Seniors

Get involved in something. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Do your best with your schoolwork, but find a passion project too. Saying hi and smiling can brighten someone else’s day

It was so wonderful to get to photograph Tom and Jillian’s senior photos celebrating their graduation from Oak Ridge High School. Tom is handsome with those gorgeous blue eyes and so sweet and kind. He loves all things computer games! Jillian-poised, with those deep brown eyes, beautiful hair and bright smile is also such a sweetie. She sang for me during the session having just returned with her choral group from performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City! Amazing. 

She was on a Cheer Team from Kindergarten through Junior year and then chose to intern in a dental office, senior year, to become a dental assistant while she goes to college. This fall she is moving to San Luis Obispo to attend a community college for 2 years and working as a dental assistant. The ocean calls her however, and she would like to transfer to a good dental school near the ocean.

When he’s not busy (I wonder when that happens?), he loves hanging out with friends, working out at the gym, playing spike ball and Xbox, and playing golf. He’s also an avid Chicago sports fan but also loves his hometown Kings.

Anthony(Ant, Tony) is down to earth, easygoing, positive, playful and up for anything (even a shot of pinecones surrounding his head- just ’cause.). While others might first notice his athletic abilities as a quarterback, what stood front and center to me was his genuine kindness. I’ve met some of the loveliest young adults that have come through ELDO- Anthony included. He will graduate from El Dorado High School in May, Class of 2023. He’s been playing football for seven years and a quarterback for the ELDO football team for four years where his father was the head coach. In fact,…

I met up with Walden, his cool sunglasses, and his parents’ (Cathy and Brad) in Coloma last week. He came referred to me from The Celio/McCallick family and it doesn’t surprise me that Tracy knew we’d work well together.  It was a session to celebrate Walden’s big accomplishment surrounded in the natural beauty of the great outdoors. The river was pretty high so we quickly shifted from Henningsen Park in Lotus to over by Mt. Murphy and the road bridge of the same name. Walden was easygoing, super positive and fun to work with. He has skied for the EDHS…

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.