There's something so special about maternity sessions! I absolutely loved this session with Maddie and Thomas and their little baby boy to be. The wildflowers are just amazing this spring!!!
Senior portrait time!!! I'm so thankful to have gotten these in back in July while the poppies and Lupines were in full bloom. Georgia is one of a kind and this setting amongst the wildflowers just fits her so well! I'm so thankful to know her kind soul. I've been praying for her along with her parents since before she was even born. What a wonderful gift she is to us all! She's also our Miss Lassen County princess. We had so much fun on our shoot together! Have an amazing senior year Georgia! Love you!!!
It's that time again! The theme of this year's Miss Lassen County Scholarship Competition is "Midsummer Night's Dream" from the Shakespearean play. On the day of the photoshoot we were challenged with 102 degree temperatures but managed to pull it all together despite the heat! I'm so grateful to Arianna Moore and Ariana Miranda for being my lovely assistants! They went above and beyond to make the shoot run smoothly. Carol Kramer and Shelley Bennett came through with some wonderful props although we missed Carol's set direction expertise this year due to her being out of town (sad face). The contestants for this year's competition are as follows: Jordan Smith, Georgia Bennett, Katelyn Ernaga, Katelyn Sanchez, Taylore Somerville, Emma Lee Rotlisberger, Izzy Norwood, Jodi Chandler, Alliyah Yerington, and Chloe Dodge. This is the largest number of contestants I've seen since being a part of the program and I'm exited to see the show!!! Come support them on July 21st at the Lassen County Fair!
This year's show may not happen but these girls remain strong and positive. Each one of them has strength of character, which brings me to the theme of the competition, "Wonder Woman." The idea is to emphasize the strengths of each contestant. Our shoot location this year was a bit more adventurous than usual and I'm so thankful that everyone was willing to make the trip to Thompson Peak Lookout. My sincere appreciation and gratitude to the one and only Carol Kramer for being my partner in crime each and every year for this shoot. It's so nice to have a second pair of eyes when wrangling eight teenaged girls! (LOVE THEM AS I DO!!!). I also really appreciate my hubby who is the silent strength behind all I do. He always prays with me before every shoot (and carries heavy stuff). Lastly, thank you to Shelley Bennett who entrusts me with these photos each year!
On to the contestants...
We have eight lovely ladies vying for the crown this year. They are as follows with their strengths in parenthesis: Molly Bettencourt (leading), Julia Bias (kindness), Rylee Friddle (dependability), Brianna Hawks (positivity), Ronnie Merrill (organization), Autry Satica (leading), Brooklynn Smith (determination), Tristen Struthers (selflessness).
It is undetermined as of right now (due to the Coronavirus) when the modified competition will take place but I wish them each all the best!
Love you Ari!!! You are such a light and we are blessed to have you in our lives!!!
It's always fun to go on an adventure for senior portraits and that's exactly what this session with Landon was! We ended up climbing down a steep cliff of rocks and bush-whacking to get to the river and capture Landon's passion for fishing but it was all worth it in the end. Anything for a great picture, right?!! Have a wonderful senior year Landon and thanks for braving the conditions with me!!
So what happens if it rains on the day of your session???? Well, we splash in puddles!!! Hailey's session went from rain to sunshine and back to rain again within a few hours and we captured it all. I think her session was one of my many favorites. Have a wonderful senior year Hailey!!!
What can I say?!!! Absolutely LOVE this girl and can't wait to do another session in the Fall!!!!
This session with Calliope was the official kick off for the class of 2020's senior portraits (many to follow)! Yay!!! She was wonderful to work with and showed up looking amazing! We started off the shoot at the Lassen County Fairgrounds and then headed out the Egan Ranch in Janesville (thank you Dawn!!!). I love the way Calliope made sure to bring accessories for each outfit and showed such great attention to detail. It really makes a difference! Best wishes for a wonderful senior year Calliope!
It's that time again! The theme of this year's Miss Lassen County Scholarship Competition is "Beach Party" so we put our heads together (Shelley Bennett, Carol Kramer, the contestants & I) to come up with a vintage 50's lake beach party photo shoot. We're very grateful to Diamond Mountain Golf Club for the use of their property as a location & the idea which came from Ariana Miranda. The contestants for this years competition are as follows: Caitlyn Crosby, Ashlyn Clark, Charity Richards, Jayleih Dodge, Elena German, Caylee Slama & Hailey Gregor. Come and support them on July 17th at the Lassen County Fair!
