See Why Seniors (and Their Moms) Love the Experience
A great reputation doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built one happy client at a time. Since 2009, I’ve worked with hundreds of teens and their families to create portraits that are anything but basic. From stylish, personality-packed sessions to heirloom albums and keepsakes, I’m here to turn big milestones into unforgettable memories.
Awards are never the goal, it’s pretty awesome to have this little biz recognized by industry leaders, publications, and most importantly—my amazing clients!

Top Rated Photographer in Arizona
Ranked #2 in the Entire State by Top Rated Local® (2021–2024)
According to Top Rated Local®, I’m officially the #2 photographer in all of Arizona—and the only one from the Phoenix area to snag a top spot!
With a glowing 98% satisfaction rating based on reviews from across the web, this ranking is powered by the people who matter most: my clients. It’s not just about taking pretty photos—it’s about the full experience, and clearly, people are loving it!
This kind of recognition makes my heart happy because it reflects everything that happens behind the lens—like styling outfits, designing keepsakes, and making seniors feel like total rockstars. So yes, I may have done a little happy dance (or two) when the results came in!


Mesa’s Best Photographer
Expertise.com – Best Portrait Photographer in Mesa (2019–2024)
Back when Expertise was still ranking photographers, I was consistently listed as one of the top portrait photographers in Mesa—six years in a row! Out of 150+ photographers, I landed in the top 6 based on things like professionalism, reputation, and overall vibe (okay, maybe not “vibe,” but let’s be real… that matters too!)
While they’ve hit pause on their lists, that stretch of wins still makes me smile. It’s a reminder of how far Magical Memories has come—and how much love has gone into building this biz from the ground up.


These honors fuel the fire—but the real joy comes from watching seniors light up when they see their photos!












Best Pros in Town, Too? You Bet!
Another recent recognition? Best Pros in Town listed me among Mesa’s most highly rated professional photographers. With over 100 five-star Google reviews, this award feels extra meaningful because it’s fueled by the words and experiences of the clients I’ve had the joy of working with.
These reviews are more than just stars—they’re proof that the experience I offer is trusted, consistent, and worth remembering.




Being recognized as one of Mesa’s best photographers is such an honor—but honestly, the real win is hearing “These feel so me” from seniors and “I’m so glad we did this” from their parents. That trust means everything! I’m here to make sure every senior feels confident in front of the camera, and every family walks away with artwork they’ll love forever.
Featured in Leading Senior Photography Publications
Over the years, My work has been recognized with award‑winning senior pictures and published in top senior magazines—proof that meaningful, personality‑driven images stand out in a crowded field. Here are just a few of the highlights:






- Senior Year Magazine: Featured in their “Best of 2024” edition, this publication is a huge honor! My work was selected as some of the finest senior portrait photography out there, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognized.
- Teen Years Magazine: This fun, vibrant magazine is all about capturing the energy and excitement of teen years, and I’m proud to be featured with a session that really showcases the personality of the teens I work with.
- SeniorSzn Magazine: SeniorSzn is known for highlighting the top senior photographers across the country, and I’m honored to be among their featured photographers.
- SeniorMUSE: This magazine is a BIG deal in the senior photography world, and being featured here is a massive milestone in my career. My work in the senior portrait space is showcased alongside some of the industry’s best.
If you’re curious about what it takes to get published in top senior photography magazines, read my interview with one of the editors where we discuss what sets my work apart and how I create memorable senior portrait sessions.
Always Learning, Always Growing
I’ve been photographing seniors since 2009, and somehow—I’m even more obsessed with it now than when I started! Over the years, I’ve been named one of Senior Year Magazine’s Top 100 Photographers and featured among the Top 200 Senior Photographers Worldwide—but the real growth comes from always pushing myself to learn, evolve, and find new ways to elevate every session!
Consistency. Care. Creativity.
What truly sets this experience apart? It’s the attention to detail in every single step. I limit the number of sessions I take so each client gets a relaxed, personalized experience—from styling to location to designer artwork. I’m not here to hand you a gallery and call it a day. I’m here to help you create something you’ll still love years from now!


