Jennie Harless Jennie Harless

B Family | Fall Mini Session

family of four stands on the Iowa hill bridge in Colfax, California and laughs at the dad in the family.

This family has been with me since the beginning (8 years!!), and I’m so grateful for their loyalty and support! I truly look forward to seeing them every fall and taking their family photos.

The B kids are close in age to my own children, so it’s been a total blast watching them grow and change and blossom.

young girl sits on a bridge in Colfax ca and smiles at the camera

This fall, they met me at the Iowa Hill Bridge in Colfax for a mini session.

Mom always does such a good job styling the family, selecting colors and clothing that look great together.

brother and sister pose on the Iowa hill bridge for photos during a photo session in Colfax, California

If you’re interested in a spring or fall mini session with me, be sure to sign up for my quarterly newsletter and follow me on Facebook to be the first to learn my mini session dates/times.

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Royer Park Mini Sessions | S & Y Families

family of four standing on a bridge in Roseville ca near royer park

Every year, I chose a new location for my fall mini-sessions. Last year, in late September, I held mini-sessions at Royer Park in Roseville.

I love that Royer Park has this beautiful historic bridge as well as a tree-lined creek running through it.

The S family was fun to photograph in both spots!

high school boy standing near trees in Royer park in Roseville California
family of four standing on a Roseville bridge in Royer Park
high school boy stands near trees with light behind him in Royer Park in Roseville, California
family of four pose for photos during a photo session at rover park in Roseville, California in fall 2024

After I photographed the S Family, I took pictures of the Y Family. (The S Family and the Y family are related, so they booked back-to-back mini sessions.) This was a fantastic idea because it not only allowed me to take pictures of each individual family, but also both families together.

cousins standing in Royer Park in Roseville California

And of course, we had to take a “cousins” picture, too! (Hello easy peasy Christmas present for the grandparents! Just print, wrap, and give.)

mom with her son and daughter pose on a bridge in Royer Park in Roseville, California
dad spins daughter around dancing on a bridge in Royer Park in Roseville, California

I love that dad and daughter were both wearing Birkenstocks!

teenage boy posing for the camera during a family photo session in fall 2024 at royer park in Roseville, california

I hope to photograph these two families again soon!


Jennie Harless is a portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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The A Family | Rose Session

three kids run under blanket outside at a family photo session in auburn, California

What a fun family of five! This mom was referred to me by one of her mom friends whose photos I’d taken recently. Seriously, that’s the BEST compliment ever for a photographer!

two year old boy stands under blanket in a field during a family photo session in auburn, california

We met up at this spot in Auburn for a fall family photo session. The older kids loved running under the blanket and this little guy was just in awe of it. (Made me think of my kids when they were little and they played “parachute” in gymnastics class.)

six year old boy sits on a stool and smiles at the camera during a family photo session in auburn, California
Family of five walks through field of grass at a family photo session in auburn, California

I loved the colors that Mom and Dad were wearing - the reds and browns worked so well for the season and location. I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Clothing color choices make such a difference in the look of your photos!

two kids run toward mom and dad in a field in auburn, california
Family of five poses in a grass field during a family photo session in auburn, California
two year old boy sits on a stool during photo session in auburn, california
sister and brother pose for the camera in a field in auburn, california
sister and brother pose in a field during a family photo session in auburn, California
family of five plays in a field during a family photo session in auburn, California

I hope to photograph this family again!


Jennie Harless is a portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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The S Family | Rose Session

mom dad daughter  and dog pose for fall photos in their backyard in Colfax california

Photographing families at their homes is so special! This family invited me to their Colfax home in the fall, and we took photos all over their property. What a view from the backyard, right?!

husband wraps his arms around his wife as they stand in their Colfax California backyard with a forest of trees in the distance

Such a fun-loving family who cuddled and laughed and hugged and giggled throughout their entire photo session!

mom dad and daughter laugh and hug while posing for photos in their backyard in Colfax california
father and daughter hug standing in their backyard in Colfax California with a forest of trees in the distance
family of three plus dog crouch down in backyard in Colfax California

I loved that they included their sweet dog in some of the photos! (Their elderly cat even joined in for a few, too!) Funny story: Their dog was so well-trained that when I said “Cheese!” the dog would look straight at my camera for a few seconds. No joke. It was hilarious - and unbelievably helpful!


