A Dock Full of Joy | A Fishing Session in Arizona

Garrison the Joyful

I’ve been photographing Garrison since he was just one year old, back when his parents first found me during the 2020 COVID shutdowns. We had never met before, but I was immediately impressed by the creativity and love his mom poured into his very first birthday session. Even then, it was so clear how much he was their pride and joy.

Watching that love grow over the years has been one of my greatest honors.

This session felt extra special because it was different. We usually photograph Garrison in the summer for his birthday, which means we’ve spent the last few years indoors, hiding from the Arizona heat. This time, we were outside. Fresh air. Beautiful weather. Water nearby. What could be better?

And Garrison?
His personality absolutely shone.

One of my favorite moments didn’t even involve a camera. As we walked through the parking lot, his mom reminded him to hold an adult’s hand. Without missing a beat, Garrison ran straight up to me, grabbed my hand, and proudly said, “I want to hold her hand!”

Those are the moments that make me feel like I’ve truly succeeded. Like I’m creating experiences so joyful that kids want to come back and be part of them.

Out on the dock, he fished with total focus. Then he stood there wiggling and giggling, making both his mom and me panic as we were sure he was about to spin himself straight into the water. After we finished fishing, he splashed and played with pure joy. Every grin and happy shout felt like a glimpse into exactly who he is right now. A little boy who loves big and lives fully.

His parents still watch him with so much pride. The kind of pride that only deepens with time.

I feel incredibly privileged to capture someone so precious to them. These sessions aren’t just about photos. They’re about preserving who your child is in this season, before it quietly slips into the next.

Garrison won’t always be this little.
But these moments?
They get to stay.

If you’re looking for a Gilbert, Arizona child photographer who believes in capturing real joy, real connection, and the magic of childhood exactly as it is, I would love to tell your family’s story too.

Let’s get you outside.
Let’s let your kids be kids.
And let’s create memories you’ll hold onto forever.

Meet DiamondLustGlitters: Bringing Sparkle, Smiles, and Confidence to Every Event

The first time I met Shyera “Shy” Earl from Diamond Lust Glitters, I wasn’t thinking about branding photos or creative collaborations.

I was just a mom at Vertuccio Farms on a fall day, standing in line while my kids waited to get their faces painted.

But the moment Shy started painting, I knew she was something special.

The colors were bold.
The designs felt thoughtful.
Every brush stroke looked full of joy and care.

But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the paint. It was how she treated my kids.

Shy knelt down to their level. She listened to their ideas. She spoke to them with patience and respect, never rushing them through the line. She made them feel important.

As a Gilbert, Arizona child and family photographer, I notice how people interact with kids right away. Shy has a gift for making children feel seen and celebrated, and that kindness shows in everything she does.

The Heart Behind Diamond Lust Glitters

Shy is the owner and artist behind Diamond Lust Glitters, a San Tan Valley–based business that has been spreading joy for five years.

Her journey began in the world of adult glitter parties, but everything changed during a simple family moment. Watching her niece’s face light up after getting her face painted showed her something powerful.

It wasn’t just about color.

It was about confidence, wonder, and feeling special.

That moment made her realize she wanted to be the artist behind those smiles. Whether a child wants to feel “cool” or “beautiful,” Shy’s goal is always the same—to make every child feel like the most important person in the room.

Services That Bring the Magic

Diamond Lust Glitters offers creative, professional, and kid-safe services that are perfect for birthdays, school events, festivals, and community celebrations across the East Valley.

Signature services include:

• Artistic Face Painting – From sweet cheek designs to full-face transformations.

• Glitter Tattoos – Waterproof, long-lasting, and a huge hit at pool parties and high-energy events.

• Custom Hair Accessories – Fun add-ons that give kids an extra sparkle.

• Coming Soon: DIY crafts to give kids even more ways to create and have fun.

Every service is done with care, intention, and heart.

From Event Line to Branding Session

After watching Shy paint and seeing how happy my kids were, I knew I wanted to work with her. I reached out and offered to create a branding session that would truly show the heart and color behind Diamond Lust Glitters.

We planned a studio shoot that felt playful and bright.

We used bold backdrops, soft dresses, and balloons scattered across the floor to mimic the energy of a party. I wanted the face paint colors to pop and feel alive—just like they do at real events when kids are running, laughing, and showing off their designs.

The whole set felt like stepping into a Lisa Frank world.

Every image was full of happiness. The colors felt magical. The designs made you smile without even realizing it. It was one of those sessions where you can truly feel the joy through the photos.

More Than Face Paint

This shoot wasn’t just about showing face paint.

It was about showing what Diamond Lust Glitters brings to events all over the East Valley of Arizona. Shy creates experiences kids remember. She creates moments parents photograph and save. She brings warmth, care, and genuine connection into every interaction.

One of Shy’s favorite parts of running her business is seeing returning families come back to see her again. Those moments mean everything to her, and you can feel that love in the way she works with every child.

Supporting Local, Creative Women

Photographing local creatives like Shy is one of my favorite parts of being a Gilbert, Arizona child and family photographer. Getting to support women-owned businesses and capture the passion behind what they do never gets old.

If you’re planning a party, school event, or community gathering and want something truly special, Diamond Lust Glitters brings magic every single time.

And if you’re a local business owner who wants branding photos that actually feel like you, I would love to help tell your story too.

Reach out anytime, and let’s create something colorful together.