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.
