Graduate Photographer

March 31 2025

Capturing Savannah’s Radiance: A Downtown Phoenix Senior Session

kimvanos Avondale, AZ, Graduate Photographer avondale az photographer, phoenixazwestvalleyphotographer, seniorgraduatephotographer 0

Kim VanOs Photography

Hey Avondale! Your local photographer here, ready to share a glimpse into a recent senior session that truly captured the spirit of a vibrant young woman. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Savannah, a soon-to-be graduate from Mountain Ridge High School, and let me tell you, it was an experience filled with creativity and joy!

Kim VanOs Photography

Urban Senior Sessions: Roosevelt Row & Beyond

Savannah’s vision for her senior portraits was unique and inspiring. She wanted a backdrop that reflected her personality – artistic, bold, and a little bit edgy. So, we ventured into the heart of downtown Phoenix, AZ specifically the iconic Roosevelt Row. This area is a photographer’s dream, bursting with vibrant murals and the character of the famed old graffiti house. It was the perfect setting to showcase Savannah’s individuality. She asked her friend to join in for a few photos and it really allowed her personality to come out.

Kim VanOs Photography

Creative Senior Photography: Flowers, Murals, and More

As a photographer in Avondale, AZ, I understand the importance of location in creating memorable images. Roosevelt Row offered a dynamic and visually stimulating environment, allowing us to capture stunning portraits that truly stood out. The urban backdrop provided a fantastic contrast to Savannah’s natural beauty and radiant smile.

Kim VanOs Photography

Senior Photography: Celebrating Your Milestone Year

One of Savannah’s requests was to incorporate flowers into her session. However, finding fresh blooms in abundance during this time of year proved to be a bit of a challenge. But, as any resourceful Avondale photographer knows, challenges are just opportunities in disguise! We decided to take matters into our own hands. We purchased a selection of beautiful flowers and creatively incorporated them into the shoot. The result? Absolutely breathtaking images that were uniquely Savannah.

Kim VanOs Photography

Senior Portraits: Capturing Your Unique Story

Initially, like many seniors, Savannah was a little nervous in front of the camera. But it didn’t take long for her to relax and truly shine. Once she got comfortable, she was a natural! Her confidence grew with each click of the shutter, and she truly worked the camera like a seasoned model.

Savannah’s plans to attend cosmetology school after graduation perfectly align with her creative spirit. Her passion for beauty and artistry was evident throughout the session, and I’m confident she’ll achieve great success in her future endeavors.

If you’re a graduating senior in the greater Phoenix, AZ area and looking for a senior photographer who can capture your unique personality, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s create some unforgettable memories together.

I'm interested!

January 20 2025

Senior Snaps: Tommy’s Low-Key College Photo Shoot

kimvanos Graduate Photographer avondale az photographer, graduateboyphotographer, graduatephotographer, phoenixazwestvalleyphotographer

This blog is way past due since Tommy, graduated last May. He wanted simple photos. He had no specific location in mind, just a desire to capture this milestone in his life. After a quick chat about his style and preferences, we decided on a location in Buckeye, Arizona, that offered a stunning mountain backdrop, rustic fence and some great trees.

Tommy arrived prepared with his cap and gown, a casual outfit, and a more formal look. We kept the shoot relaxed and focused on capturing his personality. We explored the area, finding 2 different spots that highlighted the area creating a mix of casual and more formal shots.

The entire session was a breeze, lasting less than an hour. Tommy was easygoing and a natural in front of the camera. The result? A diverse range of photos that perfectly captured his personality and celebrated this exciting chapter in his life.

Pro Tip: If you’re a senior heading into your photo shoot, don’t overthink it! Choose a location that feels authentic to you and bring a few outfits that reflect your personal style. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience!

Looking for more tips or to book your own senior session? Feel free to reach out! Email me at [email protected]

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