Love Made Tangible

Gustavo and His Big Sisters – First Communion in Flagstaff

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

They walked through my door at 8 am on a frigid Monday morning, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Each of them had changed so much!

It was a pure delight to see who they are now. Each has new, unique interests: volleyball, basketball, and skiing, respectively. But some things haven’t changed. They are all still a blast to hang out with, making me (and each other) laugh throughout the session.

Studio Portrait of Boy in First Communion Attire, With Suit Jacket and Bow-tie, Kids and Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ © KDI Photography

The reason for this portrait installment was that, just like his sisters before him, Gustavo needed First Communion portraits. I loved getting the chance to finally focus on him, solo. I learned a lot about him at this stage.

Studio Portrait of Boy Holding Candle With Cross in First Communion Attire, KIds and Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ © KDI Photography

Studio Portrait of Boy Holding Rosary in First Communion Attire, KIds and Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ © KDI Photography

Among other things, he loves bow ties, mac n cheese, playing and watching basketball. AND, a new revelation; he’s a fantastic singer! I asked where he typically sings and was told that recently, he decided to belt out a tune in the bathroom at his pediatrician’s office. The entire staff was treated to the performance, as his voice projected flawlessly. I wish I had been there! I’ll bet the acoustics were a perfect complement to his beautiful voice.

Studio Portrait of Three Siblings, Two Older Sisters Sit On Either Side of their Younger Brother in Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ © KDI Photography

Studio Portrait of Three Siblings, Two Older Sisters Laughing with their Younger Brother in Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ © KDI Photography

I always end the time spent with this talented and terrific crew with a huge smile on my face.

Studio Portrait of Three Siblings, Two Older Sisters Tickling their Younger Brother in Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ © KDI Photography

First Communion Portraits Framed Wall Display, Flagstaff family Photography, 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

Avery, Class of 2024 – Senior Photos in Flagstaff’s Colorful Autumn

Friday, April 26, 2024

High School Senior Boy, Sitting on Old Wooden Corral With Colorful Fall Aspen Trees, Senior Photos in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Senior Photographer

Among the potential snafus: travel from another state after lots of airline delays, a forest fire clouding the nearby skies with smoke, and, as always, the question of weather. Would it be okay on the date they would fly in?

Happily, everything came together beautifully for Avery’s senior photo session, despite all the possible hiccups. The smoke made for beautiful light, and we were blessed with gorgeous fall foliage, great weather, and clear air in the area where we were photographing.

High School Senior Boy, Sitting on Rock near Colorful Fall Aspen Trees, Senior Photos in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Senior Photographer

High School Senior Boy, Standing in Colorful Fall Aspen Trees, Senior Photos in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Senior Photographer

Their family is originally from Flagstaff but had recently relocated to Louisiana. Unbeknownst to me, the location I selected was a meaningful place for their history. The memories of times with beloved departed family members came flooding back for Jody, Avery’s lovely mom.

We laughed, chatted, and dodged the camera-toting leaf peepers. Avery, for his part, was an excellent dancer and maker of faces. He graduates in May. I’m wishing him a fantastic next chapter.

High School Senior Boy, Sitting on Rock in Fall Aspen Trees, Senior Photos in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Senior Photographer

High School Senior Boy, walking, Senior Photos, in, Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Senior Photographer

Hanging Out With the O’Connors – Positively Delightful Chaos

Monday, April 22, 2024

It started with a phone call about headshots. Rachel is a respected foot and ankle doctor in town. As she readied for a move to a new, wonderful office location, it came to her attention that her last professional portrait was quite outdated. As it turns out, it wasn’t the only portrait that needed updating. By the time we were done, there were new portraits for Rachel and her attorney husband Gavin and a really hilarious and delightful family session with their two awesome kids.

We met to plan the project, I asked them what this chapter in their family would be called. They paused thoughtfully for a moment and then Gavin said, “Chaos!” Rachel immediately agreed. Between two young kids, two active dogs, and two demanding jobs serving our community, I totally understood.

On the day of the session, things initially started off looking like they would live up to the chapter title. A rainstorm was moving in and we needed to race to our location early to beat it. Once arrived, two crazy dogs were released from the car and threatened to cause a tornado with their frenetic energy. Some how, we managed to coral them for 125th of a second and document the fluffy adorableness.

