A-SESSION LOCATIONS- Foothills

Some senior sessions are about celebrating what’s ahead. Others become a way to honor what’s being left behind. Charlie’s session held both. We met at his family home in Pleasant Valley, a place filled with generations of history and memories. Originally purchased by his great-grandfather, the property became the backdrop for decades of family life. Charlie’s mom and aunt grew up there, along with all the cousins who spent holidays, summers, and countless family gatherings surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. The home sits high above Pleasant Valley with a breathtaking 180-degree northern view — wide open skies, rolling…

Ayla’s golden hour senior session in Coloma: Union Mine, Class of 2026 Easygoing, fun, and naturally funny, this Union Mine High School senior brought lots of personality to her session—complete with her signature shoulder shimmy, which I hear she may even be famous for among her friends. A lover of theatre, reading, and writing, she’s found not just creativity but true community on stage. That sense of connection is what every high schooler hopes to find in the four years defined as high school. Her favorite musical artists are Noah Kahan, Hozier, Mumford & Sons, and The Lumineers. It makes…

There’s something quietly powerful about the work Emily Bouchard does. It lives in the spaces most people avoid—family dynamics, trust, and the often complicated conversations around wealth—but she approaches it with a steadiness that immediately puts you at ease. I felt that from her. With more than two decades of experience, Emily has dedicated her career to supporting family offices and multigenerational families as they navigate not just money, but relationships, legacy, and meaning. Her work is about helping families build genuine trust and coherence across generations. She’s also the co-author of The Little Book of Trust and Money: An…

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,…