There are some sessions that feel bigger than photographs.
Nearly eighteen years ago, I met a tiny newborn named Chloe. As I photographed her curled up in her parents’ arms, I remember joking with her mom and dad, “I can’t wait to do her senior photos someday.”
At the time, it felt impossibly far away.
And yet, here we are.
Time has a funny way of slipping past us. One minute you’re swaddled in a blanket, taking your first portraits, and the next you’re preparing to leave for college and begin a whole new adventure.
I’ve had the incredible privilege of documenting the Kircher family for nearly twenty years. I’ve photographed birthdays, milestones, family sessions, and all the beautiful moments in between. Along the way, they became so much more than clients. They became family.
Watching Sophia and Chloe grow up has been one of the greatest gifts of my career. These two girls have always been lights in my world, and it has been an honor to witness their journey from little girls into remarkable young women.
As I looked through Chloe’s senior portraits, I couldn’t help but think about all the photographs that came before them—the newborn portraits, the toddler years, the family adventures, the laughter, the milestones. Together, they tell a story far bigger than any single session ever could.
That’s what I love most about photography.
Photographs become part of a family’s history. They preserve not only how we looked, but who we were. They allow us to hold onto seasons of life that pass far too quickly.
This spring, Chloe graduated from Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, Arizona, and this fall she’ll begin her next chapter at Colorado State University.
I couldn’t be more excited for everything that lies ahead for her.
Congratulations, Chloe. It has been such a joy watching you grow into the intelligent, kind, and beautiful young woman you are today. I know Colorado State is lucky to have you, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish.
And to the Kircher family—thank you for allowing me to be part of your story for all these years. It is a privilege I never take for granted.
Below are just a few memories of when I first met this sweet young girl through her toddler years. What a gift this has been for me.
When you’ve photographed a family for nearly twenty years, a single blog post can never tell the whole story. I put together this short slideshow featuring some of my favorite images of Chloe from her senior session at West Fork Trail. Watching it reminded me just how quickly time passes.
A Senior Session at West Fork Trail
For Chloe’s senior portraits, we chose one of my favorite locations in Northern Arizona: the beautiful West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. Located between Flagstaff and Sedona, West Fork Trail is known for its towering canyon walls, lush forest, and the stunning creek that winds through the canyon. It’s one of the most unique and scenic locations in Arizona, and a place I return to often for senior photography sessions.
As a Flagstaff Senior Photographer, I love helping seniors choose locations that reflect their personality and style. West Fork offers something completely different from the classic mountain or urban backdrop. The combination of flowing water, vibrant greenery, and dramatic canyon walls creates a timeless look that is beautiful in every season.
For Chloe, it was the perfect setting to celebrate this exciting transition from high school graduate to future Colorado State University student.
Looking for a Flagstaff Senior Photographer? Senior year only happens once, and your photographs should tell the story of who you are right now. Whether you envision mountain views, downtown Flagstaff, the red rocks of Sedona, or the beautiful forests and creek crossings of West Fork Trail, I’d love to help you create a senior portrait experience that’s uniquely yours.