724 N Humphreys St Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 779 4151 studio@kdiphotography.com

Zinnia, Flagstaff High School, Class of 2020 – Senior Portraits

I used to yell at her. Let me explain…It was when she was younger. Ok, wait. That sounded worse… I would yell loud at Zinnia and her brother, doing my best to seem frightening but it literally never had that effect. Instead of getting scared or alarmed, they just giggled til they fell off their chairs, which made for some great portrait moments. Rest assured that the practice of screaming at kids in front of my camera was limited to the Cooperrider children. They are just not easily ruffled people.

I’ve known Zinnia since she was in utero and therefore have photographed her about a bazillion times. In other words, she’s heard me yell more than most people! 😉

Now, as an 18 year old, she is still not easily ruffled. In fact, she’s so cool. She has awesome, diverse musical tastes, is a master board gamer, committed swimmer, voracious reader and is brilliant. I could sit and talk to her for hours, trading inside jokes and discussing pretty much anything.

Soon, she will graduate from Flag High (virtually) and is headed to Stanford University this fall (or whenever they open back up). It should go without saying but I will say it anyway – I utterly adore her.



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



And Baby Makes Five – Newborn Photography in Flagstaff

I try to be a nice person but Brian and Katherine take it to another level. Compared to them, I seem grumpy and mean! They are just lovely and so, so kind. Katherine regularly says something to me that makes my day. They moved here to Flagstaff about a year ago from Utah and of course, we have a million connections in common already. I mean, it is Flagstaff we’re talking about, after all. Or as I think of it, Home of the One Degree of Separation!

Newborn photography, Flagstaff. Studio portrait of newborn baby girl.

When I met them, they were expecting their third child, with a 6 year old and 4 year old soon-to-be big brother and sister. When newborn baby Eliza arrived, her active, talkative big brother and smart, confident big sister seemed to fall into their roles like second nature. Both kids are sweet to their baby sibling and they happen to be adept conversationalists to boot. I LOVE being around kids that can engage with adults. Happily, both of these cuties can chat with me for unlimited amounts of time! I just always worry that I’m neglecting their nice parents. 🙂

I’m overjoyed that I’ll get to see all the growth among these 3 when we reconvene for our next session this fall.

Newborn photography, Flagstaff. Studio portrait of newborn baby girl.


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



Anders, BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2020 – Senior Photos

I have always enjoyed being around Anders. Witnessing his quick wit, fierce intelligence and easy-going nature just puts a smile on my face. He has a fast, quirky sense of humor and some really cool, unusual interests. So, I guess the challenge for me was, would I be able to show the real, authentic uniqueness of Anders in the limitations of the 2 dimensional format of a photograph? You know what I mean? Really ‘get’ him.

I’d like to think I was successful, but I can’t take the credit. He really showed up and was totally present during our session. He brought his A game. He also brought along some great props and his phenomenal dance moves.

He loves travel and hanging out in his impressive selection of Hawaiian shirts. He’s also is a Speech and Debate champion so I was thrilled that he lugged his oversized gavel to the session.

He’s a guy who seems to really invest in all his endeavors but the way he commits to the dancing is truly remarkable. Literally every time I see his “Elaine Dance” portrait, I crack up. I cant think of anyone who could do it better, not even J L-D herself.



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



Lily, Flagstaff High School Senior, Class of 2020 – Senior Portraits in Flagstaff

The plan appeared to be threatened. A logistical snafu had postponed our senior portrait shoot by a week and now, on our rescheduled day it was looking quite gloomy. The plan was for Lily to ride her chic red Vespa to the location, as I hoped to make a portrait that compounds Lily’s inherent coolness with her favorite mode of transportation.

The rain was trying to deter us but we didn’t let it. I had a vision of clearing skies and a beautiful sunset, though I imagine that vision wasn’t apparent when Lily jumped on her dripping scooter to ride through Flagstaff’s damp streets to her session.

She somehow managed to arrive dry enough to be photographed, and sure enough, the clouds parted, became perfect photo background clouds and THEN the skies produced a rainbow for us! YES!!!

It was extra sweet for me to photograph her in this momentous chapter since I’ve gotten to watch her grow up in front of me – and my camera. As a senior in high school, she seems composed and poised beyond her years, yet she’s so perfectly playful – always ready with a beaming smile and a huge hug.

Like her parents before her, she currently intends to pursue medicine. I can already see that she’d be amazing in that field. A wonderful blend of warm, personable, decisive, and joyful.



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



Valentine’s Day – Family Portrait Studio in Flagstaff

I’m a big fan of flowers and chocolates, but here’s a thought for the day:

When you’re not here, what evidence will your children, or other important people in your life, have that you loved them?

Write it down. Say it out loud. Make it known.

And please, get IN the pictures! Make sure they know.