After that, I could have hung out with them for hours, chatting about the best restaurants in Tucson, Gavin’s military service, or Rachel’s great new medical office. We laughed hard, doing riddles and playing patty cakes with the kids. When it was time to go, both kids were reluctant to end the games and we had to tear ourselves away. I’m grateful that a need for one updated portrait lead to such a lovely experience.

Family in the Sunflowers at Sunset, with kids looking back at camera, Flagstaff, AZ, by KDI Photography

Reconnecting with the Cosners – Family Photos in Flagstaff

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Getting them all into the same room has become more of a challenge. With two busy business owner parents, a teenager, and a recent college grad who gallivants around the globe, it’s not surprising. That’s why I was especially impressed that it happened at all! It took some finagling. Some back and forth. Some wrangling of cats (AKA family members).

But there we were again, with great music on the speakers, lots of laughter, and another “exchange student.” Although this time, it was Aspen’s wonderful English boyfriend, James. 🙂 Family portrait success!

Two Sisters Hugging in Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer

I made a point to review previous sessions so we could pay homage to the sister relationship and growth. It seems like just a minute ago Rowan was in a baby carrier and now, she is almost as tall as her big sister!

Two Sisters Look at each other in Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer, Before and After Diptych Showing the Sisters Growth Over Time

We talked about music, art, and travel, which they have a passion for. In fact, they head out on another adventure soon. It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with them for this pause in the family action.

Family of Four Snuggles in a Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer

A Young Couple Hugs in Studio Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography, Flagstaff Family Photographer

Senior Photos in Beautiful, Treacherous Sedona with Liam, Verde Valley School

Monday, April 1, 2024

This session was dangerous.

Don’t believe me?

Senior Photos at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Here’s an abbreviated list of things we had to defend ourselves against:

• tarantula hawks and actual tarantulas
• red ants
• killer tomatoes
• feral cats in an abandoned bus
• spicy hot chilis
• stinging bees

The name Liam means “protector,” and he certainly lived up to his name. No hospital visits for us. Thank you, Liam!

Senior Photos in the Verde Valley School Vintage Bus, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Okay, maybe they weren’t actually coming for us, but they COULD have! Liam, his mom Michele, and I laughed it all off, but all of these living things can actually be found in the immediate environment of Liam’s Sedona school.

His senior photo session could have gone horribly wrong, but instead, it was an absolute blast.

Senior Photo of Boy Eating Tomato with Cathedral Rock in the background, at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Senior Photo of Boy Holding Tomatoes with Cathedral Rock in the background, at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

I loved seeing who he is now at this stage. He is delightful, kind, and interesting. He played his violin, made awesome, hilarious faces, and genially greeted passersby as we wandered around campus.

Black and White Senior Photo of boy at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Senior Portrait Photo of Boy at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Senior Portrait Photo of Boy Laughing at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Senior Photo of Boy Holding Violin with Cathedral Rock in the background, at the Verde Valley School, in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

At 75 years old, Verde Valley School has such a happy vibe and is amazingly innovative. Just a few of the programs I witnessed or heard about were horseback riding, a biking club, camping trips, and gardening.

I wish I could go there! I’m sure Liam will miss it when he graduates in May. Congratulations, Liam!

Senior Photos at Verde Valley School in Beautiful Sedona, AZ, by KDI Photography

Springtime Photos In Flagstaff • Living To Fight Another Day

Thursday, February 29, 2024

I never do this.

It tends to overwhelm my subjects and, if I’m honest, myself!

Family portrait of family of six, smiling, snuggled together, under flowering trees, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

But I had a lot of ideas after getting to know the Pozars. I wanted to tell their story an authentic way, and they had several places that were meaningful to their family history.

So I asked them to treat this family portrait session like a scavenger hunt, where we’d bounce from place to place. They were game because, well, they’re Pozars. A defining characteristic of their family is being game for anything!

It turns out that it was VERY important that we ran from place to place.

Portrait of family of six, laughing and talking under flowering trees, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

Portrait of four siblings, laughing and talking in the branches of a flowering tree, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

As I waited to meet the family, I spotted the two sisters running towards me, full throttle. I hoped it was because they were super excited for portraits but as it turns out, nope. They were running for their “lives”.

Portrait of four siblings standing snuggled with mural behind them, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

Series of photos of married couple laughing and interacting, with mural behind them, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

“Senior Assassin” is serious business and Izzy was being aggressively hunted. Because this was ”Purge Day”, she couldn’t protect herself with pool items (you know, floaties, goggles, etc.). In other words, she was an open target while I was photographing her.

