Sly Park-Pollock Pines

The Colby’s moved in across the street three years ago. Shortly after that, my daughter Ember started babysitting for little Kai who was a precocious 2 years old and that opened the door to a broader friendship with our families.  Elora Soleil who shares a middle name with my Ember Soleil, joined their family two years ago. Kai is now 5 and Elora is 2.  I’ve had fun over the years getting to know their family and getting to photograph them. It’s such a life treat to have lovely neighbors. This session was about capturing them in their mountain home…

I’ve photographed Jordan’s family over the years many times including weddings, pregnancy, birth, family….and now they are living in Belgium where Jordan will join them to attend University upon graduating from his high school in Sacramento and he can’t wait! We met up for golden hour last week and captured some images to mark his achievement and it was great reconnecting with him since it has been years. He is sweet, kind and confident- eyes wide open with the world in front of him- and he is ready and looking forward to what is next. He enjoys bowling and the…

It was super fun to get together with the O’Neil family, with Jackson next up to graduate and Hunter back in town from the UK. We spent a lot of time laughing and joking and their family has a casual ease with each other which makes it easy to keep things loose and playful. Instead of just a senior session we did a family session but concentrated on, and celebrated Jackson. Jackson is graduating early. During 2020 and Covid, he tested out of 8th grade and then went to Washington Middle College High School in Sacramento where he took high…

Briseida (meaning distinguished, helpful in Spanish) She’s so full of life and that big smile and warm personality just draws you right in. We met up at Sly Park Lake to celebrate her upcoming graduation from Union Mine High School in Placerville. When I asked her how she would describe her style prior to the session she said, “the weather chooses my mood and outfits to be honest”. Briseida also means “breeze” in Latin which I think is also a perfect description of this lovely young burst of energy, blowing from here to there. She enjoys volleyball, traveling, hiking and…

Beautiful, Sophia with a gentle, kind and playful personality graduates this May with the Class of 2024. At Union Mine High School she has been the assistant director for their Theater performances. Communication, time management, dedication, enthusiasm, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure-these are great skills to learn in high school and she loves being part of the team that gives a performance shape and brings it to life from the side of the stage. I was so glad when her mom, Annette reached out to me as our kids were together in grade school. In addition to…

Well, this session was a couple of years in the planning. With Eric and Ginger’s home finally repaired from the destruction of the Caldor fire two years ago, and Laurie and Jason’s daughter, Myra heading off to college in Santa Cruz soon, the time was right. I met the extended Schlavin/Pittman families out at the lake and on Grandparent’s Day too! Both of my kids were lucky enough to be “Schlavin Middle School alums” and my oldest, Jaz was in town from Scotland and got to help me out on this one…like old times. I enjoyed meeting Eric and Laurie’s…

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,…

And it’s almost a wrap for Ryan- at least for high school anyway! Sure, it is all about the music for him, but it’s also about soccer and lacrosse too. Oh, and that other little decision about where to go to college. Will it be the University of Oregon or Arizona State? Still deciding. I’ve been photographing Ryan and his family annually since he was born. Still shaking my head at the thought of it. He’s such a great guy with a sweet smile. He’s genuine, kind, funny, talented and easygoing. Of course he is…he’s got awesome and supportive parents.…

It was great to get out with Ella and Erika (and mama’s Natalie and Christine) who chose to share a senior session. I love these sessions and especially experiencing how good friends support each other. I’ve known Ella and Erika since they were in kindergarten as they played soccer with my youngest daughter, back in the day. I think my husband was an assistant coach with Erika’s dad. Anyway, it’s amazing that here they are, putting the finishing touches on high school and ready to jump into what is next. Ella is beautiful, with an amazing, bright smile that shines…