Sly Park-Pollock Pines

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing the O’rilley kids for years, while simultaneously providing tissues to Trisa as she watched each of her ‘not babies anymore’ approach their high school graduation.

On a very cold and gusty day, we headed out to photograph the most lovely Hailey, at Sly Park Lake. Wow! That smile, those eyes and effortless connection with the camera made it pretty easy to ignore the chill.  In addition to her natural beauty, what really struck me was Hailey’s kind and sweet spirit. You felt her kindness being around her. And, what a trooper she was! I kept saying, “Put on your coat- stay warm” between locations. I’m sure glad she brought a hat as it helped to keep her amazing head of hair from blowing away. Photographing…

Look how much these two kids have grown, HA -and their adult parents too….though I must admit, they look the same as when I captured them on their wedding day at Fausel Ranch back in 2011.

A few years back I photographed Jack’s sister, Grace and made an easy connection with their mom, Pam. Jack is the middle child at the Harrison household and I was honored to get Pam’s request earlier this year to schedule a senior session for him. Jack attends Union Mine and will graduate this May. He’s passionate about civil rights and likes to discuss history, politics and current events. I turned both of them onto Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, professor and writer. I thought they too might enjoy her current news digest and historical insights. Jack also enjoys music and…

There is something about Juliana and her quiet beauty…inside, outside and all around her. This was just one of those sessions…and while I know it will be better for all of us with some rain to clear that smoke from our air, that soft lightbox of sunlight created by the smoke made for some spectacular light. I can’t think of a more lovely young lady that I would like to spend it with (well, other than my daughter, Ember who has been helping me out in the field). Juliana graduates this May from Virtual Academy and has a love for…

As I posted this, “new parents any day now” Brooke has arrived!  Courtney and Joel are going to be new parents any day now and I understand their excitement. They’re embarking on a journey that they really know nothing about first hand- but they’re moving forward with joy, love and anticipation for what is next, together. TOGETHER. This is such an amazing time for a couple. After many weekly calls to Courtney to reschedule due to weather, I finally got to meet them on a snowy(and sunny) late afternoon at Jenkinson Lake. (aka Sly Park Lake). And it’s a good…

Family photography session with The Norton family from Davis in gorgeous winter light at Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines, California

Well sorta….it was two Gray sessions in one weekend. We just split one session up….first was an early morning with Jack at the Cameron Park Airport before his flying lesson (really what teenagers want a family session at 7:30am?) and then the next afternoon I met the whole family at a more reasonable hour at Sly Park Lake. There’s so much love in and around this family- it’s always a pleasure. The love seeps in to those around. Melinda and I just determined that it has been since 2005 ish that we’ve known each other as our kids went through school…

I’m just going to come right out and say it. This was such a fun session. I’ve known Naomi since I photographed her in preschool and she and my oldest daughter participated in several activities together over the years before The Higgins Family moved to Folsom where Naomi now attends Oak Ridge High School. From an early age Naomi was all about swimming. She swam 6 hours a day(except Sunday when her family went to church). When she told me this, I kinda shook my head in disbelief and asked for clarification. She said, “from 4-7am and then again from…