These two are such an easy going couple. We got to play around at their amazing wedding venue in the sprinkling of rain for some engagement photographs, a week ago. Cory and Jessica are exchanging their vows this fall at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards in Cool, Ca. Cool, huh? Oh, and we found lupines! Looking forward to it all, Jessica and Cory.

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.…

I first met the Ellis family for some photographs about 16 years ago. They got in touch this year as Ava, their oldest was graduating from St. Francis High School. We included the whole family since it was time for some updated photographs. Ava runs cross-country and track and is planning on attending college locally, studying abroad and then transferring to a UC. Ruby, Ava’s younger sister plays soccer and loves creating visual art. It was great to reconnect with this family after so long. Wishing you the best next year, Ava.

Hollyn and Linden attend Union Mine High School and will graduate this May. They both teach swimming and laughed in unison when they told me they always smell like chlorine.

Engagement sessions are so great because you come away knowing alot about a couple and how they are with each other, outside of their wedding day, and before their wedding day. Additionally, they get to know and feel more comfortable with me. It’s always a win.

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.”

Who doesn’t love a cake smash to celebrate a birthday…and with this cutie? This cake smash wraps up a whole year of sessions with the Skalos family starting with Shannon’s pregnancy and their family of three. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Ava. (thanks Ember for your help assisting) and we’re starting a new life…. Baby Ava, Newborn session Ava is 6 months old! Let’s head to Apple Hill!

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 first met Jordan and Chris while photographing some dear friends of theirs, Cherise and Chris, getting married. This was back in 2010. In fact, an image I shot at that wedding of Jordan and Cherise, having a moment is still one of my favorites. Fast forward 13 years and a lot can happen.

The light streaming into their new home was to die for not to mention a beautiful and sunny day after so much rain. Nervous like many clients, exclaiming that they didn’t know what to do in front of the camera, they quickly sorted out that playing and loving on Ella and each other was a natural way to get started. It was easy for them and sometimes just announcing your nervousness is the best thing.

It’s puppy time. Bring on the Bichons. Getting to spend a couple of hours smothered in puppy love was just what the doctor ordered after all of this snow and rain. I was so glad when Laura asked me to come out to visit before they all those fluffy white cuties went to their new homes. All my friends kept asking me if I picked one up for our home. Having just got both of our kids into college, my response was “I’m done child-rearing for now, but they sure are sweet”. Much love to you and Martin!