This photo shoot was a real challenge! Despite a partly-cloudy forecast, the rain came down steadily during this shoot, forcing us to take cover beneath the Carolee Shields Gazebo. But did that stop us? No way! Though the lighting was dim and the background variety slim, we nonetheless managed to capture some sweet shots.

One of the things I try and focus on in my senior sessions is capturing sights familiar to the area; little signs and symbols of where you were and what was special about that place--things you might miss once you're gone and off in college in a different part of the state, or a different state all together.

For this session, we focused on all things California and Yolo County: shots in front of Putah Creek, among golden poppies and other California wildflowers, wrapped in the blooms of a western redbud and on the train tracks which connected early Davis with the rest of a growing California.

I love this approach, because in the Great Debate we photographers have over how to make a senior session special and unique, this is one of my favorites. Surround your subject in all the things which shaped them, and just see how it brings out their character and most unique qualities.

My goodness were these kids cute! My favorite type of family session with young children is the type with play--bubbles, flower picking, dancing, tag. You will always get the most beautiful, genuine smiles when your kids are having fun--and that means you'll be smiling, too.

Shoot type: 30 minute mini-session
Location: Sandy Motely Park @ Nugget Fields, Davis, CA

Blossoms and bubbles! That was the theme of this family shoot. Nothing brings out the smiles in photo-shy kids like bubbles and play, and this flower-filled setting really made their enthusiasm sparkle!

Shoot type: 30 minute basic session
Location: Wildhorse Greenbelt @ Green Meadows, Davis, CA