Community over competition
Great photographers come to you with a community..
I don't know about you, but I love a small business that works well with others. I love to see people, in any capacity, gather to learn and build each other up. People that have each others' backs, pay attention to detail, and hype you up when you need it are especially the kind I want when making memories last forever.
When you look to book any one of us, you can trust that we have a team at our back to cheer each other on, and I'd like to introduce you to five of those amazing Tucson photographers!
What does it mean to be a photographer with a community?
It means that when you ask for a date that I’m not available, I don’t just say "sorry, I can’t help you." I point you to someone I trust to give you a great experience.
And if you have a vision that requires props to set up, I have fellow photographers, party planners, and creative people in my circle who might just have the props that I don’t!
In short, a photographer with a community is someone you can rely on.
How did we even meet?
Originally it started as a post along the lines of: "I need branding pictures and was hoping that someone else would want to take them for me in exchange for pictures of you."
I, like others, quickly commented that I also really wanted some photos and would love to swap. Next thing I knew, we were in a group chat seven people deep and had plans for July 27th. Pinterest boards were being swapped. Kaylla was bringing stools. I had a loveseat. We needed newspaper and a black sharpie. Did anyone have a disco ball? A prism? Nevermind, we can move on without those this time. It was truly a collective effort to ask everyone if they had what they wanted/needed for the poses we would each go for.
It's a tale as old as time, really. When us five photographers found ourselves in a group chat for this photoshoot, we were just hoping to each get some personal branding photos and have some fun, but by the time we got home I think we all realized that we had landed in a support group that we wanted to stay connected to. And in the time since then, our chat has already grown with new plans and lots of Q&A, and I have found myself constantly recommending people out to Ashley, Kaylla, Esperanza, and Chrissi. I genuinely admire all their different styles and approaches so much. If you have a photo shoot coming up, look no further than this post to help you narrow down your options of a talented variety of Tucson photographers.
Meet The Photographers
Getting to meet and interview and review all of these women's work has been an absolute joy! If you are looking for someone who matches your style and vibe, these ladies are each so incredibly talented and love what they do. These questions don't even scratch the surface, but hopefully help you feel a connection to which of us will be the best fit to bring your vision to life!
Last, a disclaimer: all the photos in this post are my work, so you should definitely click the links provided to see each photographer's individual style of editing.
Kasey Boyack
kids, senior photos, small events, and creative couples shoots
Hey, that's me! You are here on my website, but in case we haven't met before, I have been a photographer for about two years in Marana, Arizona. Initially I took up landscape photography, and only really dove into the world of photographing people in January of 2025. You can read more about that here.
I grew up thinking I wasn't a creative or artsy person, but also adoring every sunset and flower and beautiful thing that I saw. And eventually as an adult I realized, being able to pause and see beautiful things is art, and that there were things noone else would ever see the way I do unless I could make them see it. And long story short, photography has been my entire personality ever since.
My family is so supportive and I just love getting to be creative in this way. If you want kids photography, senior photos, small events, or creative couples shoots, I love to capture a moment in motion and lead high energy shoots with kids and young adults.
Chrissi Engstrom
doula and newborn photographer
Chrissi has been a uniquely talented newborn photographer for two years, serving all of Tucson and Sierra Vista.
Kasey:What makes you different from other photographers?
Chrissi: I’m primarily a birth doula and focus on birth photography. Pregnancy, labor, birth & postpartum is special transformative time for families. There’s layers of support that I provide in addition to pictures, mental preparation for birth, information to help families choose the specifics for the birth of their baby, and emotional and physical support throughout the journey.
Especially during birth, the moments pass quickly and hormones can sometimes impact our memory of our babies entrance in to the world. I find the birth photography is so special for that reason and a lot of times can help new families process the experience while having the option to reminisce in the moments forever.
Kasey: Can you share a success story about a customer who was touched by your work?
Chrissi: These types of photos are highly treasured. Even for families whose birth didn’t go to plan, these pictures help recognize their birth from an objective perspective and appreciate all the beautiful moments and wide spectrum of feelings from their birth.
One example of this, was with a client whose birth did not go to plan. Being able to reflect back on the moments of her strength and resilience getting through one of the most challenging times of her life, helped her accept how her birth played out to bring her baby safely into this world.
Another example is from a clients birth that went exactly how she planned it to go. Looking back at the photos she was in awe of her own ability and the support of those around her.
Contact: SacredMomentsDoula.com
Esperanza Elaine
weddings, elopements, and family photos.
Esperanza has been a photographer for 4 years and is so bold and creative in wanting to try new things. She serves all of Tucson, Phoenix, and as far out as Benson too, specializing in weddings, elopements, and family photos.
Kasey: Can you describe a specific project or accomplishment that you are proud of with your photography?
Esperanza: I LOOOOOOVE to donate! My first year of photography I did a few silent auctions as well as donated my time to the Mansfield middle school. For about six months after, I had parents messaging me asking me if I had availability because they loved my work and how I worked with the kids.
Kasey: When you aren't taking and editing pictures, what do you spend your time doing?
Esperanza: Editing. It’s criminal how much time I spend in front of my computer. Outside of editing, I love to paint, go on hikes, and read!
Contact: https://www.hintofhope.com/
Ashley Gutierrez
boudoir, couples, weddings, family, and newborn photography
Ashley has been a photographer for roughly 8 years, specializing in family, boudoir, couples, weddings, and newborn photography,
and serves all of Tucson & Sahuarita area and is open to traveling the state.
Kasey: Why did you get started in photography?
Ashley: I’ve always been drawn to photography and videography. As a kid, I imagined life like a movie—mine and everyone else’s. Now, I love creating still images that let people see themselves as the main character in their own story.
Kasey: What is your support system like, and who is involved behind the scenes that makes being a photographer a reality for you?
Ashley: I have a strong support system with my family and close friends. I do everything for my son, who inspires me to keep going and stretch my creativity.
Contact: https://timelessbyashley.mypixieset.com/
Kaylla Pasquale
family, boudoir, couples, elopements, and other styles of shoots
Kaylla has been a photographer for 11 years now and it shows! She is based in Oro Valley but travels around Arizona specializing in family, boudoir, couples, elopements, and other styles of shoots.
Kasey: Can you share a success story about a customer who was touched by your work?
Kaylla: I did my clients maternity/Valentine’s Day session, she came back and asked to do a Mother's Day session. She ended up surprising me with my photos on her nails! She was so obsessed and in love with that photoshoot she broadcast my work on her nails for her baby shower and the session.
Kasey: What is something interesting, a fun fact about you?
Kaylla: I have been the “pregnant photographer"! Every time there is a peak in photoshoots, normally around summer, I am pregnant as can be, walking/hiking in the desert to make sure I can capture those beautiful moments of my clients.
