Pollock Pines

Getting a family of five together in one place as children head into their teens – and beyond – can be a tough task. It can be even harder to get that dedicated, relaxed family time without the stress and distractions of daily life. Which is why it was a privilege to be able to capture the Butler family at-play and just enjoying one another’s company recently at Sly Park Lake. Eldest son, Josh, was heading off to Air Force boot camp not long after our session and so his mom, Tracie, was especially emotional at having all her” babies”…

Headed over to Gold Ridge on a sunny Christmas eve to capture the Ganno family all in from out of town. This year little Hayes from Colorado was the new addition to the family- just 5 months old. We had planned the shoot for the 23rd but the weather was rainy and I thought it would be best to postpone for sunny Christmas eve. I even had my husband assist me on this one:) A family affair! I think it’s cool when a family who comes together from many locations and generations decides to make this happen. Life is so…

Have you ever noticed that when you are young it seems like forever to age just one year?  As my daughter Ember turns 8 next week, from 7 years to 8 years old can seem like an eternity- just ask her.  Well, I know Kristy and Ross have most likely aged a bit in this last year chasing the most fabulous, adorable and spunky Nathan around. LOOK at that face! In fact,  I’m sure I probably aged a year just in chasing him for the afternoon. All kidding aside. Can a year really have gone by that fast? I added…

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…

I’ve been running into Matt alot on the “wedding circuit”.  First at Matt and Gretchen’s Fausel Ranch Wedding and then at Elisha and John’s Fausel Ranch Wedding. In fact, at Elisha and John’s wedding, he met Alex, who was a bridesmaid for Elisha. I remember taking a photograph of her looking at Elisha’s dress…. I know it is hard to keep up with but at the end of June I will get to photograph their wedding at Fausel Ranch(one of my favorite spots) while 2 of my past brides(Gretchen and Elisha- who will also both be very pregnant) stand by…

One of my favorite parts about doing extended family sessions is getting to watch and capture how the whole family interacts. Cousins hanging out, grandparents interacting with their grandchildren, parents “working” their young children for natural expressions….and knowing that I am capturing a moment in time for this family that will be forever a part of their family history. I met up with the Tyack family for their extended family session at Sly Park Lake. The air was crisp, the light was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for a better evening for this session. The kids and adults skipped…

September 6, 2011 When you attend a memorial for a “child”, as a parent, I know, you know, we all know, this could be you. How can this thought not run through your head? This just as easily could have been one of your own. Fear then sadness then compassion. As I sit here putting this slideshow together, tears running down my cheek, I am just as moved by these raw emotions each time it plays. Being a part of the community of Pollock Pines, I arrived at the memorial for Travis certain of the strong love and support of…

I had a chance to again support the Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp this year when my friend Nina asked me to photograph their annual fundraiser. People that attend the annual Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp in Pollock Pines every summer are fun and creative people. That also goes for the folks that run and teach at the camp. That also goes for those that attend their annual fundraiser. It’s a great organization and I am proud to support them and the arts in our community. Sugarloaf provides classes for 6th grade through high school students in Concert Bands, Visual Arts, Theater…