Golden Hour in the Roses with Everly//Gilbert Dance Photographer

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you mix golden hour light, blooming roses, and a dancer who’s full of joy. That’s exactly what I got to capture with Everly at the Mesa Community College Rose Garden.

As an Arizona dance photographer in Gilbert, Arizona, I get to work with so many talented dancers, but Everly is extra special—she’s part of my Content Crew and we’ve been creating together for a while now.

Watching Everly grow has been such a gift. Not just in her skill, though she’s learned some amazing tricks, but in her confidence. Every time we work together, I see more of her personality shine through. She’s bold, she’s creative, and she’s not afraid to have fun in front of the camera.

It’s dry and hot out, so we headed to the MCC rose garden for a green oasis in the middle of the summer heat. The soft light wrapped around Everly like a warm hug, and she danced among the roses with so much joy.

Everly told me she loves dance because she gets to do tricks, perform with her team, and express herself on stage. Some of her favorite memories include attending her first nationals and dressing up for the banquet, as well as achieving her firebird—a moment she felt so proud of. Dance hasn’t been without challenges, like learning new choreography, but it’s also helped her become more confident and flexible. Her big dreams? To become a protégé and a tiger cub.

One of my favorite parts about hearing Everly’s story is how much she truly loves the community she dances with. She shared that one summer they had two full weeks of all-day dance camp, and in the middle of it, the older girls would walk them to Sonic for slushes during lunch break. It’s little moments like that—friendship, laughter, and shared memorie that make dance so much more than just movement.

Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Getting to capture a dancer’s heart, growth, and personality is such a joy.

If you have a dancer in your life, I’d love to help you capture their story too. Let’s create something beautiful together.

Back to School Minis in Gilbert Arizona

There’s something so special about the first day of school. Fresh notebooks, new shoes, big smiles… and even bigger dreams! 📚✨ Last year’s Back to School Mini Sessions were filled with all of that and more. As a Gilbert Arizona child photographer, these sweet moments are some of my absolute favorites to capture.

Just look at this kindergartener’s big grin! It’s the kind of joy that makes you stop and soak it all in. A new year full of learning, laughter, and little victories is just beginning—and I feel so lucky to help families hold on to these memories.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
“It is not what is poured into a student, but what is planted.” – Linda Conway

These Back to School sessions were quick and fun, but they captured so much personality and pride. Parents told me afterward how meaningful it was to have these milestone portraits—how fast their babies are growing, and how special it is to freeze this little moment in time.

I’m always amazed at how a five-minute session can bring out so much joy. A desk, some notebooks, and a proud little heart ready to take on the school year... it’s magical.

And now—I’m so excited to say Back to School Sessions are back!
This year, I’m offering FREE mini sessions to celebrate the start of the school year. Whether it's your child’s first day of kindergarten or their final year of elementary school, these memories matter.

👉 Sign up now and grab your spot here:
https://NakupendaPhotography.pixieset.com/booking/back-to-school

Thank you to all the families who trusted me to capture your little learners last year. I can’t wait to see all the new faces (and returning ones too!) this time around.

Let’s celebrate those first-day jitters, the excitement, and the bright future ahead—one beautiful photo at a time.