Seniors

Friendly, smart, personable…another wonderful afternoon with a graduating El Dorado High School Senior-Dakota Keeton, Class of 2013. Dakota enjoys water polo and with a little prompting, he humbly told me about the several colleges he was applying to. He also expressed interest in traveling and living abroad after college, perhaps Chile in South America. We spent the last part of the session shooting in the sprinkler system facing the sunset. He commented that he wasn’t really getting that wet.  My gear and I on the other hand, were drenched!  I came home and let my gear dry out again, ready…

It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else that first weekend in June. This year marked my 28th Chatham Hall graduation: actually 29, if you include my own graduation back in 1984. I truly enjoy heading across country year after year and documenting this beautiful event in the rolling green hills of Chatham, Virginia. Over the years I have also been allowed the honor of photographing many of the faculty and staff as they have been celebrated for their contributions to this school. This year I photographed Dr. Black, my English teacher from junior year, for his retirement and 30 years…

From the babysitter of my young girls to a graduating El Dorado high school senior…Samantha is moving on to the next step in her life. She will be attending our local community college, staying close to her two sisters and Mom and Dad. Just days before graduation with the fear of rain on her big day, her smile still shone amongst the spring flowers. She’s so beautiful!  Congratulations Samantha and best wishes to you in the new adventures that await you. I wish you all the success, love and happiness that this world has to offer and that you are…

River, rocks and the Death Gap. Ok, Ryan didn’t make us jump the gap (thankfully) but we sure had fun in the outdoors down by the American River at Alder Creek Tract. Ryan is a senior at a local charter school in Camino and is about to graduate. Next fall he will start at Lake Tahoe Community College where he will be closer to one of his great loves… the snow! Ryan competed for the Sierra-at-Tahoe team. He yearns for adventure and I know one day we will see him on the cover of an extreme sports magazine. I’m so…

I’ve known Ashley for at least a good 8 years and it is truly amazing to see these kids grow up right before your own eyes. Being the individual that she is, Ashley introduced me to a new location for her photographs. She loved it and was comfortable there. For me, I love discovering new spots…the adventure of new spots! I enjoyed Ashley’s earthy spirit and am excited to learn of the gifts she offers this world in the coming years. Congratulations Ashley. Click Here to View your Slideshow!

Photographing a photographer; what a joy- two creative souls working toward a common end. And then the nerves of being watched. Hard to avoid those self judgements (“she must think I am crazy”).  I think Ashlynn and I both had nerves (for about 2 minutes) but that instantly dissipated into a creative jam session out in the field, me behind the camera and her in front. We were on a roll, we couldn’t stop and it was SO much fun. I LIVE FOR THAT FLOW! I’m not sure anything feels better than being in “the flow”. Working with Ashlynn was…

John claimed he doesn’t smile very often, but with the amount he was smiling during this session, I have a bit of trouble believing him. Shortly after graduation this year John’s heading off to boot camp to start his career with the Marines. As a Track and Field enthusiast I’m sure he’ll have no trouble at all doing all of those long-distance runs and push-ups that boot camp is famous for. Congratulations John and thanks to the Monsma family for trusting me to capture these transitions for you!

I first met Alex last year when he came along with his friend Miranda for her senior session. This year it was time for Alex’s senior session and he wanted to bring his parents along for the day (there’s something you just have to love about a teenager who’s willing to hang out with his parents for a bit). They seem to have a great relationship and as a parent, it is very nice to experience! Boeger is at its best this time of year and we all took in the fabulous fall colors! Congratulations Alex!

Alyssa’s senior shoot started out at a new location for me. The Cozmic Cafe in Placerville- I love that building- so much character! I also love new locations…it allows me the opportunity to think on my feet and also creatively as I work out a new spot and its’ light. Alyssa is a singer, and we had the opportunity to borrow their stage for a bit. It made for some fun portraits, and I even got Alyssa to sing for me for most of them. What a beautiful voice she has! After we finished with the stage, we headed up…