Phoenix West Valley Milestone Photoshoot: A Colorful Candyland 9th Birthday Session
As a photographer, there are some clients who become more than clients.
I first met Liana when she was seven years old at a local farmers market event. From the moment she stepped in front of my camera, I felt a connection that I can’t fully explain. I just knew she was special.
Now, two years later, watching her walk through my front door and greet me with her enthusiastic “Hi Kim!” it still makes my heart so happy..
This year, we celebrated Liana’s ninth birthday with a colorful Candyland-inspired milestone session in my home studio space in Avondale, Arizona. And honestly, I can’t imagine a more perfect theme for her.
Because if you know Liana, you know she loves candy, color, celebration, and joy.
Customizing a Candyland Birthday Session in Avondale, Arizona
When her mom, Natalie, shared that Liana had chosen a Candyland theme, I wasn’t surprised at all. Natalie, who is every bit as sweet and creative as her daughter, pulled out decorations she had made years ago for Liana’s sixth birthday party and we incorporated them into this special celebration. There is something incredibly meaningful about seeing those handmade details brought back to life for her ninth birthday. She was even able to flip the 6 to 9 in one of the props!
The colorful pastel dress Liana wore perfectly matched the beautiful macarons her mom made all those years ago. We added the colorful lollipops and cupcakes Natalie had also made. I made a pair of sprinkle-covered glasses, and even transformed an old cart into a candy cart with the help of my husband, Ben. Every detail was thoughtful, personal, and full of love.
But the truth is, Liana could have been standing in an empty room, and the photos still would have been beautiful.
Because Liana is the definition of sweetness.
Why West Valley Moms Love Documenting Childhood Milestones
One of my favorite images from the session is a simple one: Liana standing with her hands on her hips, looking absolutely delighted. Another favorite is a fun portrait of her wearing her sprinkle-covered glasses and smiling directly into the camera. Those images capture what I love most about photographing her: her joy is genuine.
What I admire most about Liana’s family isn’t just their strength or their dedication. It’s their love.
Natalie’s love for her daughter shines through every handmade detail, every carefully chosen outfit, and every celebration she creates.
And if you’ve ever spent even a few minutes with Liana and her dad, you’ll immediately see that she is, without question, daddy’s little girl. The way she looks at him says everything. Just look at the photo below of her looking up laying on the ground. It’s her dad she’s looking at!
After the session wrapped, we did something that perfectly sums up who this family is: we had an ice cream party at 11 a.m.
It was actually Ben’s idea.
We sat together, laughed together, and celebrated together. Watching Liana try chocolate and cherry ice cream for the first time and seeing her face light up was one of those moments I wish I could bottle up.
Capturing Authentic Joy with a Phoenix Family Photographer
As a mom myself, I’ve always believed in documenting milestones. I photographed my own children every year because I knew one day I would want to remember not just what they looked like, but who they were.
Photographing Liana these past few years has reminded me why that matters so much.
She has taught me about joy.
She has taught me about hope.
And she has reminded me that sometimes the strongest people are the ones who simply wake up every morning, smile, dance, and love without reservation.
My hope is that when people look at these photographs, they don’t just see a nine-year-old’s birthday session.
I hope they see joy.
Pure joy.
And I hope they see what it looks like to overcome, without even realizing you’re doing it.
Thank you, Liana, for letting me celebrate another year of your beautiful life. It is a joy I know I will never replicate, and I am so grateful to have a front-row seat to watching you grow. I can’t wait for double digits sweet girl!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
