Recreating Memories at Rocker 7: The Rodriguez Family Then & Now

There are some families who become part of your story as a photographer, and for me, the Rodriguez family is one of those rare treasures. They were one of my very first families back in 2017 — before I even dared call myself a photographer. I was just a hobbyist with a camera, a big dream, and a whole lot of nerves. But Selenia? She believed in me long before I believed in myself. And that kind of trust doesn’t fade. It stays with you. It shapes you.

Back then, we photographed their family at Rocker 7 Farms — a place I knew like the back of my hand because I used to work there as a field trip guide. I was new, awkward and really, really nervous but they were kind, up for anything, and somehow made me feel like I might actually be good at this.

Fast forward to this year — their boys are teenagers now, with one already graduated. And Selenia wanted to go back to the beginning. Back to Rocker 7 Farms. Back to the place where this whole journey started for them and for me.

The “Then and Now” Moments That Hit Hard

We didn’t just revisit the farm — we revisited the memories.

Some moments we recreated almost exactly:

  • The classic Selenia-with-her-boys pose — except this time the boys are taller, stronger, and had to put their arms around her. (She raised good men. It shows.)

  • The superhero stance with dad, Eddie — still hilarious, still full of personality, still very “Rodriguez.”

  • The boys-only shoe photo — because some traditions are too fun not to repeat.

Other moments we modernized. Because here’s the truth: these aren’t little kids anymore. Edgar’s still the outgoing full of first born personality, Isaac still has that sweet, soft-spoken heart, and Josh — the baby — somehow managed to carve out his own lane while following two strong brothers. Their bond hasn’t changed; it’s just grown deeper.

And yes, I tried to get them to photobomb their parents kissing like they did years ago. Absolute no-go. Teens have limits, apparently.
So I flipped the script and had the parents photobomb them — because if teens won’t be chaotic, the adults will happily handle it.

That one’s definitely going in the memory vault. Swipe to see the orginal photos.

Why Fall Sessions at Rocker 7 Still Matter

Fall in Phoenix is basically our collective exhale. The heat breaks, the holidays start creeping in, and families come out of hiding with “sweaterish” tops they absolutely don’t need yet. Rocker 7 Farms during fall exudes warmth and a nostalgic feel, and this session hit every note.

I shot in different areas than I did in 2017 — mostly because I actually understand light now (growth!) — but the heart of the place felt the same. And for the Rodriguez family, returning to this farm was like opening an old photo album… except this time, everyone’s a little taller and I know exactly how to pose them.

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Why This Session Hit Me Personally

Watching their boys in their teen years honestly punched me right in the mom-heart. I’ve got teenagers too, and one is graduating high school this year. So photographing this family at Rocker 7 felt like looking at my own life through a mirror — seeing how fast everything changes and how these moments matter more than we admit.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot. It was a full-circle moment.

Want Your Own “Then & Now” Session?

Nostalgia is powerful — especially when your kids hit those fast-changing years. Recreating old photos, updating family traditions, or returning to a meaningful location is one of the best ways to capture your family’s growth while honoring where you started.

If this idea tugs at your heart even a little, lean into that nudge. It’s worth it.

Scroll below to see more of the Rodriguez family’s then-and-now moments at Rocker 7 Farms.

Looking for a family photographer in Avondale, Goodyear, or the West Valley?

Or dreaming of your own nostalgic recreation session?
You know where to find me. (Kim VanOs Photography)

Kim VanOs Photography — capturing families, emotions, and stories that grow with you.