B Family | Fall Mini Session
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.
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.
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.
Royer Park Mini Sessions | S & Y Families
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!
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.
And of course, we had to take a “cousins” picture, too! (Hello easy peasy Christmas present for the grandparents! Just print, wrap, and give.)
I love that dad and daughter were both wearing Birkenstocks!
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.
The A Family | Rose Session
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!
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.)
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!
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.
The S Family | Rose Session
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?!
Such a fun-loving family who cuddled and laughed and hugged and giggled throughout their entire photo session!
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.
Senior Sessions | Capturing your Personality
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.
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!
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.
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.
High School Seniors!
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.
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.
The C Family | Rose Session
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!)
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?!
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.
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.
J Family
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.
A Family | Rose Session
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 sweet sisters!
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!
I also loved that we had time for a few photos of just mom and dad.
There’s something about Daddies and their daughters snuggling that gets me every time.
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.
M Family | Rocklin
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.
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!
This little guy liked to hide behind the tree and pop out!
And he loved cuddling with his mom.
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.
Tori | Class of 2024
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.
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.
During her session, Tori was easygoing and up for trying any pose ideas I threw out like this one…play with your hair!
I can’t take any credit for this one; this was ALL Tori! Haha!
And this was all Tori, too! I think Tori and her mom were making faces at each other. Haha!
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!
Love this close-up of Tori!
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.
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.)
I love that Audrey and Rylee wanted to take a few photos together, too!
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.
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.
Let me know: Would you be interested in 8th grade grad mini-sessions next spring? Comment below or email me at jennieharlessphotography@gmail.com.
Tyler | Class of 2024
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.
Want to view photos from a recent senior girl session in Old Town Auburn? Click here.
Mia | Class of 2024
I loved capturing photos of this sweet Rocklin High senior at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in late April!
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.
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.
This is something brand NEW at the lavender farm - a SWING! So fun for high school seniors and young kiddos alike.
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.
Spring Mini Session | Horton Iris Garden
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.
These two siblings were the cutest together, tickling one another and giggling. Such a fun spring mini session!
Katherine | Class of 2024
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.
How LUCKY were we?! These beautiful flowers were in FULL bloom!
As a McClatchy High School senior, Katherine donned a red gown and cap.
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.
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.
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!
Morgan | Class of 2024
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?)
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.
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!)
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!
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.
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!
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!