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Three Generations – Studio Family Photos in Flagstaff, AZ

“You’d cry, too, if YOU had little knives pushing through your gums.” This was the thought running through my mind as I beheld little Lucy’s beautiful, yet miserable face. Of course, we all would. We all DID, more than likely. We were all babies once and teething just sucks. It turns out, Lucy had more than just teething going on, too. She was battling a cold along with the aforementioned pokes in her gums. Poor kid!

Twin Big Sisters Comfort their Crying Little Sister

Yet, in true Calhoun fashion, this family didn’t cancel the session, complain, or miss a beat. They strategized and soldiered on. Their ability to manage a lot of challenging, moving pieces at one time and somehow still be incredibly calm and kind is a defining family trait, in my opinion. Even though life with little kids is inherently chaotic sometimes, they make it fun.

Three Generations, Studio Portrait in Flagstaff AZ
Three Generations, Studio Portrait in Flagstaff AZ

They’d brought some of the beloved grandparents with them and created a plan to mitigate the sadness with strategic car arrivals and suggested sequences of who might hold her with most success. Somehow, it worked! Lucy gave her on brand, signature stare. Later, she even worked up to mustering adorable smiles, especially after I suggested a “Flying Sisters” game, which seemed to be fun for everyone. 🙂

Three Generations, Studio Portrait in Flagstaff AZ


I have known and appreciated Chelsey and Luke’s for a few years, so it was a pure joy to be with their beautiful family. The level of kindness that Lucy’s big sisters extended to their baby sister – not to mention their awesome dance-twirl moves – made it clear that this family is doing something right. I reveled in their sweet family culture, a place where compassion, humor, a sense of community and love reign supreme.


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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 Hobbs Cruikshanks – Fall Family Photos in Flagstaff


Unlike most first time senior parents, Liz got the jump on scheduling senior portraits for her son for one primary reason. She knew that in a global pandemic that was hitting small businesses hard, and it would help our little family run studio if she booked earlier rather than later.  That thoughtfulness is SO Liz, but I was moved that she’d even thought of it. They were overdue for family portraits as well, so we scheduled that too.

Now on a mild, gorgeous fall day, I stood there in the forest, amidst the golden glory of the changing aspens. Fiddling with my camera gear, I could hear them. The four of them were discussing how they should stand in anticipation of me coming over and making our next portrait. As a portrait photographer, I am privy to a variety of family dynamics, and to be truthful, they’re not all pretty! So, I was entertained to hear them deliberating about who should stand where. What order would be best? “He was on the left last time, so maybe…” And they seemed to each listen to each other’s input, trying on each idea in turn.

I considered letting them go on like this for a while, as it was pretty amusing, but ultimately interrupted to make the portrait in question. Ordinarily, I’d make changes, requesting a change or two, but these guys had done a stellar job without my direction, AND without any conflict! Completely consistent with the light-hearted family personality I’ve witnessed as I’ve photographed them for close to 2 decades.


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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


Who You Are Right Now – Time For Senior Photos, Flagstaff, AZ

We adore our Flagstaff seniors and love telling their stories in portraits.  A little public service announcement for you, rising seniors and parents: I know you’re just figuring out what the start of school will look like. But did you know that senior yearbook photos have historically been due as early as OCTOBER for some Flagstaff high schools? It comes up fast!! For that reason, we are booking and shooting senior portraits right now. We still have some availability for August and September. Get in touch to save your spot. 🙂

⬇️ 42 second video below. ⬇️


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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


On the Verge of Big Changes – Maternity Portraits Flagstaff

When I met with them to plan pregnancy portraits, I was struck by A. how nice they are and B. their good taste. (Good taste is what you call it when someone likes the same stuff you do!) We seem to be drawn to the same aesthetic in portraits, which made it such a pleasure to collaborate with them to design their walls and for the portraits themselves.

