Seniors

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…

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-…

Kate is part of McClatchy High School’s Class of 2025 and will be graduating in another week or so.  What a fun time we had out at Sly Park Lake and Forebay Reservoir, chasing the evening light and creating a diverse series of images to capture her big, bold and playful personality. Did we have fun? You bet! She loves fashion design (go figure:), volleyball, soccer, reading, boating and hanging out with friends and family. She will attend UCLA this fall (woot woot) and in 10 years she sees herself living in NYC and working in the fashion industry and…

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’ve been photographing this gorgeous young woman since she was in pre-school at Pinetop Montessori so of course I said YES when I was asked to swing by and capture some images of her before she left for the prom for Union Mine High School held at Smith Flat House. As it is in Pollock Pines in the spring, you can’t really depend on the weather and there was a storm happening just up the hill. We were still able to capture some images outside in the sprinkle, well because Madison is fierce like that and a little rain wasn’t…

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…