Portrait of family of six, posing hilariously in their Pittsburgh Steelers shirts, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

She was cool as ever, but the whole family spent the session looking over their shoulders. Our adventure included fake-outs, car swapping, narrow escapes, and fortunately, the aforementioned multiple photo locations. I’m proud to say that they were unable to get her on my watch and she lived to fight another day!

Portrait of family of six, posing very seriously in their Pittsburgh Steelers shirts, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ Portraits by KDI Photography

2 responses to “Springtime Photos In Flagstaff • Living To Fight Another Day”

Burt Gershater

March 5, 2024

So creative. So much fun. So full of life. Simply a gem family photographed by gem photographer.
1. Kristen Iwai
  
  March 11, 2024
  
  Aw, thanks very much, Burt! So glad you liked the post. We appreciate the kind words.

Celebrating Hailey’s Remarkable Achievements – Dual Graduation Portraits in Beautiful Sedona

Thursday, February 1, 2024

When Hailey’s sister and mom, Krista, braved the five-hour drive to make portraits with us two years ago, it was an absolute delight. So, naturally, when Krista reached out about making s enior portraits with her other daughter to celebrate her dual graduations from college, I was thrilled.

Fine Art Black and White Graduation Portrait with White Flowers, Sedona AZ, Northern Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography

A little about Hailey; She likes to play and listen to music, is an amazing chef, and cares about treating people well. Besides being funny and smart, she is what I call a ‘thought broadcaster.’ When she makes her trademark faces, you can see what she’s thinking – something I consider a gift and a source of endless entertainment!

Culinary School Graduation Portrait, Sedona AZ, Northern Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography

Graduation portrait, Sedona AZ, Northern Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography

Case in point; Midway through during a Zoom meeting, she began making a pained, disgusted face. Trying not to take it personally, I inquired if she was OK. Laughing, she admitted that her dog was licking her feet off camera.

On the afternoon of our session, standing in ankle deep water, she suddenly screamed, nearly fell and then leaped dramatically to the beach nearby. Why? Well, a wee frog fell from the cliff above her into the water next to her and scared her out of her wits. I mean, who expects a FROG to fall from the SKY and splash down at your feet? Got a video of the cute little guy swimming, but sadly, not of her heroic leap. #photographerfail

She has achieved so much, graduating with two degrees in only three years while also managing her family’s citrus farm, yet she remains humble, kind, gracious. My only complaint is that she has no plans to open a bakery here in town. Congratulations, Hailey!

Veterinarian. Mom. Superhero. Portrait of Chelsey in Flagstaff, AZ

Monday, December 18, 2023

There’s clearly a dichotomy here.

On the one hand, she is an absolute badass, something that is certainly represented in the first portrait. She will not only get excited to perform surgery to repair your guinea pig’s eyeball, she will calmly nerd out on the science of it. She will do this unflinchingly, with a love for the science of veterinarian surgery.

Black and White Portrait of Veterinarian Holding Chicken in Flagstaff AZ, by KDI Photography

But on the other hand, she cares so deeply about others that the toughness you see in the first portrait really doesn’t begin to cover it. She is compassionate and humble to a fault. I joke that she will not cross the street if she thinks someone else might prefer to go first. She certainly got into veterinary medicine out of that unbelievable compassion for both the animals she cares for and the humans who love them. I call her a Magical Animal Whisperer because Dr. Doolittle is an inadequate description. She has a great laugh and tremendous amount of patience.

Our town is incredibly lucky to have her. I am even luckier to call her a friend.

Black and White Portrait of Veterinarian Holding Chicken, Laughing in Flagstaff AZ, by KDI Photography

4 responses to “Veterinarian. Mom. Superhero. Portrait of Chelsey in Flagstaff, AZ”

Deb smith

December 19, 2023

What a sweet write up about Chelsey. You nailed it and of course the photos are perfect! Happy holidays to you and yours from Peter and me. We’re happy and healthy and loving being retired. We do miss all the friendly faces from our past though…. ❤️
1. Kristen Dacey Iwai
  
  January 11, 2024
  
  Thank you so much, Deb! Happy holidays to you and Peter. I’m so glad that you are well and that you liked Chelsey’s portraits. She is amazing! Wishing you all the best.
Leslie

January 4, 2024

Kristen, Your ability to capture so much about people in words AND photography remains only a part of how fully you are able to connect with humans and other beings. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with so many so often.
1. Kristen Dacey Iwai
  
  January 11, 2024
  
  Leslie, You are sooo kind to say that. I’m really touched. Thank you!