black and white silhouette portrait of pregnancy woman, Flagstaff, AZ

They also happen to be great subjects and a joy to hang out with! I’m so excited for them to welcome their first child later this month and doubly excited that I get to make portraits with them during this special chapter in their family’s story.

black and white portrait of expecting couple snuggling, maternity photography, Flagstaff, AZ
black and white silhouette portrait of pregnancy woman, Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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



Celebrating 50 Years – Studio Couples Portrait Flagstaff


I’ve known this wonderful couple for about 16 years but this story goes back even further…

Couples Portrait in Flagstaff Studio


It could have ended before it even began. They were going on a date and Karen was looking forward to riding in Norm’s cool car, a Ford Galaxie 500. They were just teenagers after all. A cool car can be a big selling point!! Sadly, his nice wheels bit the dust right before their date and he pulled up in a Ford Falcon. She was less than impressed. I guess she got over it because they were married the next year – when she was 17 and he was one day past his 19th birthday! They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage so it’s safe to say it all worked out.

They had big plans to celebrate this remarkable milestone but had to delay the party plans due to the minor detail of a global pandemic. The party, like the cool car, will have to wait. But I’m so happy they celebrated with me, in my studio, laughing and telling stories.

Couple still dancing after 50 year of marriage

Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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


GUEST BLOG POST

YOU are Worth it!

by Mary Funari

Mother’s Day has come and gone. And now, American Greetings, Hallmark and countless other advertisers are reminding us that Father’s Day is right around the corner. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for celebrating parents, especially as we slowly emerge from the last fourteen months of home-schooling, forced togetherness, uncertainty, and, for so many, grief. My point is one day filled with extra love and appreciation is NOT ENOUGH to replenish the moms and dads who work tirelessly the other 364 days a year.

I’m a BIG advocate of self-care as a go-to-strategy when parents come to me feeling out of sorts and thinking there’s something wrong with their approach and/or their child’s behavior. Why? Slowing down and doing something that replenishes your energy is effective. When you are operating with a full tank, you can take a broader perspective, tap into your inner knowing, and formulate a plan. I invite you to test it out and see if you agree.

Parents also need to incorporate self-care into their daily lives to function at their best. This statement is usually met with resistance. I’m familiar with the common objections. But, I need to take care of my kids, household chores, work deadlines, family commitments, etc. Or, I don’t have time! Over the years, I’ve come to interpret these objections differently. I hear: My well being is not a priority, or even, I am not worth the time. Ouch! The fact is that no one else is going to take care of YOU, especially when it’s not Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

Real-Time Parenting Book

It’s critical to rethink your priorities when it comes to your personal well-being. My book, Real-Time Parenting: Choose Your Action Steps for the Present Moment, provides examples of how to build micro-moments of self-care into your daily life. From positive self-talk to strategies for handling stressful situations, there are great resources inside the book. Order your copy at your local bookstore today.

It can also help to talk to other parents for inspiration and get some professional coaching if you are feeling stuck. I invite you to join me and my co-authors on our Facebook group for practical tips and support here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4044693118941078/.

I hope you can see that self-care is the opposite of selfish, and essential for parenting well. Make an investment in yourself this week by putting yourself on the calendar. Even a fifteen or thirty minute block doing something you enjoy can make a big difference in your mood and energy level. You are worth it!


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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



Toby, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2021 – Senior Photos Video

Of course I’m super biased. I can see that. But can’t we all agree that this guy is pretty amazing? Witnessing his seemingly effortless flips and skateboard tricks, seeing the little crowd of open-mouthed onlookers that magically appear around him, you can’t help but be impressed. Yes, I’ve known and loved him since before he was born. And yes, I do enjoy making the occasional baseless claim that I personally named him. That doesn’t change the objective fact that he is inherently talented.

Skiing, skateboarding, hockey, parkour, random acrobatic feats, there’s no stopping him. I’m sure that he’ll acquire even more mad skills when he attends the University of Utah in the fall. 


Watch the video by clicking on the image below. ⬇️

Congratulations, Toby! We love you!

