If there’s one thing I adore about being a Phoenix Family Photographer, it’s getting to watch families grow over the years. Some families leave a mark on your heart in the best way and this one truly has. I’ve had the honor of photographing this sweet crew for a few years now, and every time we meet up for a session, it reminds me why I love what I do.
A Journey That Started Before Baby Was Even Here
We first met when their youngest was still tucked safely in Mom’s tummy. Their maternity session took us to the pine trees and cooler air of Prescott, Arizona. It was one of those dreamy “pin this moment to your heart” kind of evenings. Little did I know then that I’d be lucky enough to continue documenting their family story as the years went by.
Now, here we are with a toddler who’s no longer a baby, a big sister who is developing the sweetest personality, and a family that continues to choose me to freeze these moments for them. Truly, that loyalty never gets lost on me.
Why Sunflower Fields in Arizona Are Worth the Drive
For this year’s session, we headed to the sunflower fields in Buckeye, AZ, which bloom only once a year typically in October. And let me tell you… it is pure golden magic. These fields are a bit of a hidden gem for Arizona family photos, because they’re only around for a short window and book up quickly. (If you’re reading this and know sunflower photos are on your wishlist – don’t wait to book for next season. They sell out fast every single year.)
Now, this family lives in the East Valley of Phoenix, which means they committed to well over an hour of driving to make this session happen. I don’t take that lightly. As a photographer, I spend a good portion of my own time in the car too… scouting new spots, chasing the best light, and traveling across the Valley so my clients don’t have to settle for the same background over and over again. But when I see families also willing to make that drive for the sake of beautiful memories? It’s such a shared “we’re in this together” feeling.
The Sweetest Sister Moments
And oh, the payoff was so worth it.
These sisters gave us everything we hoped for and more…shy cuddles, hand-holding, soft forehead kisses, and even those giggles from big sis that feel like sunshine themselves. If you’re a parent, you know how priceless it is to catch a genuine laugh from a child during family photos. It’s the kind of photo you frame not because it’s perfect… but because it feels like them.
There’s something about the mix of golden sunflowers, glowing Arizona sunset, and siblings being their real, uninhibited selves that just hits differently. These are the photos I imagine this family looking back on years from now, saying, “Remember when they were this little?”
Why I Love Returning Clients So Much
If I’m honest, I sat down to write this and found myself completely out of words, not because there wasn’t a story to tell, but because sometimes the most meaningful sessions don’t need fancy wording. They speak for themselves.
But here’s what I can say:
Families like this make me fall in love with photography over and over again. Getting to document the same family through different seasons of life is the kind of gift I don’t take for granted. You’re not just clients…you’re part of my why.
Thinking About Your Own Family Photos?
If you’re searching for a Phoenix Family Photographer who will help you create a meaningful, relaxed, and fun experience… especially if you’re dreaming of sunflowers, seasonal blooms, or those magical Arizona backdrops, I would love to be a part of your family’s story. Sunflower sessions only happen one time of year in October in Buckeye, AZ. So if you want to experience these seasonal blooms, I’d get on the calendar as soon as possible as the dates run out fast if you want too late to book.