Life

I think it went something like this… Kaydence, Amber’s oldest, performed at Rockin’ on the Ridge, a broad showcase of musical talent from the guitar club. “Little” Kaydence wasn’t so little anymore and all of us who saw her live or on social media the next day, saw it too. I remember thinking to myself, “Is that really Kaydence?” Amber must have thought to herself, as many of us are thinking in these end-of -the-school-year days, “Omg, what the heck happened?” Shortly thereafter, I received an email from Amber asking if we could go out and capture some images of…

It was about a week before Christmas and I had just purchased a brand-spanking-new Nikon camera and had a big family session planned for the weekend. I wanted to test my new baby in a portrait setting so late one night I reached out to a couple friends to see if they were free the next afternoon and the lovely Miss Macy was. We squeezed her images in after school and before dance in about 30-45 minutes – such is the life of a busy middle schooler! The best part? Macy got to surprise her mom and dad with a couple 8×10’s…

It’s so hard to believe Graydon just turned five. Having known his parents since 2009 and having had the incredible honor of photographing his birth, I sit back and wonder…5 years ago? Really? It was wonderful to get out by the river with this very busy five year old and his dad, Tom.  Tom is great dad and one of the most genuinely kind people I know. Graydon is awesome and full of big hugs…well, and very busy feet. I spent about 5 minutes capturing Graydon exploring the riverside before I increased my shutter speed 3-4x to make sure to…

“It’s so us.” Three words that are like sonic gold to any lifestyle photographer’s ear!  When Cheree called me about doing a workday session at their property, I was instantly intrigued.  I have had the good fortune to photograph this family on many occasions, from anniversaries to graduations and holidays to all of those happy milestones in between.  And here was yet another milestone in their lives: some good ol’ DIY construction.  You see, when a cedar tree falls on the Haffner property, they don’t make lemonade, they saw that sucker down and build an addition on to their happy home.  Getting…

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On January 21 I participated in the #WomensMarch in #Sacramento. I volunteered my time to the Women’s March organizers to document this event after my good friend and colleague, Michelle McDaid offered up our services. There were no individual stars in this event like the many brides and grooms that I photograph every weekend capturing weddings. This event was about all of our collective voices joining together, and choosing together not to remain silent or compliant. Like those that have paved the way for my own rights, I felt compelled to continue to pave the way for my daughter’s rights…

What a difference four years makes!  It was a pleasure to reconnect with the McCann Family this fall at one of my favorite places, Sly Park Lake, and see how much this gorgeous family has grown.  I always say one of the greatest rewards of my career is that I get to work with families many times over the years and in a sense, grow with them!  In 2012 when I photographed the McCann Family at Boeger Winery, youngest daughter Ellie was just a baby and big sister Hailee a smiling tot.  Today they are two beautiful little girls with an…

When longterm clients become longtime friends, I know that my business is exactly everything I’d hoped it to be.  That’s what it is like with the Anderson family.  I met them when their youngest child Ryan was still an infant and have been blessed to watch them grow and evolve as a family ever since.  Even with their busy schedules (full-time jobs for both mom and dad, plus part-time soccer coaching, along with soccer playing for the kids) they still are able to find time for annual family photography.  Even if that means a sunset arrival for their afternoon session!  Doesn’t matter; when…

When you’re a professional wedding and family photographer, you spend a lot of time photographing other people having fun, but don’t always capture images of your own fun times.  You’ve got to set the camera down sometime!  That was the plan when I headed to the Camp Wakka Chikka music festival Labor Day weekend: just some real R&R with family, music, food, and dancing.  Still, being a photographer, I always have to have at least one camera and lens in my bag as insurance against those “I can’t believe I missed that shot!!” moments.  Fortunately for me (but unfortunately for my…