Class of 2026: Ready to Work with One of Arizona’s Best Photographers?
If you’re looking for senior pictures that actually feel like you, I got you! Whether it’s daytime desert vibes or a glam shoot after dark, your session will be creative, stress-free, and totally personalized. Want to stay ahead on everything else senior‑year related (deadlines, college apps, fun milestones)? Check out my Senior Year Planning Guide so nothing slips through the cracks.
Are you ready to start planning your senior session? For details, session options, and what’s included, just download the Senior Client Welcome Guide to see how the whole process works!
Keep the Ideas Coming…
Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!
Got a few more tabs open? Same! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:
→ When to Book Senior Pictures
→ Best Places to Take Senior Pictures in Phoenix
→ Ideas for Senior Pictures at Night
40 Responses
Congratulations on your award! It sounds like you try to provide top notch quality for your clients!
Thank you so much! I definitely want the very best for all my portrait clients!
Congratulations on all the well deserved recognition for your beautiful senior portraits! It is clear that you pour your heart and soul into your work as the best portrait photographer in Mesa AZ.
Thanks Jeanine, I really appreciate your sweet comments!
Congratulations on the accomplishments that you have made and all the great reviews. I love how this blog post tells so much information on how hard you work to strive for the best for your seniors ands their parents.
Thanks so much Shunta!! You know how much I love my seniors!
Honored to know you and as a peer of this craft I couldn’t agree more. This achievement is well deserved. Congratulations on this honor of best portrait photographer in Mesa.
Thanks Andrea! I love how our photography group all sticks together!
Congratulations on being named Best Portrait Photographer in Mesa for the 3rd time! Well deserved! Your work is beautiful and you go all out for your clients!
Hey Jeanine! Tough competition here, so it’s always great to be recognized! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
What an honor this must be for you to be named Best Portrait Photographer in Mesa. So amazing!!
Thanks so much Jodi! I’m always thrilled to be named one of the Phoenix area’s top photographers! Couldn’t do it without amazing clients!
Huge congrats on being named Mesa’s Best Portrait Photographer 3 years in a row!!!
Thanks so much Brandi! I’m pretty excited! 🙂
2 years later and you are still the best senior photographer in Mesa!
Thank you so much, Brandi! I love that you are always so supportive!
Congratulations on best portrait photographer in Mesa! I’ll definitely need to reach out next time I’m in the area!!!
Thanks so much Bree! I’d love to meet you! 🙂
Congratulations once again Michelle for this title of Best Portrait Photographer for Seniors. Your consistency in the business, professionalism and creativity combined with amazing client satisfaction makes you shine way above the rest! I so enjoy your senior photography photos!
Thanks Andrea! I’m glad we get to enjoy each other’s work and grow our businesses together!
Huge congrats on all of your awards and recognitions!! It’s clear you are Arizona’s top senior portrait photographer, and that title is well deserved!
Awww, thanks so much Ashleigh! I really appreciate all your support!
Congratulations to you Michelle for this fine recognition! It is evident in your work that you stand out as the best senior portrait in Mesa. I am pleased to see the awards rolling in!
Thank you so much Andrea! You have always been so supportive and I really appreciate you!
Year after year you are recognized for your incredible work and how well you treat your clients! It’s such a testament to who you are and how amazing your business is! Congrats on another year as Mesa’s top photographer!
Thank you so much Brandi! You’ve always been so supportive and I really appreciate you!
Wow! Well-deserved accolades for your wonderful professional photography through the years and into 2024! It’s clear you are THE Mesa Photographer of choice!
Thank you so much Jeanine! I appreciate you taking the time to read about my awards!
Congratulations on your well deserved award. Your work is exquisite, and it’s obvious from your session shares that your seniors receive top level service, a session curated to their personalities, and a very fun time. So happy for you being named Mesa’s top photographer for a 6 years running!
Thank you so much Carla!
Congratulations–you are such an awesome photographer!
Thanks so much Susan!
This list of accomplishments and recognition speaks volumes about your work and dedication to making your sessions amazing. Best of Mesa again! WOW. You are a rockstar.
Thank you Jody!
Congratulations on 6 straight years of being Best Portrait Photographer Mesa AZ! That’s wonderful. Your consistency in serving and delivering amazing photos to your seniors is too notch!
Thank you so much for always supporting me!
Congratulations on being the best Mesa Photographer! This is amazing! So happy for you
Thank you Jodi! I appreciate you supporting me all these years!
Congratulations on such prestigious accomplishments!! These are much deserved accolades!!
Thank you so much Ashleigh!!