Child Photographer

March 17 2025

Golden Moments and Sticky Fingers: My First Cake Smash!

kimvanos Avondale, AZ, Child Photographer avondale az photographer, childhood memories, phoenixazwestvalleyphotographer

Avondale AZ Cake Smash: Celebrating Nile's Golden Birthday

Okay, friends, let’s get real for a minute. This year is shaping up to be a year of firsts for me, and I’m loving every minute of it! As an Avondale, AZ based mom-tographer and, let’s be honest, a mom who’s starting to feel the pangs of those “little kid” years slipping away (hello, two teenagers!), I’m soaking up every bit of baby sweetness I can get. And let me tell you, my first-ever cake smash with sweet little Nile on March 1st? Pure magic. Isn’t she just the cutest?! Seriously, my heart melted the moment she walked in and saw how much she had grown since her newborn photoshoot last year. But here’s the kicker: Her mom, Brandi, told me that it was Nile’s “golden” birthday. A golden birthday is when your age matches your birthdate. So, Nile, being born on the 1st, turned one on the 1st. How adorable is that?!

Kim VanOs Photography

Golden Birthday Cake Smash Theme: Simple Elegance

Of course, we HAD to tie that into the cake smash theme. We went all in with gold, rose gold, and white balloons and it turned out absolutely perfect. And let’s give a huge shoutout to Reyna’s Sweet Shop in Buckeye, AZ for that gorgeous cake! There is so much to be said for simplicity when you have so much going on in a photo and Reyna did a perfect job of creating a more sophisticated, elegant small cake with touches of gold on it. It was the perfect centerpiece. We also had the golden “N” for Nile, which gave it that extra special touch.

Check Out Reyna Sweets Shop on Insta Here

Adorable Outfits & Hesitant First Bites: Capturing Real Moments

Brandi, Nile’s mom, has amazing style. She dressed Nile in the most adorable outfits. That pink velvet jumper with the knee-high socks and bows? I mean, come on! And that delicate lace and feather onesie for the cake smash? Absolutely breathtaking. I don’t think it could have been any more perfect. Honestly, watching a tired little Nile hesitantly touch the cake unsure of what it was or what she was supposed to do with… it brought back so many memories of my own kids at that age. Those messy, sweet, fleeting moments that you just want to bottle up and keep forever even when they don’t necessarily turn out the way you envisioned them in your head. It’s all a part of your family’s beautiful story.

And here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret: Nile arrived a bit tired, having missed her nap. But even with those sleepy eyes, she was an absolute angel! She smiled those big, beautiful smiles for her parents, and it was so clear how much love they share. The way Brandi and Kingston looked at Nile, with those beaming, proud smiles – that’s what makes these sessions truly special. It’s not just about the photos; it’s about capturing the genuine joy and connection within a family. Seeing that love exuded from their smiles was a gift.

Kim VanOs Photography

Why Cake Smash Photography Matters: Freezing Time in Avondale, AZ

It also reminded me how much I love capturing these precious milestones for families. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about freezing time, preserving these memories that will be cherished for years to come. This first cake smash has me so excited for the ones I have coming up in the next few months! Get ready for more adorable, frosting-covered faces, folks! I’m already buying props and getting my camera ready.

Cherish the Little Years: A Mom-tographer's Message

To all the moms out there, especially those with little ones: cherish these moments. They go by way too fast. And to Nile and Brandi, thank you for letting me be a part of your golden celebration! It was truly a special day. Stay tuned for more cake smash adventures!

XOXO,

Your Local Mom-tographer

PS – If you are ready to book your next photoshoot click here:

Contact Kim VanOs

January 27 2025

Love is in the Air (and the Barn!)

kimvanos Child Photographer, Event Photographer, Family Photographer avondale az photographer, FarmAnimalPhotos, GetLocalFarmersMarket, MMRanchServices, phoenixazwestvalleyphotographer

A Day of Love and Laughter at the Waddell Farmers Market

What a whirlwind of cuteness! Our Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions at the Get Local Waddell Farmers Market on February 9th were an absolute hit. We had the privilege of capturing some truly heartwarming moments with friends, families, and even a group of beautiful sisters!

The smiles were contagious as little ones cuddled with Lucy the bunny from MM Ranch Services Mobile Petting Zoo. Lucy continued to steal hearts, and Rudy the calf with his charming buck teeth was a fan favorite. We witnessed pure joy as children explored the petting zoo next to the photo booth and then came over to have their photos taken with the sweet barn yard babies, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Kim VanOs Photography

AZ Family Photographer highlights from Valentine's Photoshoot

Highlights from the day included:

A heartwarming family portrait: We captured the love and smiles of a beautiful family, their connection obvious in every frame.
Sibling shenanigans: Four sweet siblings brought their own brand of energy and charm to the session, their playful interactions creating some truly memorable images.
Friends forever: A group of friends had their photos taken together, celebrating their bond of friendship with a few new barnyard friends.
Adorable little girls: Several sweet little girls posed with the animals, their sweet interactions with Lucy shining through in every photo.

