Canyon View High School Senior Photos in Downtown Phoenix | Imogen’s Studio House AZ Senior Session
Senior year has a way of arriving before we’re ready for it.
One minute you’re watching them grow up, and the next you’re taking senior pictures, talking about senior sunrise, and realizing this season is moving way too quickly.
Imogen is graduating from Canyon View High School, and we started her senior portraits with a sweet summer session at Studio House AZ in downtown Phoenix.
This session was extra special because Imogen isn’t just any senior.
She’s our “.5.”
When people ask how many kids Ben and I have, we used to joke that we have two and a half. Imogen is our niece, but she was such an intergal part of our life for so long that she has always felt like so much more.
I truly don’t think I’m finished processing Dixie’s senior year, and somehow here we are beginning another senior journey with our Class of 2027 .5.
Getting to photograph this season for her is something I will never take for granted.
Because this is why I love senior photography.
It’s not just about the pictures. (Well maybe a little bit about the pictures for me. lol)
It’s about remembering who they were right before everything changed.
Celebrating Imogen’s Senior Year
From the moment we started, Imogen brought exactly the kind of energy that makes a senior session memorable.
She is part sweet, part sass and now all grown up.
She plays volleyball, which means once the school year begins, her schedule gets busy quickly. Between practices, games, honors classes at school, and everything that comes with senior year, we knew summer was the perfect time to start.
And honestly?
I’m so glad we did.
At the beginning, almost every senior says some version of:
“I’m awkward.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I’m not good at pictures.”
And my response is always the same:
You don’t have to know what to do. That’s my job.
Before we started Imogen’s session, I reminded her that she didn’t need to come in knowing how to pose.
I would guide her through everything.
Where to stand.
What to do with her hands.
Where to look.
How to move.
Different expressions.
The goal isn’t to turn someone into a model. (even thought she’s gorgeous enough to be one.)
The goal is to help them feel comfortable enough that their real personality shows up.
And that’s exactly what happened.
One second she was making the funniest faces for me, and the next she was completely in model mode.
That mix of confidence, personality, and just being herself is what made these images feel like Imogen.
Senior Style That Feels Like You
One of my favorite parts of senior sessions is seeing how props can another dimension to the senior’s story.
For Imogen, we had the perfect mix of fun, classic, and completely her.
The heart sunglasses were one of my favorites. She pulled them down just enough so you could see her eyes and gave me the perfect little eyebrow raise.
That is Imogen.
Playful.
Confident.
A little sarcastic.
We also recreated a photo I took of her when she was four years old with a straw hat. Those moments are the ones that make me stop and realize how quickly time passes.
Don’t blink.
Because somehow that little girl becomes a senior before you’re ready.
Some of my other favorite images from her session were:
- Sitting cross-legged with her heart sunglasses laughing
- Fluffing her hair while looking away from the camera
- Standing confidently with her hands on her hips
- Relaxing on the red and white checked blanket with a strawberry in front of her eye
The best senior portraits aren’t just pretty pictures.
They are little pieces of who they are right now.
Studio House AZ in Downtown Phoenix | Senior Photo Location
For Imogen’s senior photos, we chose Studio House AZ in downtown Phoenix, and it was such a fun summer location.
When I saw the Strawberry Room, I immediately thought of her.
It felt sweet, playful, and different—just like Imogen.
I sent it to her, asked if she wanted to take photos there, and thankfully she loved it.
The room was filled with the cutest details:
- Strawberry accents throughout the space
- A vintage-inspired white and red ginham quilt
- Matching pillows and blankets
- Baskets
- A ladder
- A strawberry teapot and tea set
Every little detail gave us another opportunity to create images that felt unique.
The natural light coming through the windows was beautiful and gave the entire room a warm, soft feeling.
For Arizona senior photos, especially during the summer months, studio locations are such a great option. You get beautiful lighting and creative backdrops while staying comfortable away from the heat.
If you are ready to book your senior photos and want to have your session in a studio email me at kimvanosphotography@gmail.com for help picking out the perfect room for you!
Tips for Your Senior Photo Session
If your Class of 2027 senior is planning their portraits, here are a few things I recommend:
- Choose outfits that feel like you.
- Try everything on ahead of time.
- Don’t forget the details.
- Trust your photographer.
- Come ready to have fun.
A Special Start to the Class of 2027
I can’t believe we are here and that my very first senior for the class of 2027 is my niece.
It’s an amazing way to start the session.
At the end of the session, we made sure to take a few photos together because I love to nab a pick with each of my seniors.
For me, getting to photograph my “.5” as she begins her senior year is something I’ll always treasure. Be on the look out for part II of Imogen’s senior session where we went up north to Flagstaff on a crazy rainy day photoshoot in the woods.
Booking Class of 2027 Senior Photos
I’m currently booking Class of 2027 senior sessions throughout the West Valley and Phoenix area.
Whether your senior is an athlete, an artist, a leader, or someone who is still figuring out exactly who they are becoming, my goal is to create senior portraits that feel authentic and completely them.
Senior year only happens once.
Don’t blink.
Let’s hold onto this season.
You can learn more or start planning your senior session at kimvanosphotography.com.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