Thank you so much to all of our community members who contributed items & their time for the shoot: Diamond Mountain Golf Club, Gracie Claypool, Ariana Miranda, Dorinda Shaffer, Michelle Pecore, Abbi Scheff, Kirsten Newton, Joann Darlington, Debbie Marino, Karen Prince, Casey Templeton, Shelley Bennett, Leo Bennett, and Landon Bennett. Thank you to Carol Kramer who year after year pours her heart into helping this shoot come together, my mom who served as "pit crew" and my hubby who supports me endlessly. You all helped make it possible!!!
This senior session with Kylie was a blast! She knew she wanted a country vibe and was able to get permission from a local ranch owner for her location(thank you Dawn!!!). I think we could've stayed out there all night! I was afraid it was going to be super windy with the weather predictions but it wasn't bad at all. Kylie, thank you for the honor of being able to capture this special moment in time. Have a wonderful senior year!!
It's always fun to use a location that is near and dear to the subject's heart. This senior session with Hannah was taken at her family's vacation home in Lake Almanor. The nearby railroad tracks, hidden by the tall pines up behind the cabin were a welcome surprise to me and we had fun incorporating them into the shoot. Hannah is a strong, ambitious and beautiful young lady and I am honored to have been able to capture her! Hannah, have a wonderful senior year!!!
This senior session with Emma was such a joy to me! I'm so thankful and honored to have been able to capture her beauty in such a lovely and special place to them; their own home along the river. I always enjoy getting to know these seniors and how unique each one is. Emma is involved in a long list of activities from sports to academic clubs. However, what stood out to me was her sentimentality, creativity and attention to detail. And I absolutely love her red hair and freckles!
Kirstin and Emma, thank you for setting me free and entrusting me to capture this moment in time!!! I'm so grateful!!!
This girl is just full of joy!!! I'm so excited to have her for another session in the fall. Sophia, thank you for allowing me the honor of capturing your beautiful, vibrant personality!!!
It's been so fun working with Erin for two sessions this year; one in the summer, one in fall. We bravely faced the howling winds and barely beat the storm which was moving in for her fall session, pictured here. I think it's safe to say she'd look gorgeous in any type of weather!
Erin, may you have a wonderful senior year! Thanks for entrusting me to capture these precious memories. :)
This girl and her mom hold a special place in my heart! Her mom was one of the first friends I made upon moving to Susanville over 20 years ago. Mia is an amazing athlete who loves basketball and volleyball; basketball being her favorite. She's played for Reno High varsity since her freshman year. Mia, you are beautiful!!! I'm SO honored to be a part of your senior year. Thanks for making the drive to Susanville for your session. I had so much fun with you guys. You always make me laugh until it hurts!!! Love you both!
I must say I had a ton of fun with this year's Miss Lassen county theme, "Vintage Circus." I happen to love all things vintage so it made the task a little easier. These amazing girls, with a little direction from myself, Carol Kramer, and Shelley Bennet, put together some amazing outfits!!! All this in less than a week! Great job girls! This year's contestants are as follows; Kendall Hubbard, Hannah Heimbigner, Megan MacKay, Sophia Meraz, Ariana Miranda, Bailey Nuckols, Becky Struthers, Gracie Claypool and Hailey Moore. I'm excited to see their talents and personalities shine on the evening of July 18th, at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Don't miss it!!! A special thanks to miss Carol Kramer for always being my right hand woman. She is amazing at collaborating ideas, gathering cool props, directing backstage, etc. I appreciate her so much! Thank you to Shelley Bennett for allowing me to participate in this community event for who knows how many years now.? I really enjoy it! Last but not least, thank you to Melanie Westbook and Wyatt Williams of Sierra Desert Properties for allowing us the use of their building. Once again, come support these girls on July 18th at the fair!!!
Kendall Hubbard
Hannah Heimbigner
Megan MacKay
Sophia Meraz
Ariana Miranda
Bailey Nuckols
Becky Struthers
Gracie Claypool
Hailey Moore
The class of 2019 senior portrait sessions are off to a great start with this handsome kid!
Thank you Finn, for allowing me to be a part of documenting this moment in time.
Sorry you got a little eaten up by mosquitos but it was worth it!
Madee, best wishes to you for a wonderful senior year and thanks again for allowing me the honor of capturing this special moment in time!!
Enjoy miss Katie's beautiful fall session! Happy Friday everyone :) !!!
What a great kid! Dustin loves hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, soccer and baseball. Or just the outdoors in general :)
And...he smiles a lot :) !!!
