Graduations

Back in 2020 we had plans to do Ryan’s High School graduation photos but COVID got in the way and time moved forward in the blink of an eye,  another 4-5 years to be exact. I was so glad when I got the call to get to capture another of  Ryan’s graduations, this time from the University of California at Davis. I met up with his mom, Meredith and brother, Ian and moved around to all the great spots. What a beautiful campus, and the late afternoon light is fabulous. There were many graduates and photographers on campus that night-…

Get involved in something. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Do your best with your schoolwork, but find a passion project too. Saying hi and smiling can brighten someone else’s day

When he’s not busy (I wonder when that happens?), he loves hanging out with friends, working out at the gym, playing spike ball and Xbox, and playing golf. He’s also an avid Chicago sports fan but also loves his hometown Kings.

Anthony(Ant, Tony) is down to earth, easygoing, positive, playful and up for anything (even a shot of pinecones surrounding his head- just ’cause.). While others might first notice his athletic abilities as a quarterback, what stood front and center to me was his genuine kindness. I’ve met some of the loveliest young adults that have come through ELDO- Anthony included. He will graduate from El Dorado High School in May, Class of 2023. He’s been playing football for seven years and a quarterback for the ELDO football team for four years where his father was the head coach. In fact,…

G.E.T.T.O. an acronym that she learned from summer camp- “give everything to every opportunity”.  She expresses, “Oftentimes we have the mindset that we “have to” do things in high school rather than “get to”… remembering the acronym allows us to be present and grateful for each moment and take each opportunity that four years in high school provide us.”

In the blink of an eye (my eye anyway), Shirin is a senior and will be graduating very soon from the French American International High School in San Francisco. I have been photographing her family since she was about 2 years old. It was such a beautiful and sunny morning in Oakland and I met her mom, Negar for breakfast before we headed up to the UC Botanical Garden. Having worked with this family over the last two decades, they knew the drill- walk around, hunt for light, and pop a little light in as needed. Thanks to my fabulous…

Ian is a tenor who sings for the Castro Valley High School Madrigals and he just made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  He also plays piano. He will be studying psychology at Sonoma State University this fall. I love photographing seniors and capturing this moment in time for them with so much to look forward to- it can be contagious.

I recently met the Hough family at Sly Park Lake to celebrate Elizabeth’s graduation from Union Mine High School this past May. Of course, I wanted to make sure we captured the whole family too, as this is a big milestone. Being able to watch your child graduate from High School is an important milestone and even more important to my dear friend, Lindia. Set your goals and make them happen. Move forward in positivity and grace. Have gratitude for each day. These are just a few of the things I have learned from in part from Lindia over the…

Allison writes, sings, plays guitar, and has been playing upright with the Folsom Lake Symphony for two years which is quite an accomplishment for anyone, but also someone her age. She’s got the whole package including dedication. I can’t wait to see where she takes these coming years, because it will be really cool. Watch…and listen.