Jennie Harless is a portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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Senior Sessions | Capturing your Personality

Rocklin high school senior swings at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in Lincoln while holding a small bouquet of flowers

With every senior session I do, my main goal is to capture the senior’s unique personality and interests. Props are a fun way to showcase talents + hobbies!

Two weeks before each senior session, I email out a questionnaire in which I ask questions like:

  • How would you describe your personality in three words?

  • What are your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun?

  • What props will you be bringing?

  • Do you have any specific poses in mind?

  • Is there anything special you’d like to do during your senior session?

By asking these questions, I hope to learn more about the senior and also get an idea of their vision for the session.

On Katherine’s questionnaire, she revealed that she loves to read and requested that we take a few photos in front of a book store. (Being a HUGE book lover myself, I was quite excited to do this!)

At her session, we took a few shots in front of Winston Smith bookstore in Auburn. (Unfortunately, they were closed; otherwise, I would have asked permission to take a few shots inside, too.)

Mia brought flowers to her Bywater Hollow session in Lincoln, and when I complimented her mom on bringing them, she said, “It was all Mia’s idea!” Love, love, love.

young woman sits in canoe on pond in auburn, California on a spring evening

Marissa brought her softball uniform, bat, ball and glove to her Roseville senior session. So fun!

Alayna loved taking pictures with her camera, so she brought it along to her Roseville session. And as you can see, I took a picture of her taking a picture! Haha!

high school senior girl taking pictures with a camera during senior session in Roseville

Caleb, who loves to cook and was working at a restaurant at the time, brought along a chef’s hat and coat, as well as cast iron pans to his Auburn senior session.

senior session in auburn with boy holding two cast iron pans and wearing a chefs hat

I’m always so impressed by my clients’ creativity and vision, and I try hard to incorporate as many of their ideas as possible!

{Now, if you’re a senior scrolling through this post and thinking, “But I don’t play a sport!” or “I’m not really a props-type person” that’s okay. I totally understand and there’s zero pressure to bring props to your session.}


Jennie Harless is a portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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High School Seniors!

Senior portraits of a Whitney High School senior, all photos taken in the spring at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in Lincoln.

Where are you, high school seniors? I know it’s not even 2025 yet, but it’s time to book your spring SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION!

I’ve photographed a few high school seniors each year for the past 3-4 years, and I’ve really enjoyed working with them. So, this past spring, I set a goal: To photograph 6 seniors in the months of March & April. And I did it!

I had the privilege of photographing SIX awesome high school seniors! There were three students from Rocklin High (one mom told another mom who told another - I’m so grateful!)), one from Whitney High, one from Antelope High and one from McClatchy High. And in the process of photographing all those seniors, I absolutely fell in love with senior photography!

Getting to spend time with each teen, one-on-one (and typically, their mom, too!) was super special. During the hour and a half we’re together, we moved from spot to spot, taking pictures and chatting. I’m the type who loves chatting one-on-one with people (that’s the introvert in me), and I also love variety, so I’m finding that senior sessions are a great fit for me.

And because senior sessions are a little longer than my family sessions, there’s plenty of time for 3+ outfit changes.

Four high school senior portraits of one young man, all images taken in Auburn, California. Antelope High School senior wearing orange shirt, UCSB sweatshirt, red cap and gown, and a black button down shirt.

Speaking of outfits, senior often ask: What should I wear? I advise you to bring 3-4 outfits, plus your cap and gown, if it’s available. The photos above illustrate some outfit possibilities. In general, it’s best to bring one casual outfit, one or two dressier outfits, a college shirt/sweatshirt (if applicable), and then your cap + gown.

What are you thinking you want to wear at your senior session?!

By the way, the first set of photos of Katelyn were taken at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm (Lincoln/Auburn area, $50 fee to shoot there), and the second set of Tyler were taken in Old Town Auburn. Both great locations, but with very different looks.


Jennie Harless is a portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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The C Family | Rose Session

Professional photos of a family of four with mom and dad and 2 young boys, all standing on the Iowa Hill bridge in Colfax.

I loved photographing this sweet family of four on the Iowa Hill Bridge in Colfax!

As I drove over to this location, it was sprinkling on my car. But I had been tracking the weather forecasts for several days, and I was praying that they were spot on, and that it would stop raining before the session. And wouldn’t you know…the rain stopped right before 4:00 pm!! So thankful we didn’t have to reschedule this session. (Side note: Clients often ask, What happens if it rains? Great question! If the forecast is calling for rain, we’ll have to reschedule. But if it’s going to be cloudy or sunny, the session is on!)

