Ponderosa Senior photography

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…

I don’t know about you but when someone says “I’m going to take a year abroad” my mind wanders off into an exciting place; fresh exploration and adventure steeping in cultural uniqueness, interesting conversations, delectable food, and the general aliveness one feels while traveling and exploring new ground. Rylie, is heading to Germany after graduation and plans to travel through Europe on her “year abroad”—just SAYING that gets me going! She’s been in German class for the last two years getting ready and while she admits to a little nervousness, and believe me, we all feel that, she will be…

Aalijah graduates this spring from Pacific Crest Academy with the Class of 2025. I enjoyed getting to know him and his mom, Sarahkay as we moved through the fall wonderland I have access to up in Camino. It’s a spectacular and private location- you’ll love it too. It took me a bit to gain Aalijah’s trust and dig into some expressions that weren’t planned. He’s got a great smile but you had to find the real ones through his politeness. I enjoy that. Aalijah came to me through a local referral, the Coggiolas. He plans to study biology and business…

Beautiful Sofia. We had originally met at 24 Carrot Farm for their gorgeous flower backdrop but we got started a little late. Just as the last little bit of sun was tucking away over the hillside and Sofia drove in, we decided to split her session so we did half of it up at Sly Park Lake where the light lingers a little longer and then came back to 24 Carrot the next day, a little earlier for the flowers and some warm sunshine. It worked out great and I was happy to accommodate Sofia as her family have been…

You studied, you tested, you worked hard for years, and the time is officially here! It’s time to start thinking about senior photographs and I’m eager to collaborate with you to create photographs that you love. As a photographer, I want to make sure you are comfortable and having fun during your session.

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…

Multipotentialite– new word for me. Someone who has many interests and creative pursuits, and the ability to excel in two or more different fields. Multipotentialites are often very curious, and can find creative ways to combine different ideas. They can also learn, explore, and master new skills, and have the potential to innovate and solve problems. I think this describes Nate to a T! During Nate’s senior session, I realized both in conversation with him and in actual doing…he loves using his hands and also building things. He is currently building a lighthouse for his school prom. He’s also built…

I discovered quickly that I could not move the jumping obstacles to where I wanted them …sigh. I kept sending him back for another loop. He didn’t care. He was stoked that his senior session turned into a photo session showcasing his motocross passion.