This family is full of life and laughter and I just love them!!
I always feel like moms of three boys should have a club :) It's an adventure! Just watching these three together makes me reminisce.
It will go by in a heartbeat Glen and Kerrissa! Treasure every moment!!
A beautiful smiling face to brighten up your Monday! This girl has the most amazing dimples! She doesn't currently enjoy the outdoors but I believe there's still hope for her. :) Just kidding Malia! I had a great time adventuring through town with you! Have a wonderful senior year!
I love that no two individuals are exactly alike! That's what keeps me going, striving to tell each one's story. This is Jake. It seems like he has always been larger than life with his bright red hair and athletic skill. He's not one you'd easily forget. Enjoy your senior year, Jake! I wish you all the best.
"A bright future beckons, the onus in on us, through hard work, honesty, and integrity, to reach for the stars." -Nelson Mandela
Mackenzie's senior photo session was at the peak of gorgeous fall color which made a beautiful backdrop for her subtle grey dress and blonde hair. Her session is an example of a simple, yet beautiful; one location, two outfit session. I love going for long drives and scouting new spots to shoot!
I'm having SO much fun capturing all these amazing seniors! I love my job!
"Start where you are. Use the gifts you have. Do what you can."-Arthur Ashe
"So close your eyes and sleep to dream. I'm by your side, no words to speak. We'll set our course and make it through. No matter how far you go, my heart remains with you."
This lovely senior loves the outdoors, hiking, reading, writing, and FROGS! Which means she's a girl after my own heart!! Enjoy your senior year Becca and keep up the fun, positive outlook on life. It's good for your soul. :)
It's almost time to say farewell to our beloved Miss Lassen County, Holly Fortin. Removing her crown for the final shots was bittersweet, as she's enjoyed serving our community & has made some special memories along the way. The competition to crown this year's queen will be held on July 19th at the Lassen County fairgrounds. Come and support the girls!!
Summer senior sessions here in the beautiful landscape of Lassen county are my absolute favorite! It's so relaxing working one on one to capture each amazing senior personality. Erin is over six feet tall which meant my stepstool was well used. :)
I had a great time with you Erin! Thanks for laughing through it all with me. Can't wait for your next session this Autumn!
It's that time again!! These talented girls are gearing up for this years' Miss Lassen County Scholarship competition. Come support them at the fairgrounds on the evening of July 19th and see who will represent Lassen County this next year. The theme for this years' competition is "Born In The USA." Many thanks to my amazing friend, Carol Kramer for all her input, Shelley Bennett for allowing me the pleasure of this photoshoot as well as the use of a super cool prop and of course, Ralph & Sandy for the use of their barn and tractor. The contestants are as follows in the picture below from left to right; Devyn Stamback, Emmalee Lott, Kassie Sandborg, Madisen Wallace, Taylor Shannon, Madee Cluck, and Tatum Thomas. Best wishes to you girls!!
Because I'm a huge fan of natural light photography I've spent most of the month of January preparing a space to photograph clients during the colder months. I love the way it turned out and am SO happy to have had Christina and Avalyn be my first subjects in here! SO fun! I had to get a shot of Avalyn entertaining herself while mommy got dressed. I always love the real moments best!!
Nathan's session is an example of one of the larger packages offered. He had many interests he wanted to incorporate and we traveled to three separate locations. I really love the way it tells so much about him. What a great kid!
These seniors have kept me so busy lately that I haven't had time to catch up on blogging and social media! Besides the fact that my computer has been super "SPECIAL" lately. In other words, I had to edit a couple of sessions twice. Good thing I always back up my files!! This is Wyatt. I had so much fun with him and his friend, Kaylea!! They were up for anything which always inspires my creativity :)
Have an amazing senior year Wyatt and thanks for making Kaylea(and me) laugh!!
Enjoy!!
Holly had me laughing through her entire session! She's such a joy to be around; the youngest of three sisters, a true country girl, and our current Miss Lassen County! I love that she appreciates the beauty of where we live and the variety of outdoor activities we have available. Love you Holly! Enjoy!!
Gabi is amazingly kind and beautiful. She truly has a heart of gold! I've had the pleasure of knowing her since she was born :) so I can say this firsthand. Her love for hiking, camping, and fishing made the location for this shoot an easy decision. Gabi also plays volleyball, runs track in the spring, is a class officer, 4-H member, and Miss Lassen County princess. Wow!!
I can't believe this moment has come. Collin is a senior! Time flies!
