Flowers Have a Window… and So Does Senior Year
When Imogen told me she wanted flowers for her senior photos, my brain immediately started calculating bloom seasons.
Lavender? June.
Wildflowers? Spring.
Sunflowers? Fall in the valley.
That’s the thing about photography in Arizona. Beautiful locations don’t always line up with a busy senior’s schedule.
And if you’ve ever had a daughter involved in club sports, you already understand.
Between school volleyball at Canyon View High School, club volleyball, private lessons, honors classes, and everything else that comes with senior year, there wasn’t a long list of available dates. There was a very small window.
So instead of trying to force the schedule around perfect flowers…
We followed the flowers instead.
Flagstaff was calling.
Why This Senior Session Meant So Much
This wasn’t just another senior session.
This was my niece.
I’ve been photographing Imogen since she was little.
We did a “Princesses Have to Do Laundry” session years ago. We recreated Audrey Hepburn at the Wigwam. Somewhere in my archives are thousands of photos documenting her growing up.
Now here she was…
Funny.
Kind.
Smart.
An incredible volleyball player.
And somehow already a high school senior planning to become a pediatric nurse.
As photographers, we always say, “Don’t blink.”
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves too.
Rain Was in the Forecast… So We Changed Everything
Originally, we planned an evening session.
Then I checked the weather.
Not rain.
A storm.
Instead of canceling, we pivoted.
Ben, my sister-in-law Sarah, Imogen, and I left Avondale around 10:00 in the morning so we could photograph everything before the weather rolled in.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made.
Stop One: Snowbowl
If you’ve never visited Snowbowl in late summer, you might be surprised. The mountain was covered in green. Pine trees surrounded us. Little yellow wildflowers dotted the hillsides.
This day clouds rolled across the mountains, creating soft, beautiful light all afternoon. Normally photographers chase golden hour. This day?
The overcast sky did all the work for us. When the rain started, we pulled out a clear umbrella, slipped a Ziplock bag over my camera, and just kept shooting.
I’ll be honest…
I wasn’t even sure my camera was focusing correctly inside the plastic bag. Thankfully it survived.
So did the photos.
The Best Location Wasn’t Planned
On the drive back toward Flagstaff…
We spotted them.
Sunflowers.
Growing on the side of the road.
I looked over and immediately said,
“Pull over. Right now.”
Sometimes photography isn’t about finding the perfect location.
Sometimes it’s about paying attention.
Those sunflower images ended up becoming some of Imogen’s favorites.
Mine too.
Marley Park Was the Perfect Ending
I originally hoped Marley Park would have flowers.
Instead…
It gave us something even better.
An incredible view back toward Snowbowl. With the mountain sitting behind her and soft gray clouds filling the sky, every direction looked beautiful. Some of my favorite images from the entire day happened there.
Imogen sitting on a log.
Walking the trail.
Laughing between poses.
Simple moments.
The kind that never go out of style.
A Full Circle Moment
One of my favorite photographs from this session has nothing to do with flowers.
Years ago, my oldest niece, Hailey, graduated from NAU.
We photographed her at Snowbowl.
This summer, I photographed Imogen standing almost in the exact same spot.
Same family.
Different chapter.
Another memory added to the story.
Then another favorite happened completely by accident.
Years ago, I photographed Imogen’s sister Kendall standing beside a sunflower so that half her face lined up perfectly with the flower.
It’s still one of my favorite senior images I’ve ever created.
So naturally…
We recreated it with Imogen.
Different girl.
Same family.
Same tradition.
Those are the moments I treasure most.
What She Wore
Imogen kept everything comfortable and completely true to herself.
- Black and white polka dot dress with Birkenstocks
- Black jeans with a black-and-white striped top
- Blue jeans with a maroon sweater
- Birkenstocks for every outfit (because comfort wins)
Nothing felt overly styled.
Nothing felt forced.
She looked exactly like herself.
And years from now, that’s what she’ll remember.
Love Ima’s photos?
See Part 1 of Imogen’s senior session in the strawberry room here.
Senior Sessions Don’t Have to Be Perfect
One of the biggest misconceptions about senior photography is that everything has to go exactly according to plan.
It doesn’t.
Sometimes the weather changes.
Sometimes we find better locations.
Sometimes we stop on the side of the road because something catches our eye.
Those unplanned moments often become everyone’s favorites.
Flexibility isn’t a backup plan.
It’s part of the adventure.
Thinking About Senior Photos in Flagstaff?
Flagstaff offers a completely different look than the Phoenix area.
Instead of desert landscapes, you’ll find:
- Pine forests
- Mountain views
- Summer wildflowers
- Cooler temperatures
- Beautiful hiking trails
- Seasonal sunflowers if you’re lucky
Because Flagstaff is about a 2–3 hour drive from the West Valley, travel fees apply for sessions there, but many families love having senior portraits that feel completely different from traditional Arizona desert photos.
Congratulations, Imogen
Watching you grow into this amazing young woman has been such a gift.
Your kindness.
Your work ethic.
Your love for volleyball.
Your huge heart.
I know you’re going to make an incredible pediatric nurse someday.
Thank you for letting your aunt spend one more day documenting another chapter of your story.
I love you more than words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you travel for senior photo sessions?
Absolutely! I love photographing seniors all over Arizona. Travel fees apply depending on the location.
Is Flagstaff a good location for senior photos?
Yes! Flagstaff offers mountain views, pine forests, cooler weather, and beautiful greenery that you simply won’t find in the Phoenix area.
How far is Flagstaff from Phoenix?
Flagstaff is about a 2–3 hour drive from the West Valley, making it perfect for seniors wanting a unique destination session.
What other locations near Flagstaff work well?
Sedona is also a fantastic option for senior portraits.
Senior Spotlight
Meet Imogen | Canyon View High School | Class of 2027
School: Canyon View High School
Graduation Year: 2027
Future Plans: Pediatric Nursing
Sports: Volleyball (school and club)
Favorite Location: The surprise sunflower field on the side of the road
Favorite Style: Black and white outfits
Family Member Who Came: Her mom, Sarah
Favorite Accessory: Birkenstocks (every outfit!)
Favorite Advice for Future Seniors:
“You can’t mess up your senior photos. Even if it rains, we’ll grab an umbrella and dance in it.”
Fun Fact: She absolutely adores her family dog, Hazel.
Ready for Your Class of 2027 Senior Session?
If you’re looking for senior photos that feel like you—whether that’s mountain views in Flagstaff, desert sunsets in the West Valley, or a location that’s completely unique to your story—I would love to help you create something unforgettable.
I’m currently booking Class of 2027 senior sessions throughout Arizona.
You can reach out through my website, send me an email here kimvanosphotography@gmail.com, or message me on Instagram. Together we’ll create a session that’s every bit as unique as this season of your life.
Your friendly neighborhood photographer – Kim
