What if your photoshoot wasn’t built around a Pinterest board…but around you?
That’s the question that started this entire session.
When I reached out to Sydney, I wasn’t looking to plan another portrait session. I wanted to create something much deeper—a fully customized storytelling photography experience where every detail reflected who she is in this season of life.
This became the very first concept session of what I hope will become a signature experience at Kim VanOs Photography.
Every Story Begins Before the Camera Comes Out
Before we ever picked up a camera, Sydney completed an in-depth collaboration questionnaire. She shared pieces of herself—her favorite flowers, books, colors, little rituals, dreams, and the things that made her feel most like herself.
Instead of creating one idea, I designed four completely different session concepts, each inspired by her answers. She wasn’t choosing from photography packages. She was choosing the story she wanted to tell.
The one she couldn’t stop thinking about?
The Magic in Small Things.
A dreamy story about wonder, growing up, and finding beauty in everyday moments.
As she prepared to begin her first semester at ASU, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate the transition between childhood and adulthood.
Why We Chose a Goodyear Wheat Field
Some locations are beautiful.
Some locations tell the story.
Some do both. The glowing wheat field in Goodyear became the perfect backdrop because it reflected everything we wanted this session to feel like—soft, timeless, hopeful, and full of possibility.
We photographed during golden hour, continued through sunset, and finished in blue hour, allowing the light itself to become part of the story. As the evening progressed, the images naturally matured alongside Sydney’s journey.
Small Details Tell the Biggest Stories
Nothing during this session was random.
The lilies (which are her favorite) represented beauty and growth.
A ribbon woven through her braid symbolized innocence before later becoming a necklace as the story evolved.
Her favorite lip liner became a meaningful transition between two chapters of the evening.
A vintage mirror passed down through her family reminded us that our stories are often carried by the people who came before us.
Even her freckles became something to celebrate.
Those tiny details became some of my favorite photographs because they weren’t just beautiful—they were personal.
Watching Confidence Unfold
Her hair was braided with ribbon woven throughout as she wandered through the field, laid on a blanket and read Where the Sidewalk Ends, smiled into the sunlight, and held fresh flowers.
Those first images felt youthful.
Hopeful.
Curious.
As the evening continued, everything slowly transformed.
The braid came out.
The ribbon changed.
The lip linear was applied.
Her hair caught the breeze.
Lanterns glowed.
Twinkle lights surrounded her.
Without saying a word, the photographs quietly told the story of someone becoming more confident in exactly who she is.
My Favorite Moment
At the very end of the session, Sydney looked at the twinkle lights and simply asked, “Can we wrap them around me?”
It wasn’t something either of us had planned.
Sometimes the best photographs happen when a client begins creating alongside you instead of simply posing for you.
That was the moment.
I stopped seeing someone nervous about being photographed.
I saw someone fully embracing who she was becoming.
Those are the photographs that stay with me long after the gallery is delivered.
What Makes a Storytelling Session Different?
A storytelling session isn’t about elaborate costumes (I asked her to wear clothes that were already in her closet) or pretending to be someone else.
It’s about uncovering what already makes you uniquely you.
Maybe it’s your favorite book.
Maybe it’s a family heirloom.
Maybe it’s the coffee shop where you always dream.
Maybe it’s the season of life you’re walking through right now.
Together, we build a session around those pieces so your photographs don’t simply document how you looked—they preserve who you were.
Because years from now, that’s what you’ll want to remember.
Thinking About Your Own Story?
If you’ve ever wished your photos felt more personal than a list of poses, I’d love to create something just for you.
Whether you’re graduating, entering a new season of life, celebrating your family, or simply want photographs that tell your story, we’ll dream it up together from the very beginning.
Every story deserves to be told differently because every person is different.
I’d love to help tell yours.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
