Alder Creek

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.

Ethan recently graduated from Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom playing on their soccer team. He was referred to me from another Vista Del Lago soccer family. He is another one of those 2020 graduates that had the carpet swiped out from under their feet this spring and the soccer season too. But like many of the grads I’ve met this year, while disappointed, they are all taking it in stride. What can you do?

As I post these photographs, I think about the Class of 2020. I find myself reflecting about this year so far as it’s only June and we still have another seven months to go. What will 2021 bring? My thoughts take me forward a decade and even two decades as I think where will this country, world and planet be in 2030, 2040?

Sierra will be joining this landscape in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains any day now…in fact I just heard that mama, Allyson is on bed rest in order to keep their little one cooking for just a while longer. A few months ago, Allyson posted that she was looking to have some “real” maternity photographs captured during this important experience in her life but that their funds were limited. I instinctively reached out to her because I wanted to help her and it just felt like this was something I could do for her. With two kids away at school,…

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…

Ahhh, Simone.  Even her name is graceful!  Just like the lovely dancer that she is, Simone exudes a delicate beauty and poise that takes my breath away. When I arrived for her senior session, Simone subtly dropped that she had brought her toe shoes with her, and I not-so-subtly exclaimed that we MUST head upcountry for some dancing shots in the mountain sunset! (“text your mom, we’re going to be late”). Both nature and dancing have always been in my blood and I thrill at any chance to combine the two into an artistic expression of grace and beauty.  Simone…

I’ve been watching Taylor and Ryan grow at basically the same rate as my own kids. You see, our children are about the same age and I have been photographing the Anderson family, annually since Ryan was an infant- perhaps for 9 or 10 years now? Jessica and Bret are so great about making time for this every single year despite their crazy schedules. They don’t even need to explain a cancellation/rescheduling as I’m living that same life too- kids running in various directions, working parents doing the same, soccer soccer soccer, family in town for a visit, I remember stitches one year,…

What a beautiful day, down at the river’s edge at Alder Creek Tract, just up Highway 50. The Bonzo family won an auction item of a free session that my business donated for a local fundraiser. As most sessions go, there is a period of warming up to each other, and of course, the kids, wondering…What have Mom and Dad gotten us into?! Well, I don’t want to put words in their mouths–but while those feelings may have existed–any worries soon subsided into a really fun and laid-back session. Lisa and Ed have raised completely delightful children: David, Emma, and…