Professional photos of mom with her sons on the left picture and dad with his sons on the right picture. Photos taken on the Iowa Hill Bridge in Colfax.

I thought these images illustrate mom life vs. dad life. I know I’m generalizing here, and this is not always the case, but sometimes. Am I right?!

Family of four stands by the North Fork of the American River in Colfax.

I love this particular location because we can take pictures on the bridge AND by the river.

And on this particular day in November, the tree leaves were showing off!


Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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The C Family | Mini Session

I was SO lucky to get to photograph these three beautiful sisters during their family’s fall mini session at the Iowa Hill Bridge in Colfax!


Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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J Family

family of four pose in a field with yellow tree leaves behind them in a park in auburn, California

I loved meeting this sweet family from Lincoln and taking photos of them in the Auburn area. Mom wanted some fall color, and thankfully, this spot had some beautiful yellow leaves. These four are moving out-of-state shortly, and I wish them all the best in their new adventures in Idaho!


Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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A Family | Rose Session

mom and dad and two kids sit and stand in a park like setting posing for photos in the fall

This beautiful family has been coming to me for photos for the past three years. Generally, I see them for a mini Christmas session, so I have just 20 minutes with them. But this year, they opted for the Rose package instead. That meant I had 45 minutes with them! I’m SO glad we had that extra time together to capture the love they have for one another.

Two young girls sisters sit in a grass field in coyote pond park in Lincoln, California

Two sweet sisters!

Two sisters sit together hugging each other during a family photo session at coyote pond park in Lincoln California
family of four walks across a bridge in coyote pond park in Lincoln, California during a fall family photo session
Little girl in a dress runs under a blanket during a fall family photo session at coyote pond park in Lincoln, California

I even had time to pull out my blanket and let the oldest daughter run underneath it - several times! The blanket “game” is always a favorite with littles, and I delight in seeing all of their big smiles! Next year, sister can join in on the fun!

Couple hugging each other during a family photo session in coyote pond park in Lincoln, california

I also loved that we had time for a few photos of just mom and dad.

During a fall family photo session, a father holds his two young daughters in his arms and kisses his. youngest daughter on the cheek.

There’s something about Daddies and their daughters snuggling that gets me every time.

A family of four stands near the pond for fall family photos at coyote pond park in Lincoln, California

What a wonderful fall family photo session at Coyote Pond Park in Lincoln! I can’t wait to photograph this beautiful family again next fall.


Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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M Family | Rocklin

little girl blows a kiss to her stuffed bunny rabbit while standing in a field of golden grass and boulders on a hill in Rocklin, Califorrnia  in the fall

This sweet family drove an hour and a half to their photo session atop a hill in Rocklin! It was such a pleasure to finally meet this family of four.

As you can see, the little girl brought her special stuffed bunny rabbit with her, and we captured them together right before we wrapped up our session.

mom and dad hold their daughter and son upside down during a fall photo session on a hill in Rocklin, California

With young kids, I try to incorporate as much movement as possible. We play games, walk and holding hands, climb trees, run under blankets - you get the idea. The more I can get the kids (and adults) to move and interact with one another, the more FUN they’ll have! And as you can see, this family was all about FUN!

mom and daughter hug while sitting on a boulder in a field atop a hill in Rocklin, California
little boy sits in tree on a hill in Rocklin, California during a photo session
girl hangs from tree during a photo session in Rocklin, California
dad is throwing his young son into the air on a hill in Rocklin, California during a family photo session
kids-running-under-a-white-blanket-during-a-family-photo-session-in-rocklin-california
little-boy-peeks-out-from-behind-a-tree-while-playing-peekaboo-with-the-photographer-at-a-park-in-rocklin-california

This little guy liked to hide behind the tree and pop out!

young-boy-hugs-his-mom-at-a-family-photo-session-in-rocklin-california

And he loved cuddling with his mom.

family-of-four-poses-on-a-hill-in-rocklin-california-during-a-fall-photo-session

It was such an enjoyable session with the M family!


Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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Tori | Class of 2024

Redheaded young woman wears a blue dress and stands in a grassy field in a Rocklin park high atop a hill.

