There are some clients who become like family — and this sweet girl is one of them. 💜 I’ve been photographing her every year since she was one, and watching her grow into this confident, creative 12-year-old has been such a joy!
For this session, we decided to celebrate her 12th birthday in a fun and colorful way, right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix — at Roosevelt Row, one of my favorite spots for child and teen photo sessions.
It’s a vibrant, artsy area full of murals, texture, and color that perfectly captures personality and energy. Every wall feels like a new backdrop — making it a dream for a photographer and an exciting place for kids and tweens to explore.
Why Downtown Phoenix Is So Fun for Child Photography
If you’ve ever walked through Roosevelt Row, you know it’s full of life — from bold street art and vintage signs to little coffee shops and boutiques tucked into every corner. It’s a place that feels alive, which is why it’s so great for capturing kids’ personalities.
Whether your child loves bright color, cool walls, or a little urban edge, this area gives us so much to work with. In just one session, we can create a whole gallery of completely different looks and moods — without ever leaving the block!
Some of my favorite Roosevelt Row backdrops include:
- 🎨 Bright murals and graffiti walls for pops of color
- 🧱 Industrial textures with brick and metal accents
- 🌵 Small touches of desert life and greenery tucked between buildings
- ☕ Artsy corners and cafe fronts with fun personality
The best part? Kids and teens feel cool here — which means they relax, have fun, and start showing off their true selves.
The Story Behind This Birthday Session
This session was extra special because I’ve been photographing this amazing girl since she was just a baby! Over the years, we’ve done everything from park sessions to desert backdrops — but this year, her personality was really shining through, and Roosevelt Row felt like the perfect fit.
We spent about an hour walking around downtown, laughing, and finding colorful new spots as we went. She brought along a few outfit changes to mix up the vibe and add some fun variety to her birthday portraits.
Downtown gives kids the chance to:
- Feel independent and confident in a “big kid” setting
- Express their own personality through outfit choices
- Create a photo session that feels more like them
It’s such a great transition for that in-between age when they’re not quite little anymore but not yet full-blown teens.
How to Plan a Downtown Child Session
If you’re thinking about scheduling a child or tween session in Downtown Phoenix, here are a few things to keep in mind to make it extra successful:
🎒 1. Bring 2–3 Outfits
A one-hour session is the sweet spot for kids — it keeps things fun without feeling rushed. During that time, we can easily work in two to three outfits to add variety to your final gallery.
- Go for casual and colorful (jeans, sneakers, and a fun top)
- Add something a little dressy or trendy for contrast
- Don’t forget props or accessories like sunglasses, hats, or jackets
You can find more tips on what to wear here: What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session.
☀️ 2. Shoot in the Golden Hour
Downtown light can be tricky because of tall buildings and shaded areas, so I always recommend scheduling sessions during golden hour — that dreamy time just before sunset when the lighting is warm and soft.
You’ll get the best glow, and the murals come alive with color in that perfect light!
🏙️ 3. Walkable and Easy Access
Another great thing about Roosevelt Row is how compact it is. We can capture a huge variety of looks without having to walk far, which is great for younger kids (and parents carrying outfit bags 😉).
If you’re looking for locations that don’t require much walking, check out my post on Photo Locations in the Phoenix Area That Don’t Require a Lot of Walking.
Why a Child Session Is Worth It Every Year
I get asked all the time, “Should we really do photos every year?” And my answer is always — absolutely!
Kids change so much from year to year. Each age has its own special quirks, expressions, and personality shifts, and photos are such a fun way to capture that story as it unfolds.
By scheduling yearly sessions, you’re building a collection of memories that tell your child’s story — from shy smiles to bold confidence. It’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give them (and yourself).
Why I Love Photographing Kids and Tweens 💜
As a Phoenix family photographer and mom of four myself, I know how quickly these years pass. My background as a former college professor in early childhood education helps me connect with kids on their level — so sessions always feel relaxed, playful, and genuine.
Whether your child is silly, shy, or totally outgoing, I create an environment where they can just be themselves. That’s when the magic happens — and those are the moments you’ll treasure most.
More Amazing Photo Spots Near Downtown
If you love the vibe of Roosevelt Row but want a few more ideas for future sessions, here are some of my favorite nearby spots that also work great for child and family portraits:
- 🌆 Tempe Center for the Arts – Modern architecture, reflection pools, and desert touches
- 🌸 Mesa Community College Rose Garden – Bright florals and easy access parking
- 🌿 Papago Park – Natural desert tones and glowing red rock at sunset
- 🪵 Scorpion Gulch – Rustic desert structures, perfect for an adventurous look
Each location brings its own personality — just like your child!
Ready to Plan Your Own Child or Tween Portrait Session?
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a milestone, or just want to capture your child’s personality as they grow, Downtown Phoenix is such a fun and versatile spot for photos.
With endless backdrops, creative vibes, and space to explore, your child will feel totally at ease — and you’ll end up with photos that show exactly who they are right now.
I’d love to create something beautiful (and colorful!) for your family, too. Let’s plan your perfect session together!
