A-SESSION LOCATIONS- Foothills

Noah is the kind of senior who makes the future feel calm instead of loud. This spring, he graduates from Mountainside Middle College High School in Diamond Springs with a brain wired for math and science, hands that love building Legos, and a creative streak that shows up in art and colored pencils. We met in Placerville and headed toward one of my favorite hillside spots above downtown, the light shifting as the sun slipped in and out of the clouds—fitting for someone who’s comfortable moving between logic and imagination. When he’s not biking or problem-solving, he’s looking ahead: Italy…

When everything feels heavy, some stories still shine. This dynamic high school senior came into our lives during the Caldor Fire, when her family generously opened their home to us while we were evacuated. In the middle of a different kind of heaviness, their home became a refuge — something my family will never forget. Rebecca attends Mountainside Middle College High School and somehow balances it all: piano, vocal and dance lessons, working outside of school, paying attention to the bigger picture, and dreaming big — whether that’s becoming a K-pop idol or teaching English in Korea someday. Photographing her…

One of my end-of-fall sessions took place at my favorite private location in Camino—one that absolutely sings when autumn hits its peak. The colors this time of year never disappoint, and they created the perfect backdrop for a session. I’ve been photographing Tom’s son, Graydon since the day he was born—literally—which makes every session with him extra special. Watching him grow through my lens over the years is such a lovely experience. It’s always a treat to spend time with my friend Tom, whose presence brings so much warmth and ease to every shoot. This session was made even more…

  I’m a photographer with a camera… well, a few of them. And honestly, I feel like the luckiest person in the world. I get to do a job I love, and year after year, I get to meet incredible people and stay connected with them as their lives grow and change. The Hayashi family is no exception. From Ross and Kristy’s wedding over 16 years ago, we hit it off right away, and over the years Ross and I have swapped photography tips and gear ideas like photography junkies should. And while we don’t do this every year, this…

Austin, the last of the Zugnoni brothers, is graduating! First was Ethan, Class of 2020, then Collin, Class of 2022 and now Austin will join Vista del Lago’s Class of 2025. By looking at his photographs, you may have sorted out that he loves football his girlfriend, Camryn and his mom, of course:)  Looking for big blue skies and rolling hills, we headed out to Cronin Ranch. His kindness, easy-going personality, and handsome smile made capturing his senior pictures enjoyable. I got a chance to catch up with his mom on the walk to the location while watching him and…

Another Schafer brother is heading towards graduation. I enjoyed capturing these photographs for Cathy and Brad and for Owen too, but maybe he doesn’t know it yet 🙂 Ok, Owen I’m just kidding around with you. Thank you for allowing me the honor of spending a late afternoon getting to know you better and for kidding around with me, too. Owen was on the ski team like many ELDO seniors I photograph. He also playes baritone sax in the marching band and enjoys surfing, kayaking and playing guitar. His favorite bands are Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead and Billy Joel. This fall,…

I first photographed the Ellis family when Ava and Ruby were very young. A couple years back we got together again to celebrate Ava’s high school graduation with a combo senior/family session. Last week, it was time to celebrate Ruby and her upcoming graduation from St. Francis High School. We did a combo senior/sister shoot. I love capturing sisters and siblings and also getting a chance to catch up with Ava. Of course, we had to include Poppy the beloved family doggie.. Animals are great for neutralizing the energy but in this case, it seemed the sisters were the ones…

Sophia is another of those kids, turned adult, who my kids, turned adults, grew up alongside in our small town. Sophia is lovely and I had a great time photographing her. What a beautiful smile- and so much kindness is felt in her presence. Time certainly flies. She graduates from El Dorado High next month and then heads to Chico State to study Criminal Justice. Her sister, Ella also attends Chico State. How great to have someone to show you the ropes! Enjoy this next month and your upcoming adventure. Here are some of my favorites – your complete gallery…

Beautiful Greta…on a glorious sunny day out in the green, green hills at Cronin Ranch. Greta will join the Class of 2025 this spring when. she graduates from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills. She was referred from a favorite family of mine so I knew it was going to be fun. Grateful for those referrals, always. I loved her energy, playfulness and kind heart. She loves all-things skiing, hiking, hanging out with friends and playing with her cute pup, Reese.  She heads to the University of Utah this fall and her grin in her new-found college-wear says…