The second born in our family, this kid is as sweet as he is handsome. He lives for golf season and is a true baseball fan. Somehow, he chose the Mets as his favorite team and still wonders why...LOL
Time to say goodbye to our beloved Miss Lassen County, Emily Egan, and welcome in a new young lady to represent Lassen in the year to come. This year's contestants are Jessica Nobles, Katie LaDuca, Holly Fortin, Gabi Geoia, Kyla Bosse, Jordan McCloughan and Natalie Ruggiero. These ladies put so much time and energy into this scholarship program. It's impressive!
This year's theme for the pageant (scheduled for July 20th) is Alice In Wonderland, so we decided it would be fitting to have a tea party out in the trees. How fun is that?!! The girls were great to work with and as you'll see from the pictures, YES, they had a cake fight in their beautiful outfits!!! Holly's idea :) It was all in good fun though. You wouldn't even know they were competing against one another. They get along great; laughing & joking with each other through the whole session, and afterwards went out for pizza in their tea party outfits.
Speaking of friendship, this shoot would not have been possible without my dear friend, Carol Kramer. She is the ultimate prop queen and set director. Love you Carol and can't thank you enough for all you did!!!
Enjoying this snowy Monday morning! Sipping some coffee and submitting this photo to the "I Heart Faces" photo challenge. Come join the fun at iheartfaces.com !!!
​ I love February sessions! The colors are so pretty this time of year. This is Miyja. Isn't she a beautiful senior!! A friend of hers recently described her style as "grunge/flower." I think you might understand better after taking a look at her session. She goes from looking stunning in black leather to a graceful pink dress and classic hat. I was also impressed that she could hike in heels! Ouch! Thank you for the honor of allowing me to capture you, Miyja!!
This picture of the apple blossoms is one I took last spring but I thought it added to Miyja's soft feminine look. Oh how I WISH spring was here!!
I loved this senior's style! So pretty! This was my last official booking for the Lassen High yearbook submissions, although I do still have some upcoming senior sessions. They are so much fun! This year I have five girls who booked more than one session; some of which I'll be wrapping up this winter or spring. I couldn't love my job any more! What a blessing to serve these wonderful kids, each one different. Laura, I had a great time with you! I hope you have an amazing senior year! Enjoy!
This beautiful senior loves the ocean and also the snow! I grew up by the ocean; playing in the sand and waves and must say I love them both as well. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful landscape! Carissa is an athlete, playing softball and basketball. I want to say she told me she has broken her nose on the basketball court THREE times (correct me if I'm wrong). Ouch!! When I asked her what she wants to study after graduation she said she wasn't sure but wants to do something with her life that helps people and makes a difference. It's so encouraging to meet young people who have such a grasp on what matters most. Thank you so much, Carissa for allowing me to capture your bright smile and personality!
This girl has decided to graduate early! Go Sierra :) Just a few of her pictures to share with you from this Tuesday. I really enjoyed working with you, Sierra. Can't wait for our next session in the snow or Spring!!
Jordayne is a beautiful senior at Lassen High that enjoys welding. She intends to make it her career. One of the items she recently welded and sold was an American flag made of horse shoes. So neat! We were able to incorporate her love for welding by including her welding helmet as a prop! So fun! Looking forward to our next session in the winter or spring Jordayne!
I had the pleasure of capturing this beautiful mom's maternity photos last February and look at their family now! They have a very happy seven month old! Levi smiled through the entire session. What a cutie!! Thanks for allowing me to capture your precious family, Scovels!!
I've always thought it would be really fun to have a twin. It is said that they begin interacting in the womb and forty percent develop their own language as toddlers. And yet, it's so interesting that they have such individual personalities. We are all created different. Even twins!! This is Brianna, twin sister of Brenna whom I photographed the week before; both seniors at Lassen High. There are an unusual number of twins in this senior class! Brianna was so much fun to work with. We share a love of art and she has such style!!
Enjoy the rest of your year Brianna!
It's so interesting to me that a lot of times, the most attractive people hate having their picture taken. This is Brenna. She is very shy, determined and sweet. She is a soccer player and runs track in the spring. She has plans to go to medical school and study anesthesiology. Wow! She also has a twin sister that I get to photograph this week! So exciting! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to capture you, Brenna!
Sonia's senior session this Monday was so much fun! Her and Gabby had me laughing through the whole thing. They've been friends since the fourth grade. Thanks you guys for being so much fun! And Sonia, you have to be one of the safest teenage drivers I've ever ridden in a car with. SERIOUSLY! Ha ha!! You both are beautiful and I hope you have a wonderful senior year! Enjoy! Full gallery coming tomorrow!!