Oh, Miss Tori was so much fun to photograph! As you’ll see from some of the pictures below, Tori loved hamming it up for the camera - and her mom who was standing nearby. Her goofy facial expressions and antics had me laughing throughout her photo session.

Beautiful redheaded young woman wearing a light blue dress and standing in the grass in a Rocklin California park.

I’m a fan of glasses (I wear them, too!), and these spectacles look lovely on Tori.

When seniors are wearing glasses, I often ask if they want a few photos without them. Some do and some do not. And I get it, because without my glasses, I look really different. Plus, I’m practically blind without them! If the senior wants to wear their glasses in every shot, I try to shoot slightly above them or below them to reduce glass glare. And if that doesn’t work, there’s always Photoshop to the rescue.

A redheaded high school senior girl poses in a grassy field in a park in Rocklin, California

During her session, Tori was easygoing and up for trying any pose ideas I threw out like this one…play with your hair!

A beautiful redheaded young woman wearing a blue dress sticks her tongue out while standing in the grass in a Rocklin, CA park.

I can’t take any credit for this one; this was ALL Tori! Haha!

High school senior girl, funny face, cap, gown, blue, Rocklin high school, Rocklin park

And this was all Tori, too! I think Tori and her mom were making faces at each other. Haha!

Rocklin high school senior girl, posing in cap and gown, Rocklin park, senior session, spring 2024
High school senior girl wearing a blue graduation gown throws blue cap into the air atop a hill in Rocklin California.

I’m a fan of these throwing cap shots! But you should know that it’s never a one-and-done type thing. Generally, the senior throws her cap up in the air at least 3-5 times. That way, she can practice the movement a few times - since usually she’s never done it before!

A redheaded young woman, posing in grass field in Rocklin park for her senior portraits, spring 2024

Love this close-up of Tori!

red head teenager, senior portraits, Rocklin, California, Colorado University

Tori graduated from Rocklin High School and is now attending the University of Colorado. Here’s wishing her the absolute best in college and beyond!


Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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Audrey | 8th grade grad photos

Meet Audrey, who is heading to high school this month! She, along with her friend, Rylee, posed for 8th grade grad photos in April at Griffith Quarry in Penryn. (Click here to see photos of Rylee.)

Eighth grade graduate girl wearing a purple dress standing in front of a fence and trees at Griffith Quarry in Penryn.
Eighth grade graduate girl wearing a purple dress is posing with her hand on her hip in Griffith Quarry, Penryn, California.
Two eighth grade girls hug in a field of green grass at Griffith Quarry in Penryn, California.

I love that Audrey and Rylee wanted to take a few photos together, too!

An eighth grade graduate poses for pictures at Griffith Quarry in Penryn, California.
An eighth grade girl spins around in her purple dress in a grassy field in Griffith Quarry in Penryn, California.
An eighth grade girl wearing a purple dress stands in a grass field at Griffith Quarry in Penryn, California.

Jennie Harless is a Northern California portrait photographer who serves clients in Placer County, Nevada County, and Sacramento County. Jennie offers high school senior portraits and family portraits. Contact Jennie to book your session! To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.

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Rylee | 8th grade grad photos

In the spring, I had a prospective client email me asking if I could do a mini-session and take eighth grade graduation photos. I didn’t have any mini sessions coming up, but I sent her my photography package information and availability. I mentioned that if she found a second family who wanted pictures, they could split the package - time and cost. A week later, she emailed me saying there was another mom who wanted grad pictures, too.

We had a fun session with the two eighth grade girls and their moms out at Griffith Quarry in Penryn. Here’s a look at eighth grader Rylee! I’ll share pictures of Audrey, the second 8th grader, in a future post.

griffith quarry, eighth grade graduate, penryn, spring, photo of teenage girl
teenage girl, graduate, eighth grader, Griffith quarry, penryn, spring photos, sunset
eighth grader, grassy field, Griffith quarry, penryn,  white dress, teenager, graduation photos
graduation photos, teenage girl, white dress, grassy field, sunset, spring photos

Let me know: Would you be interested in 8th grade grad mini-sessions next spring? Comment below or email me at jennieharlessphotography@gmail.com.

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Tyler | Class of 2024

high school senior, antelope high school, auburn, California, black stairs, brick, photo session, sunset

Wow, I can hardly believe it. This boy - er, young man - is all grown up!

