Keiji and Kristen met when they each followed their passion for photography to the Southwest from Japan and New England, respectively. Working together in a Flagstaff commercial photography studio, they fell in love while doing global travel for commercial clients like American Express and Nikon.
Nearly three decades, two children and countless photo shoots later, they still love working together every day, in their own Flagstaff portrait studio, KDI Photography.
Creating portraiture of families, pregnancy, babies, children, and high school seniors, they specialize in making wall art and albums that families can enjoy for generations.
Kristen Dacey Iwai
Kristen has been making portraits for over 3 decades, after having the epiphany that she wanted to be a photographer while on an epic international backpacking trip. That realization happened to occur immediately after completing a degree in developmental psychology. Talking her way into a full time job at a Boston photography studio, she learned the photography business along the way.
Keiji was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. He began making photographs at 13 and knew immediately that this would be a life-long passion. He first came to the United States as a high school exchange student in Montana, and later returned to the U.S. to obtain a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Northern Arizona. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the U.S.
See what clients say about photography in Flagstaff and around Northern Arizona with Keiji and Kristen.
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Stephanie Hatch
19 April 2024
I met Kristen a few weeks after my first son was born, just as things were shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I was a new mom with no idea what was happening in the world. I called Kristen to explore options for newborn photos. I didn’t know what I was doing or what to expect. It was like Kristen was sent to provide a sense of security for us. Her professionalism and sense of calm allowed me to step back and just enjoy some precious moments as a new family. She provided not only photos, but a sense of peace and some precious memories. Four years later, she is still our family photographer. Recently, with our second child, we did more family photos. We checked in before the photos and I was anxious and unprepared. I didn’t think I could pull it together for us to have decent family photos. Once again, Kristen was calm that I needed. She assured me that no matter what, we were going to be getting important and beautiful moments for our family. And we did. I’m so glad that I came across Kristen’s page one day in the parking lot of our pediatrician, searching for a newborn photographer. At this stage, she knows our family so well that I am sure we not only have a photographer in her, but a friend. I highly recommend.
Kate Makowsky
15 April 2024
I had such a wonderful experience with Kristin! She made me feel safe and heard, especially with such a new experience for myself! The pictures turned out beautifully and I seriously cannot wait to share these shots with my friends and family. If you are looking for a sign to get some pictures taken, then here it is 🙂
Michelle Mack
27 February 2024
Kristen has now done senior photo packages for both of my kids. Kristen worked with us every step of the way to create a fantastic array of pictures: large portraits for our walls, small contrasting photos, gifts for grandparents, and announcement cards.
Most importantly, she was able to capture the unique personalities of each kid, bathed in the golden light of the Flagstaff landscape in fall. This combination makes these pictures works of art. Each time I walk by the portraits on my wall, I feel the warmth of fall days and the spontaneity of our photo session with Kristen. I see my kids looking backwards, towards their childhood in Flagstaff, and forward, to the excitement of college and their future adult lives. Kristen captured this moment in time, and I will be forever grateful.
Susan Bigley
5 February 2024
Kristen really sees you. Not just through the cameral lens but what attributes make you who you are. She has a sensitivity that creates an atmosphere of comfort, more than comfort- fun. She has a skillful eye and talent, excellent composition but this is the technical part. Her real talent is her- her personality and genuine love she shows her clients.
Tammy Howell
3 February 2024
Five stars aren't enough to convey the exceptional photos and customer service I have received.
I have hired Kristen and Keiji for both corporate and personal photography needs. I have had pregnancy, newborn, family, and three unique sessions of senior photos done. Every time, I was in awe of the attention to detail, creativity, and professionalism displayed by this dynamic duo. Do I need to mention their commitment to the Flagstaff community? Wow!
They exceed expectations and make the experience enjoyable and stress-free with their responsiveness, organized process, and keen ability for location scouting. Always spot on with the time of day, weather, and lighting. But also ready to pivot if things aren’t perfect. Their passion is evident in every shot, and their ability to bring out the best in their subjects (horses, too ☺️) is remarkable.
I cannot recommend KDI Photography enough. If you're looking for a photographer that will capture your vision and deliver exceptional results, look no further.
Thank you for all the unforgettable experiences, Kristen & Keiji— your work brightens and warms our home!
Belinda Donahoe
27 January 2024
I can’t express just how incredible KDI Photography is! Kristen treats her clients like family as she truly gets to know every member of the family, which allows her to capture the most raw, natural and beautifully candid shots. I am in awe of her amazing talent and expertise, with her husband, Keiji, working along with her to make such amazing sessions and photos. As a mom of three kiddos with my last one graduating soon, Kristen was and is able to commiserate with and comfort me through my daughter’s senior photos, while truly recognizing and honoring her.
I highly recommend, and will continue to refer all my friends and colleagues to KDI for all your professional photography needs!
- Donahoe Family
Alicia Gustafson
11 October 2023
It has taken me too long to write this, because we have twins who are now 2 years old. Kristen fit us in for newborn photos even though I didn’t plan ahead for them at all. I am forever grateful for those amazing photos. She was so patient, calm, and went above and beyond for us on multiple occasions to accommodate all my requests and ideas. I also really appreciated having the wall art, Christmas cards, and album made for us. There’s no way I would have done all that on my own until many years later. And extra thanks to her husband and his editing skills!
Kerry Meditz
11 September 2023
We had a wonderful experience at KDI photography. My husband and I did specifically family/newborn photos. Kristen was so patient and welcoming with our newborn. Having photos taken has always felt so awkward, but with Kristen it felt like she was an old friend.
Tom Alexander
26 July 2023
Kristen is top notch and brings out the best in everyone she photographs!
Georgia Padilla
18 July 2023
AMAZING!!! KDI is truly in the business of capturing timeless treasures. Kristen and Keiji are true artists. From our first meeting, Kristen made it a point to know us. Not just us as a client but know us as people. The fact that she got to know us as people clearly came across in her photographs as she was able to capture the unique characteristics of each of our family members through the lens of her camera. Keiji and Kristen’s artistic talent has brought our family story to life through beautiful prints that we will cherish for years to come.