This is Tracy's second senior portrait session with me this year. The summer session was for her and the fall for her mom. Everyone has a favorite season right? Mine is summer. Tracy, I enjoyed getting to know you and am so glad I had the privilege of taking your senior portraits. Keep that smile on!! :) It's beautiful!I love your positive attitude and fun spirit! Enjoy the rest of your year!
Okay, if anyone wants to know what would look great to wear for a fall session, just ask this girl!! I loved your choices Rosario! So pretty with the colors of Autumn. Also loved your sense of humor!! Thanks so much for allowing me to capture you! Enjoy the rest of your senior year!
Just a few pics from Ariana's senior session last night!
Love working with these girls who have their whole lives ahead of them. So much fun!
I love my job!
Happy Friday!!
Enjoy!!
​I love this girl's spirit! She didn't care that it was raining! She loves the rain, so we went ahead with her session rain or shine and it turned out amazing! This is not the full session but just a few sneak peeks for Kiana since I haven't finished editing yet. Enjoy!! More to come!
This was the sky over the Lassen High gym when I dropped Kiana off!!
I have been so excited to share this session with you all, but my internet has been down!! So frustrating! However, where there's a will there's a way. Found some WiFi this morning at Artisan coffee and am enjoying the art while posting this.
Who doesn't love red hair, blue eyes, and freckles! So pretty! Jenae loves basketball and volleyball so we had some fun incorporating those with a bus!! Yes, a bus! Several buses in fact! I love finding creative new spots! Between Jenae's and my own brainstorming, the session turned out great! Enjoy!
Editing pictures is one of my favorite Friday morning tasks. I woke up at 4:30am and couldn't sleep thinking of all the fun pictures I have to edit. I LOVE Fridays!! Absolute favorite day of the week! This maternity session with the Murphy's was SO great! We got to take an early trip to the Wemple's Pumpkin Patch in Milford. They will be opening on October 1st so make sure to head out there and enjoy the delicious fall treats, wagon rides, corn maze, tractors, animals & of course the pumpkins!! Thanks so much, Wemple's, for allowing us to come out and capture these two-soon to be three adorable Murphy's!!
This is Cheyenne! Her senior portrait session took place here in Susanville, Ca. We live in such a beautiful area! It seems like every day I find a new spot that's a gem! Cheyenne is one of the school yearbook editor's, the class historian, and cheer captain. She's also the girl they throw in the air while cheering...yikes! Needless to say, she is full of adventure and spark! I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to meet and photograph her this year. Cheyenne, you are stunning! Enjoy your senior year!
First, I have to say that I don't normally photograph weddings because of my family schedule. However, this Susanville, CA. Mountain Meadow Ranch (dreamy location) wedding was an exception. I am entering this photo into an I Heart Faces Photo challenge just for fun!
I SO enjoyed capturing Sara's senior portraits this last Friday! I found Hellebore and Pieris blooming outside in my front yard and knew it was destined for a floral crown. What unique flowers to be blooming right now in our cold climate. Sara really enjoys reading, so we incorporated some old books into her session. She also brought a couple of friends who giggled through the entire thing! :) I love my job! Thanks for choosing me to capture this special moment in time Sara!
I could just feel the anticipation and excitement of this sweet couple waiting to meet their little man! What an exciting maternity session. It was fun to incorporate the little shoes and special books as well as the sonogram pic!! These guys reminded me so much of my husband and myself when I was pregnant with our first. (I REALLY wish I had maternity photos of myself back then. And surprisingly, my husband does too!) So don't miss your opportunity to preserve these precious moments in time!!
It was such a pleasure to take Judy's senior portraits late this fall near the Bizz Johnson Trail here in Susanville, CA. She was full of laughter and joy and the light was just magical!!
This session was one of my favorites this year! Why? Well, Kinzey is just one of those people who comes alive in front of the lens! She should be a model. Also, her carefully chosen outfits coordinated beautifully with the bursting fall colors. Yes, it does matter what colors you choose. I am always here to help with suggestions so please feel free to ask. :)
Most of Gloria's senior photo session took place at Ranch Park, here in Susanville, Ca. I was able to capture her among flowering vines and towering fields of grass. You couldn't ask for a more perfect day in late September!
Congratulations to Michael & Tiffany who are planning an April wedding here in Susanville, Ca. at Mountain Meadow Ranch. You guys looked amazing and I had so much fun capturing your joy!