It’s been an amazing thing to watch Tyler grow and mature - from birth to graduation and many special moments in between.

Tyler is truly one of the kindest young men I know, helping others and generously giving of his time and talent. (And I’m not just saying that because he’s our Godson!)

A total rockstar academically, Tyler, earned the title of Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Antelope High School.

Seriously, it’s wild when your friends’ children graduate from high school and go off into the world.

I felt honored to capture photographs of Tyler during this exciting time in his life. And I wish him all the best as he heads to college this fall.

high school senior, antelope high school, cap and gown, auburn, California, senior photo session
senior photos, brick wall, blue shirt, UCSB, old town auburn, California, college t-shirt
high school senior guy, senior photo session, posing in street, wearing college shirt, antelope high school, spring session, sunset
High school senior boy, antelope high school, walking down street, old town auburn, California
high school senior boy, antelope high school, old town auburn, California, UCSB sweatshirt, senior photo session
high school senior boy, graduate, senior photo session, old town auburn, California, black stairs, photo session, spring, sunset
A high school senior boy wearing an orange shirt crouches down in front of a wall of black brick in old town auburn in California.

Want to view photos from a recent senior girl session in Old Town Auburn? Click here.

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Mia | Class of 2024

high school senior, Rocklin high school cheerleader, grad gown, 2024, holding up 2 and 4 on fingers, lavender farm

I loved capturing photos of this sweet Rocklin High senior at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in late April!

yellow flowers, high school senior girl, spring dress, Bywater hollow lavender farm, Lincoln, Rocklin High School senior

Mia was so easygoing and open to taking pictures with a variety of backdrops - like these bright yellow flowers that just happened to be blooming around the farm’s front pond.

canoe, flowers, high school senior in canoe,  Bywater hollow lavender farm, lake, Lincoln, Rocklin high school senior, spring dress

Mia also brought a bouquet of flowers with her! And she was up for climbing into the canoe - not something every senior is comfortable doing. Doesn’t she look so beautiful out there on the water?!

As an aside, I LOVE when seniors bring props with them to their session because they add personality and flair to the images, but also from a practical perspective, they give my clients something to do with their hands.

swing, high school senior girl, flowers, sunset, Bywater hollow lavender farm, spring dress

This is something brand NEW at the lavender farm - a SWING! So fun for high school seniors and young kiddos alike.

white fence, farm, high school senior, college t-shirt, college pennant, California baptist university, Bywater hollow lavender farm, green grass

I feel SO grateful that I got to take Mia’s senior photos! What a beautiful young woman she is, both inside and out, and I wish her all the best as she heads to college.


Want to see photos from two other spring senior sessions at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm? Click here and here.

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Spring Mini Session | Horton Iris Garden

mom, dad, brother, sister, blue, irises, flower garden, Loomis

This past spring, I chose a new-to-me location for spring minis: Horton Iris Garden in Loomis! The garden was in full bloom in May, making it the perfect spot to photograph this sweet family and three others.

young girl, blue striped dress, iris garden, Loomis
young boy, glasses, blue shirt, garden, iris flowers
young girl, young boy, siblings, hugging, iris garden, Loomis
husband, wife, iris garden, sunset, spring mini session, Loomis
sister, brother, siblings, laughing, garden, iris flowers

These two siblings were the cutest together, tickling one another and giggling. Such a fun spring mini session!

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Katherine | Class of 2024

young woman in white dress auburn ca courthouse steps senior portraits

I met this lovely high school senior and her mom on a beautiful April evening in the town of Auburn. We started out near the Auburn Courthouse and then made our way around Old Town Auburn before finishing the session in Downtown Auburn.

high school senior girl, white dress, pink and purple flowers bushes auburn ca

How LUCKY were we?! These beautiful flowers were in FULL bloom!

high school senior, auburn ca white dress flowers
high school senior red cap and gown auburn ca

As a McClatchy High School senior, Katherine donned a red gown and cap.

high school senior girl red gown street in auburn California
High school senior girl throwing cap into air wearing red gown auburn ca
high school senior girl smiling in doorway of brick building auburn ca wearing red gown
high school senior girl blue shirt, khaki pants standing in street auburn ca

I love that Katherine selected this blue blouse because it brings out the blue in her eyes - and works so well with her nail color.