A Day of Love and Laughter at the Waddell Farmers Market

It was a day filled unforgettable moments. We are so grateful to everyone who came out to support the local farmers market and all the small businesses that set up that day. And to the amazing team at MM Ranch Services Mobile Petting for providing such wonderful animal companions.

Kim VanOs Photography

A Day of Love and Laughter at the Waddell Farmers Market

Thank you again for making our Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions such a resounding success! There will be one more chance to get your Barnyard Sweetheart photos at the Get Local Waddell Farmers Market on February 9, 2025, from 9:00-12:30pm at Canyon View High School.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer!

Kim VanOs

January 13 2025

Barnyard Sweethearts: Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions at the Farmers Market

kimvanos Child Photographer, Event Photographer, Family Photographer avondale az photographer, GetLocalFarmersMarket, MMRanchServices, phoenixazwestvalleyphotographer

Market Magic at the Waddell, AZ Get Local Farmers Market

Wow! What a fantastic beginning to 2025 at the Waddell Farmers Market! As a professional photographer here in the West Valley of Phoenix, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of spending the last few months at the market, and it’s been an absolute blast. Partnering with MM Ranch Services Mobile Petting Zoo has been such a fun experience, bringing together adorable animals and happy families for some truly memorable moments.

It’s so rewarding meeting so many amazing people from our community each week. The energy at the market is always welcoming and friendly, and it’s been a joy to capture those special connections.

These photos from January 5th perfectly capture the spirit of the market – pure joy and connection. The animals from MM Ranch Services are always a huge hit, and they make for such fun and engaging photos.

Love is with the animals from MM Ranch Services Mobile Petting Zoo: Valentine's Day Photoshoot Details

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be returning to the Get Local Waddell Farmers Market one more day with the adorable Valentine’s Day backdrop! Get ready for some seriously cute “Barnyard Sweetheart” photos!

Imagine your little ones snuggling with adorable goats, posing with fluffy bunnies, or sharing a moment with a sweet baby chicks – all against a charming Valentine’s Day setting with red and white balloons. People are in love with Lucy the rabbit and Rudy the calf with his adorable buck teeth! It’s the perfect way to capture some heartwarming memories and create unique Valentine’s Day gifts for couples, kids, and families.

Mark your calendars! You can find us at the market on: February 9th

We can’t wait to see you there! Come on down, say hello, and let’s create some adorable “Barnyard Sweetheart” memories together. It’s going to be a fantastic way to kick off the new year!

Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks of our Valentine’s Day backdrop on my social media pages.

Instagram
Facebook

I’m looking forward to seeing both familiar faces and new ones at the market in the new year!

As always, thank you for supporting local businesses and for allowing me to capture your precious moments.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer, Kim VanOs

January 6 2025

Elevating Your Photoshoots with Creative Props

kimvanos Child Photographer, Family Photographer, Graduate Photographer, Teen Photographer

Prop-erly Prepared:

As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to make each photoshoot unique and memorable. One of my favorite ways to achieve this is by incorporating props. Props can add personality, tell stories, and create lasting memories that go beyond a simple portrait whether your photoshoot is for a family photoshoot, graduation or child’s birthday shoot consider adding a prop or two.

Kim VanOs Photography

Include a Special Toy or 100 of Them

For this cutie his “stuffies” were an integral part of his world. These beloved stuffed animals were his constant companions, offering comfort and adventure. We included his “stuffies” in the photoshoot, capturing their playful interactions and creating images that beautifully reflected his imagination and the special bond he shared with his cherished toys as he told me the names and different stories for each toy.

Beep, beep Jeep, Jeep

One family I photographed wanted to include their Jeep in the shoot. This wasn’t just any Jeep; it was a symbol of their adventurous spirit and shared love for the outdoors. We found a scenic location in a Buckeye, AZ cotton field and a mountain in the backdrop to capture this stunning image. The Jeep became a tangible representation of their family’s bond and their passion for adventure, making the photos even more meaningful. Location was incorporated because the mom used to work on this farm as a field trip guide.

Kim VanOs Photography

Willy Nelson the Horse

One of the most memorable shoots involved a teen boy and his beloved horse, Willy Nelson. His mom owns the mobile petting zoo, MM Ranch Services, and Willy Nelson was more than just a horse; he is a true friend. We captured the deep connection between a boy and his horse, showcasing their genuine affection. This quick photoshoot was a testament to their unique bond and a beautiful reflection of their friendship.

Mickey Mouse Ears

Then there was 16-year-old who had worn Mickey Mouse birthday ears to every single photoshoot since her first birthday photoshoot. These ears had become a symbol of her childhood joy and a testament to her growing up. We incorporated the ears into a playful and whimsical photoshoot, capturing her growth and celebrating this quirky and heartwarming tradition.

Kim VanOs Photography

Incorporating props into your photoshoots can elevate them from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom, a beloved pet, or a quirky personal item, props add a layer of depth and meaning to your images. They tell stories, capture personalities, and create lasting memories that go beyond the simple act of posing for a camera. So, the next time you plan a photoshoot, consider the power of props and let your creativity soar.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer

Kim VanOs