Flagstaff studio family portrait photography 02-20


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



Twin Toddlers Turn Two – Family Photographer Summer in Flagstaff

I was SO looking forward to seeing the Leiendeckers again! When I had last seen the twins, they were babies. Now, nearly a year later, they had grown into real toddlers, approaching their second birthdays. We had never done a portrait of their family in the vivid yellow flowers so we made a plan for late summer. But, you know, the best laid plans…  this was the year that the flowers decided not to come. Summertime in Flagstaff can be a showcase for huge carpets of gorgeous yellow flowers but this year, practically nothing. Keiji and I scouted all over town, trying to find a flowery location worthy of this awesome family. Eventually, I discovered one small but amazing patch of flowers, with a phenomenal view of the peaks rising up directly behind. The only problem? They happened to be growing on private property, belonging to owners I had never met. Fortunately, I live in the friendliest community, ever! When I asked the owners, they not only agreed, but offered their assistance in any way we might need it. Total Flagstaff style!

On the afternoon of our session, my heart was full but, sadly so were the rain clouds darkening the skies overhead. When the family arrived, Alaina proclaimed, “If you want it to rain, just call me. I’ll schedule a portrait session!” Because, in truth, it has rained at the beginning of every location shoot I’ve ever done with them. We sat in cars watching the downpour, trying to remain hopeful. Finally, the trademark Leiendecker weather miracle kicked in, the sky brightened, and we were off to the races! We played a really exciting game called “How many nice portraits can you make with two slightly sleep deprived and teething toddlers before they get hungry, sleepy and understandably ornery?” Between Alaina, Drew, my trusty assistant Téa, and myself, the ratio of adults to kids was just about right. The girls were as adorable as ever.

As the sun lowered in the sky, the remaining rain clouds caught the setting sunlight and made our scene even more stunning. A day later, when I went to leave a thank you for the property owners, the flowers had all been completely mowed down, making me even more grateful for that fleeting window of time.



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



One enchanting child and her parents – Flagstaff family portrait studio

This child is dangerous. It needs to be said. You have been warned. If you see her, interact with her or receive one of her signature huge smiles, you will be under her enchanting spell. She is absolutely addictively delightful. When she flashes you that grin or – MAN – giggles! Her adorableness is so powerful that you might just find yourself thinking random thoughts like, “Hmmmm….Should I just quit my job and become a full time childcare provider?” She is THAT lovable.

Her parents are kind, patient and clearly know what a wonderful, charismatic daughter they’ve been blessed with. I’m grateful that they entrusted me with documenting this chapter in their family’s life.

When I saw her last, she was half asleep, yet gave me her trademark smile from beneath her pacifier and sleepy eyes. I will miss that charming smile until I see her again.



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



The Woods Family 2019 – Location Family Photography in Flagstaff

When I first met with this awesome family, they had a lot going on; two kids (one a high school senior), two jobs, in the process of moving into a new home. We were planning senior portraits for their daughter but it became clear that family portraits were overdue.

We have a similar family configuration, a high school girl with a younger brother, and we live in the same smaller-than you’d-think town. Yet remarkably, we’d never met. I’m so glad we did. They are just the nicest people and getting to witness and document their loving, playful family culture was a pleasure.

I’m honored that the portraits we made together reflecting that happy Woods family vibe will shine down on their daily lives from the walls of their new home.



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



Aspen, FALA Class of 2020 – Senior Portrait Photography Flagstaff

I’ve known this family for years and always love my time with them but this senior portrait session will stand out among the many in my memory. Aspen feels, for obvious reasons, very connected to the aspen trees so it was a no-brainer when we were selecting our location. Shannon & Aspen arrived, joining me at the location on a fall morning when we were blessed with no rain, the aspens vibrating with saturated color.

Getting out of the car, they scooped up Aspen’s wardrobe and the two dogs, Soleil and Penny, as we headed to the first vignette – our initial portrait of the session. Dropping her bag of clothing on the ground, Aspen threw off her jacket while her mom worked to wrangle the two dogs, their leashes intertwining. As I stood there adjusting my camera, I looked up just in time to see a sight I won’t soon forget. Puppy Soleil stood positioned with 2 legs in front the bag of clothes and two behind. Without lifting a paw, he calmly urinated with precision, directly onto Aspens entire wardrobe for the shoot. His aim could not have been more accurate if he’d been trained for such a mission. A pee-wielding, canine sniper.

Fortunately, Aspen is a consummate pro, having likely endured many unexpected snafus during her years on stage as a dancer and actress. She expressed some frustration and then, promptly moved on. She luckily had an outtake outfit or two in the car and she just laughed the whole thing off from there. She didn’t even seem mad at her puppy when she snuggled him later for some sweet portraits. Aspen graduates from FALA in the spring. May she weather all of the new experiences she’ll undoubtedly have in the next year with the same aplomb.



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



Happy Holidays!

We didn’t want the holidays to go by without thanking all of the wonderful people that we got to work with this year.

THANK YOU!

May your holidays be beautiful, filled with your favorite things, and getting to connect with the people you love.


Here’s to a fantastic 2020!
Kristen & Keiji



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



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