Senior high school girl hands on hips blue shirt khaki pants street auburn California
senior girl in blue top khaki pants leaning against brick building black stairs auburn ca
high school senior Winston smith books auburn ca book lover

Most of the seniors I photograph, I’ve never met before our session together. So, in order to get to know each student before their session, I email out a short questionnaire. From Katherine’s questionnaire responses, I learned that she LOVES to read. Katherine asked if it might be possible to take photographs in front of or inside a bookstore. And I thought, YES, let’s do it!

Winston Smith Books was closed that day, but we captured some fun photos in front of the bookstore.

high school senior girl umbrellas color mural smiling

And just down from the bookstore is this really cool artsy spot with a wall mural and colorful umbrellas. So, of course, we had to take a few photos there as well. It was a fun way to wrap up this delightful senior session in Auburn!

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Morgan | Class of 2024

high school senior photos, lavender farm, spring flowers, clarinet player, sunset

This was my first high school SENIOR session of the year, and Morgan, her mom, and I had fun out at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in Lincoln. Even though it was early spring (mid-March), we got lucky and some of the trees were already blooming - like the one above with the purple buds. (Help me out, plant people, what kind of tree is that?)

clarinet, high school senior, teenager, lavender farm, spring, musician

As you can see, Morgan brought her clarinet with her to her senior session. I love, love, love that she brought her instrument with her.

clarinet, high school musician, lavender farm, high school senior girl, rocklin high school, musician

In this post, I want to talk all about PROPS! (By the way, I don’t often include black and white images in senior galleries, but I was dying to see what this one would look like!)

clarinet, musician, road, lavender farm, Lincoln, rocklin high school, high school senior

You might not know this, but I’m a big fan of seniors bringing a few props to their session! Why? Because props help tell each senior’s unique story. Props often showcase a students’ interests or hobbies. I know some of you might be thinking, But I don’t play an instrument!

tennis player, high school senior, lavender farm, Rocklin high school student, tennis racket, tennis ball

What about a sport? Morgan is a tennis player at Rocklin High School, so she changed into her tennis outfit and posed with a racket and ball.

high school tennis player, tennis racket, tennis ball, lavender farm, Rocklin high school
tennis racket, high school senior, laughter, tennis ball, big smile, lavender farm, rocklin high school

Now I get it. You may not be musically-inclined. You might not be athletic. But here are some other fun PROP ideas!

  • Love flowers like I do? Bring a small bouquet of flowers with you!

  • Accessories can make your photos more interesting and provide more variety in your gallery. Bring your favorite hat (e.g. floppy hat, baseball cap, cowboy hat) or jacket (e.g. letter jacket) to your session.

  • Do you like to read? Bring along four or five of your favorite books.

  • Do you like to take pictures? Bring your camera along. (I’ll take a picture of you taking a picture of me! Ha! Seriously, I did this for one senior a few years ago, and it was the cutest picture!)

  • How about a favorite four-legged friend? Whether it’s your dog, cat, bunny or horse, let’s find a way to photograph the two of you together.

  • Do you adore your car or truck? Let’s chat about how we can include your vehicle in your session.

  • Are you active in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts? Bring your uniform with you - or at least your sash or vest with all of the badges/patches you’ve earned!

  • Do you already know where you are going to college? Bring along your college t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Other ideas include: Balloons, confetti or poppers(depending on the location), a sentimental item, or the tools of the trade (for your future career).

Have a different prop idea? I’m all ears!

Congratulations, Morgan, on your graduation from high school!

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Jennie Harless Jennie Harless

Family Session on the North Fork of the American River

One of my favorite things to do, outside of photographing clients, is to scout out new locations for my photo sessions. I learn about new locations from photographer friends and browsing the internet. But sometimes, I happen to be out with my family and stumble across a special spot.

That’s what happened last summer. My family and I were hiking down near this bridge outside of Colfax. We walked across the bridge and over the river, and I thought, “Hey, this might be a decent spot for family photos or senior sessions.”

Fast forward to late November, I met up with this family to take pictures there. It was chilly, but they were smart and stopped for Starbuck’s coffee and hot cocoa beforehand.

We took pictures on the bridge and down near the river, too.

I’ve photographed this family a few times before, and I always look forward to getting them in front of my lens!

The kids are getting older and taller - thankfully, I brought my trusty stool, so I could be slightly taller than them. And the weather is getting warmer and it stays lighter later, which I love. I can’t wait for more family and senior sessions this spring!

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