BASIS Flagstaff class of 2021 senior photos, portrait of senior against concrete wall
BASIS Flagstaff class of 2021 senior photos, portrait of senior doing a jump on campus at NAU
BASIS Flagstaff class of 2021 senior photos, portrait of senior against sunset sky


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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


Living Life Outdoors – Family Photos with the Resilient Davis Boyers

In the fall of 2015, a group of compassionate, thoughtful friends learned of Brian Boyer’s terminal Glioblastoma diagnosis and decided to get together to send the Davis Boyer family to see me for portraits.

These caring friends had the heartbreaking foresight to realize that it would the last time this opportunity would present itself. One of them had come by that foresight the hard way – her family had made portraits with me 10 months before her own dear husband had passed away.

And so it was that I met some of the most amazing people I have ever had the chance to photograph. If you are familiar with the Davis Boyer clan, you get it.  

Brian “Boz” Boyer lived by a poignant motto; “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!” He lived his life full throttle, in alignment with that essential principle.

On a cold evening, with tears in our eyes, we laughed and played, and sniffled through that session. Momentarily alone in my studio with Brian, he met my eye, thanking me. I thanked him back – for giving this evening to his family.

He was gone 7 months later. He will not be forgotten by anyone who crossed his path, myself included.

Fast forward to 2020

Brian’s beautiful, strong, badass widow, Beth Davis called about a very different kind of session. This one, a celebration instead of a swan song. I didn’t need any convincing.

In the intervening five years Beth has come to appreciate and savor whatever family configuration manifests in her home. If you stop by the Davis Boyer house, you will see that there are always people coming and going. It is a hive of activity, filled with humor and, most often, irreverent sass.

Fall Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ, 3 generations in front of the San Francisco Peaks

Fall Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ, Siblings in front of the San Francisco Peaks

So we headed out to the forest with Beth’s mom, kids, niece and a host of significant others.

Every last one of them could be a Boyer, because each of them is funny and smart and kind and beautiful and seems to have mastered the aforementioned sass!

This session was a joyful celebration of exactly where this family is right now. I’m just the lucky woman who got to document it.

Fall Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ, 3 Generations in front of the San Francisco Peaks

Fall Family Portrait in Flagstaff, AZ, 3 Generations in front of the San Francisco Peaks


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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



Reunion in Flagstaff – three generations gather for family photos

I almost don’t want to tell the true story of this session. I want to preserve the revisionist history. Can we simply say that it was a beautiful day and everyone was totally happy?
No? Not buying it?

Family with three generations gather for portraits in Flagstaff

OK, I’ll tell you the truth. This family are beloved previous clients and when some of them were returning to town from far flung locations, Ann smartly wanted to make a record of their togetherness. We had one day. One shot at documenting these guys together. But on that one day, there were flukey gale force winds and 30 degree temperatures. I offered my studio but I think childhood memories of tortuous studio portraiture made that option seem, well, yucky. So, we decided to try going outside in some of the rottenest weather in which I have ever made family portraits. We tried to distract the kids. As you know, adults are MUCH better at pretending things are optimal. Kids, not so much. If it sucks, most often, kids will understandably let you know. So we coaxed them for a while but pretty soon, it was time to quit. Time to stop torturing everyone with the arctic blast.

Honestly, I left the session thinking, YIKES. I was unsure of what we were able to get, a (thankfully) unusual feeling for me. I truly hoped that I wouldn’t disappoint them. But after editing the session images, wonderful moments emerged! Whew! Thank goodness. Somehow, this awesome family transcended the circumstances. Everyone did a stellar job and there are so many portraits I love, but my heart especially warmed to see Ann’s relationship with her granddaughter, Sophie. They are just absolutely precious together.

Grandmother and granddaughter snuggle and laugh by pond in Flagstaff AZ

And now, we should erase the chilly memories and believe what the images seem to convey. It was a beautiful day and everyone was totally happy!



Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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



Macy, Coconino High School, Class of 2021 – Senior Portraits Flagstaff

It was a brisk, sunny morning in October and even as the frigid breeze blew through her hair, she remained resolute. I looked through my camera at the face of this strong, accomplished, near adult in front of me, and then I saw it. Brief flashes of versions of her younger self. The two year old cutie I’d photographed after her little brother was born. The preschooler with the adorable giggle and the almost white blonde hair. But then, they were gone. A beautiful, poised, grown up Macy returned. Those little flashes were fleeting but they made me smile.

Senior Portrait, High School Girl Sits on Track with Running Shoes, Senior Photo, Flagstaff, AZ
Senior Portrait, High School Girl Laughing in Senior Photo, on Track, Flagstaff, AZ
Senior Portrait, High School Girl Laughing in Senior Photo, Flagstaff, AZ


I asked her to meet me at the track just after sunrise and she cheerfully agreed. A teenager that cheerfully agrees to a sunrise portrait is extraordinary in my book! I think she likely developed that fortitude doing cross country, soccer, and track. I’m not exactly sure how she finds time for all of that between school work and time with friends.

Senior Portrait, High School Girl Laughing in Senior Photo, Flagstaff, AZ
Senior Portrait, High School Girl Standing on Bridge in Senior Photos, Flagstaff, AZ

Besides having that athlete’s toughness, Macy is also just really fun! It was a blast to make portraits with her again.

Senior Portrait, High School Girl Jumping in Senior Photos, Flagstaff, AZ


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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



A dose of medicine – Baby Portraits in Flagstaff

How are you feeling today? Feeling down? Need a little pick me up? Well, have I got the perfect medicine for you. This little sweet girl’s face could warm the heart of the grumpiest curmudgeon! Just gaze upon her adorable face and sweet smile and you’ll be right as rain in no time. Not even her parents are immune to her charms. I love to see how their faces look as they regard her. That love and joy is pretty contagious too!

Baby Photos, Studio Family Portraits in Flagstaff, AZ
Baby Photos, Studio Family Portraits in Flagstaff, AZ

I am grateful to the many teachers and administrators who have kindly guided, taught, and shaped our kids as they’ve grown. Carrie is one of those people. I feel lucky that she has graced the paths of both of my kids. It has been a pleasure getting to know her better and also meet her husband, Marcos, whom is her equal in the nice department! (No, that’s not an actual department at school!) Stay tuned for more with this lovely family later this year.

Baby Photos, Studio Family Portraits in Flagstaff, AZ


Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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 Elliott Family Connections – Flagstaff Photographer

I met Meagan way back when she was an awesome math teacher, and she helped ease my kid’s transition to a new school. Ever since her last child was born, we’ve talked about portraits but it never quite came together. Then one day, she called and POW! We were able to make it happen. (In other words, she managed to arrange a confluence of family members in my studio.) She’s an awesome realtor now, so the herding cats thing is obviously a specialty.

Three girls laughing in family photos, Flagstaff

I adore making 3 generation portraits but to be honest, the love isn’t always as easy to communicate in a large grouping of family members. I always prepare for that challenge. But here’s what I learned while hanging out with Meagan’s crew. Besides the trademark sense of humor, the whole family has a connection that is truly beautiful to witness.

Studio portrait of 3 generations of extended family, grandmother with her 3 granddaughters, snuggling in family photos, Flagstaff

There I was on a crisp November day, seeing through my camera that these three smart, funny, beautiful daughters are growing up, literally surrounded by love. I could see it in the portrait we were making  – a mirror of what I saw in their loving, hilarious family culture. When I think about the fact that many kids grow up without that, hanging out with the Elliot clan is especially heart filling. They probably couldn’t see it with my mask on, but when they left my studio, I had a giant smile on my face.

Studio portrait of 3 generations of extended family, laughing in family photos, Flagstaff
Studio portrait of family of 5, carrying youngest, laughing in family photos, Flagstaff



Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • 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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