Mommy and Me Photo Session in Phoenix

Some sessions are sweet. Some are stylish. And every now and then, one comes along that’s just magic. That’s exactly how I’d describe this Mommy & Me photo session in Phoenix with Jess and her daughter Zendaya.

They made the drive all the way from Glendale to my studio in Mesa, which already had me feeling so grateful. When a family drives that far to work with me, I don’t take that lightly. It tells me they’re serious about their experience and they trust me to create something special for them. That trust is everything.

Jess had a clear vision for her shoot: she wanted something matching but still casual. Not stiff or overly posed, just simple and real. The idea was to capture their personalities and connection in a stylish way without it feeling forced. As soon as they stepped in, I knew it was going to be good.

Zendaya walked in and instantly lit up the space. She’s already had a little modeling experience, and let me tell you—it shows. This girl knows how to pose, how to work the camera, and most importantly, how to have fun while doing it. She was confident, expressive, and brought such great energy. And Jess? Just as stunning. She has this calm, graceful presence about her that balances Zendaya’s playful spirit perfectly.

We started off with coordinated white and black outfits. Clean, modern, and totally timeless. I love a neutral color palette for studio portraits because it keeps the focus where it belongs…on the connection between the people. Jess wore a chic white blouse with pearl-studded black pants, while Zendaya rocked a ruffled-sleeved top and black jeans. The way their outfits complemented each other without being too matchy-matchy was chef’s kiss.

Right away, Zendaya was giving us all the personality. From soft smiles to sassy poses, she gave me a full range of expressions. She climbed on blocks, played with her hair, made silly faces, and then switched into full-on model mode in the next frame. Every click of the camera felt like capturing a different side of her. You could tell she felt totally comfortable and was having fun with it, which is exactly what I want from these sessions.

Watching Jess and Zendaya interact throughout the shoot was such a joy. Whether they were holding hands, giggling face to face, or just relaxing on the floor, their bond was obvious. There was no pressure to “perform” or act a certain way. It was just two people who love each other, showing up exactly as they are. That’s when the best portraits happen.

After our first look, we moved into a second set of outfits. This time they went with sleek, all-black sets—Jess in a sleeveless jumpsuit and Zendaya in a matching vest and pants combo. These shots had a totally different energy: bold, modern, and super editorial. Zendaya took the lead with a series of fun movement shots—cartwheels, kicks, upside-down poses—you name it. I loved how she brought her own spark to the shoot, and Jess let her take the spotlight in such a supportive way.

We ended the session with a soft and sunny look. Jess changed into a flowy one-shoulder yellow dress, and Zendaya wore a floral sundress that brought a pop of color to the clean studio backdrop. These last images felt light and playful, like a breath of fresh air. One of my favorite shots is Zendaya sitting on the floor, smiling up at the camera with her curls fanned out. It reminds me of something you’d see in an H&M campaign. She just shines.

Once we wrapped, Jess was quick to pick her favorites. I love it when clients know what they love. It makes the whole process so smooth. I went straight into editing, and as I worked through the gallery, I kept thinking how much this session captured the vibe of their relationship. It’s sweet. It’s stylish. It’s real. Exactly what Jess wanted.

That’s one of the things I love most about family sessions like this. They don’t have to be stiff or overly formal. They can be fun. They can be personal. They can be something you actually enjoy, not just something you check off a list. Whether it’s your first professional photo shoot or your fifth, you deserve an experience that feels easy and tailored to your style.

If you’ve been thinking about doing a Mommy & Me session but weren’t sure if it was the right time, consider this your sign. These photos aren’t just for now. They’re for years down the road, when your little one is no longer little. When you’ll want to look back and remember her tiny hands, her wild curls, the way she made you laugh.

These aren’t just photos. They’re your story. And I’d love to help you tell it.

Curious how to style your own family session? Check out this guide to what to wear for family photos.