Welcoming a New Addition – Newborn Photography in Flagstaff

Thursday, November 30, 2023

I love the way they think. That’s what you say when someone shares your mindset! 🙂

Truly, I love the way they see their children. They revel in each one’s uniqueness, while celebrating their overlapping traits. In selecting family portraits that tell the story of this chapter, authenticity was their top criteria. They work together as a fabulous team. Level headed, loving parents, trading off ideas and tasks with a shorthand ease that’s impressive.

It was a delight to be back with this awesome family. I got to watch them welcome their second cutie, witnessing the way that the family enfolds him in their arms, literally and metaphorically.

Cora is the fun, doting, big sister now, and Finn clearly adores the attention. Each parent snuggles him in that perfect puzzle piece way, a vantage point from which he’s safe to look out at the world and socialize.

Maybe that safety and love is why he’s maturing fast, seeming beyond his chronological age. It’s not every newborn that brightens my day as often as he does, with one of his trademark, beaming smiles. Such a sweetie!

Joss, Northland Preparatory Academy, Defying Expectations – Senior Photos Flagstaff

Thursday, November 16, 2023

She won’t be defined. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that she won’t LET you define her, she is an easy going person. Define away.

No, I mean, she makes it impossible to put her into some narrow category.

Senior Photos in Flagstaff, by KDI Photography

When you meet her, she’s not a super chatty person, but I tend to pry. 🙂 Here’s what I found out:
A hard worker who quit her job to focus on school, she plays guitar, likes photography and played soccer for this year’s state champs, NPA. WOOT!

High School Senior Portrait of Girl Wearing Blue in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

She has the presence of a gentle soul, and a contagious laugh. But, her game day face? Whoa. DO NOT mess with that athlete. She had injured her arm right before her senior session, but never once whined about it. That gentle soul has fierce inner strength.

She loves being outdoors, especially at Snow Bowl, is a great dancer, can somehow manage to play nice music with giant, pretty nails, when asked.

High School Senior Portrait of Girl Wearing Blue, Playing Guitar in Flagstaff, AZ by KDI Photography

What surprised me the most? She likes to go to Good Will. Not so much for clothes, like the rest of us. For law books. For FUN. She finds them really interesting. Strength AND brains.

See? She’s lots of things. Lots and lots of awesome things.

NPA Senior Photo, Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ, Arizona Senior Photographer, KDI Photography, Flagstaff, AZ

Navigating The Maze of College Decisions – Free College Counseling Class

Thursday, November 2, 2023

The end of high school is filled with new tasks and challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by even the idea of the college application process, you’re not alone. We love an opportunity to help our families with this chapter, so next up, we at KDI Photography are sponsoring a juniors night at our studio.

For our first one, we’ll have expert college counselors help you figure out how to choose colleges to apply to. Later they’ll share what you need to know about paying for college.

Where: KDI Photography Studio, Flagstaff, AZ
When: February 1st, 2024 at 6:30pm

Parents and juniors welcome. There is no charge for these services but seating is limited, so email us if you plan to attend!

Mollie, NPA, Class Of 2024 – Revisiting Her Happy Memories

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Again and again, she returned with friends and siblings for visits to this special place. Games played, prom attire documented, picnics shared, impromptu photo shoots enacted. Over the years, memories accumulated.

It had started when they lived closer, the attachment to this lovely location. With a deck overlooking a pond and amazing flora and fauna on display in every direction, it’s pretty remarkable. Back in the day, it was right across the street, and even though they no longer live nearby, many happy memories remain. I have memories of her growing up, too. I used to see her in the neighborhood, usually in motion, always a bright smile and a friendly vibe.

Now, she’s selected this spot as the most meaningful place for senior portraits and I’m all in. She and her mom Belinda have that effect. If they want something, you want them to have it! They are both that wonderful.

I aimed to show the many facets of Mollie’s personality and interests, her strength, her humor. When we made portraits with her soccer gear, we didn’t know that Mollie would later lead her team as co-captain to win the state soccer championship! 🥳 💪🏼 I would follow her lead anywhere because she is so kind, so much fun, such a sweetheart.