth visits, and in 6 weeks, she would see some big improvements in her mobility and physical comfort.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned. The surgery was far longer and more complicated than anticipated, which meant that the recovery would take months, not weeks. They needed to travel back and forth to California, AND somehow simultaneously run a business, take care of two kids, all while Jen relearned how to walk. The whole family had to pitch in. The boys stepped up, helping Jen with the myriad of tasks that her limited mobility hindered. Nick worked triple time at their busy optometry practice, Flagstaff Eye Care, to cover both his and Jen’s patients and run the business. Hardest of all, Jen needed to do extensive rehab, working her way painfully, though a walker, a back brace, and crutches. Although Jen is still recovering, she can now walk with he help of a cane, a huge improvement.

family portraits, family laughing, flagstaff photo studio
family portraits, family laughing, flagstaff photo studio

Ask them about it now and they’ll tell you honestly. It’s been really, really hard. But with help from family and friends, the awesome physical therapists at Flagstaff Bone and Joint, the unwavering support of Nick and the boys, Jen will tell you that their faith has deepened and their family is stronger. They both express so much gratitude for how far they’ve come and the people who have helped. It’s inspiring.

family portraits of a family of four, parents and kids family laughing, flagstaff photo studio, KDI Photography
family portraits, brothers laughing, flagstaff photo studio
family portraits, brothers laughing, flagstaff photo studio
family portraits, brothers laughing, flagstaff photo studio

When Jen got in touch to plan family portraits, we had a very different mission from our previous sessions. We wanted to visually tell the story of this triumphant recovery and how strong this beautiful family has become. I loved documenting their family’s love and humor, Jen’s fierce strength, even the fact that playing football was a sanity saver for the boys. I missed the beginning of this story but I’m grateful to have been able to document this victorious chapter.

family portraits, flagstaff photo studio
family portraits, flagstaff photo studio
family portraits, flagstaff photo studio

family portraits, flagstaff photo studio
family portraits, flagstaff photo studio

family portraits of a family of four, parents and kids family laughing, flagstaff photo studio, KDI Photography, Family Photo Studio Flagstaff

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

Posted in Behind the Scenes, couples portrait, family, family health and safety, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff Portrait, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, health and wellbeing, individual portrait, story, studio portrait

Something I Never Expected to Hear – Senior Photos in Flagstaff

We were making Alexis’ senior portraits on a crisp, fall morning on the mountain. I’m not sure why, but I jokingly asked her, “Do you have a song you’d like to sing?” I think I expected Happy Birthday or Row Row Row Your Boat, or even “No thanks!” Instead, she responded, “I don’t actually sing in front of other people.” Looking down to shift a camera setting, I replied, “OK, no problem!” 

The next thing I knew, I heard something I never expected to hear. My head snapped up as Alexis suddenly began belting out a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that gave me chills. She sang like she felt every single note in her soul, each word in the cells of her being. All I could do was stare, my mouth agape, wiping the tears that streamed down my face. 

Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ

Alexis has been dealt more than her share, working through health challenges that someone her age should not have to manage. Yet, here on this sunny, autumn morning, she sang like the world was hers.

IT. BLEW. ME. AWAY. 

Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ
Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ
Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ
Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ
Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ

That clear, strong voice carrying across the meadow, filled my heart. I still cannot believe that she doesn’t sing on stage or anywhere she can be heard. Somehow, she trusted me with that poignant performance. That trust, combined with her phenomenal voice, was a precious gift.  I felt very privileged to receive it.

Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ
Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ
Senior Photo Shoot in the Aspens, Fall Portraits in Northern AZ

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

Posted in Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, photography, senior portrait

Behind the Scenes Video – Join us on Location! [Senior Photos in Flagstaff]

Want to see what it’s like on a location photo shoot with us? Keiji and I made this 1 minute Behind the Scenes Video of my senior portrait photo session with the amazing Ms. Ella. You can live vicariously, without the dangerous cactus part. 🌵😂

Finished portraits coming soon!

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Family Photography Flagstaff, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, individual portrait, location portrait, Pet photography, senior portrait, Video

A Christmas Surprise – Flagstaff Family of Photographers

Two large, flat cardboard boxes appeared one day, hiding under our enormous Christmas tree, leaning suspiciously up against the wall. We have a tradition in our family called Acme Gift Disguise. It’s when you wrap something in a sneaky way so that the receiver doesn’t guess the contents ahead of the big reveal. I assumed that someone was pulling an Acme prank.

But on Christmas morning, with a dusting of snow outside, holiday music playing quietly in the background, we were in for a surprise. Inside the boxes were two framed 20×30 canvas gallery wraps, one of each of our kids – the location senior portraits I’d made of each of them. My husband had shown me test prints but had slyly led me to believe that they’d have to wait until after the insanity of the holiday rush. (I’m still in shock that he was able to get them done.)

Wall Art Portraits, Flagstaff Senior Photos

Seeing them there in front of me was amazing. We hung them on the wall of our living room, replacing older portraits that were relocated. Standing together quietly, we each took a breath and let it out slowly. It’s hard to put into words how it felt. That wall art visually marked a poignant chapter in our family’s story. Soon, those portraits would be THE version of our kids that live in our home. My heart felt so full. Even with the kids temporarily home for the holidays, if made me infinitely happy to see their beautiful faces shining down from the walls. Not to mention, our living room decor got a huge upgrade!

“This is what our clients talk about,” my husband said. “This is how THEY feel.” When he said that, so many moments with clients flashed thought my mind. The all caps texts and emails, the teary eyes, the light in their faces as they share what their new art means to them, especially as their families go through changes. Some heartbreaking, some joyous, and everything in between. It’s about so much more than just “pictures.”

Now, we get to be on the other side of that, a wonderful reminder not only of our own precious family, but of the meaning behind what we make for our dear clients. It seriously was the BEST Christmas present.

4 responses to “A Christmas Surprise – Flagstaff Family of Photographers”
  1. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Beautiful 

    1. Kristen Iwai Avatar
      Kristen Iwai

      Jill, thank you. ❤️

  2. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    lovely! Such beautiful children and such talented parents.

    1. Kristen Iwai Avatar
      Kristen Iwai

      Aw, thanks!

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

Posted in BLE, family, Family Photography Flagstaff, Family Photos, family portrait, Flagstaff Photographer, Flagstaff portrait photography, Flagstaff portraits, framing, individual portrait, location portrait, parents, photography, senior portrait
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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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