Nathan is growing like a weed! I always love finding new places to photograph but not as much as I love spending some time with the Hayashi family. It’s great getting to watch it all happen and stay in touch over the years! Baby Nathan is now 8 months old and Kiki is 12. This family loves a little soccer so what better than a photo shoot at the Kalithea Park in El Dorado Hills- really, the view from the soccer field doesn’t get any better- a high-end soccer field, if you will. Kiki is a fantastic soccer player so…

I knew from the moment I met Randi and Austin, that they were going to be a fun couple to photograph because, well, they were referred to me by my friend  Melinda (who is a pretty fun person herself!). Their engagement session confirmed that, AND their wedding was every bit as fun as I expected it to be- lots of love surrounding them by family and friends always makes for a warm, good time. Austin is a firefighter, so they chose The Firehouse in Old Sacramento to host their wedding. This was my first time shooting their and I loved…

I first photographed these two a few years ago for their engagement session, and now here they are expecting their first little one. Nicole wanted to document the occasion with a session in their home. We started with some more intimate semi-nudes(and are keeping them off the blog for obvious reasons), and ended the session with the two of them in the park just down the street from their home. Thank you Nicole for letting me document this next milestone in your family! I can’t wait to meet him or her soon!

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!

Marisa and Juan celebrated their marriage with an intimate ceremony at Holy Trinity Parish in El Dorado Hills, surrounded by family and friends. You could tell just by the way they laughed with one another how happy they were to be getting married. We lucked out as the peach trees at Fausel Ranch were in full bloom, and with Deanna’s generosity, made for a beautiful first-look. The days events ended with a celebratory fiesta at Q’bole in Folsom. I loved the energy between these two, loved the peach trees, and loved having such a beautiful wedding to start the year…

Finally I was lucky enough to shoot the Wagner family!  With Jakob heading off to a new chapter of his life…High School…it seemed like a perfect time to capture some fun, family moments.  Larsen’s Park, and the springtime weather made for a wonderful backdrop.  I always enjoy getting to work with local families.  Thanks you guys – Enjoy your preview!  Your entire gallery should be up by Friday.  

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…

I had the privilege  of getting to spend over two hours with this baby girl last week. Little Miss Makena is just 8 days old here, and man is she sweet. Her name comes from the Hawaiian town where her parents were married. I could go on and on about how adorable this little one was, but instead I’ll let you decide for yourself. Looking forward to getting to see her again in the next few months. Congratulations Mom and Dad!

For 5 weeks in late February through March, I was able to donate my time to teach a photography class to four 5th-8th grade students from Sierra Ridge Middle School in Pollock Pines. I called it “BETA” as a self-deprecating way to take the pressure off- as it would be unfathomable to measure up to the run of fine teachers my kids have been fortunate enough to experience at Pinewood over the years. You see, our school district has been working hard to keep the arts alive in our classrooms and I am enthusiastic to be a part of that…

I love a man with a good sense of humor, and Jenn, you’ve got him. Dan kept us cracking up for the entire shoot. These two love the outdoors, which made the riverside location they chose perfect for the two of them. The entire shoot I felt like at any moment the heavens were going to open and it was going to start pouring on us, but Jenn and Dan must have better luck than I do because it never rained harder than a sprinkle. I can’t wait to see what these two have in store for their fall wedding…

I love engagement sessions and am happy to be moving back into the season for them. As a photographer- not only do I get to know the couple I will work with better as we earn a trust between each other- but it is also “no pressure shooting”…it’s a creative flow that you trust and follow without any wedding day pressure or schedules. Weddings have a certain flow to them, an almost routine-like schedule that has to be followed in order to make sure all the bases are covered. Engagement sessions on the other hand are a whole different story.…

Taking advantage of this yo yo-ing weather, I headed out to Boeger Winery with my friend Summer and her family. I think it may have even snowed the day before and perhaps even the day after. But this was a beautiful fall day(other than the growth cycle at Boeger was clearly in winter mode). I had a great time as the Mulhollen family likes to have fun and if you know them, you know what I mean. With young kids, I like to keep my sessions moving from location to location to help keep expressions natural and fresh. I love…