Letting Kids be Kids

Having never had family portraits, I was so excited to capture these three! Their little one was full steam ahead, making this session all about fun, play and cuddling up in between.

While the smiles and laughter are a given, it’s the smallest details that bring us back and what I hone in on in between the portraits…the tiny hand reaching for yours, the baby curls, the favorite stuffed animal always close by, the cheek pressed against yours. Years from now, today’s photographs become a reminder of what it felt like when your presence was their comfort, your hand was the one they reached for, and being together was enough.

Want to capture your family in South Lake Tahoe? I’m ready, get in touch here!

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Candid Family Moments at the Historic Dangberg Ranch

With five kids, wide-open land, and the golden glow of sunset wrapped around them, this family session unfolded exactly as it should – free-flowing and full of life. With a mix of older high schoolers and little ones eager to run, we leaned into what always works best: letting the kids explore, play, and simply be themselves. The result was a collection of candid, organic moments and genuine connection in every frame.

There’s something grounding about photographing a family of five on land shaped by another family of five generations before them. Set against the historic backdrop of Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, this session carried a sense of continuity. The Dangberg family once raised five children of their own, building a life from the same wide-open land these kids now ran freely across. What started as a humble cabin in the 1800s grew into a legacy that helped shape the region, and standing there now, watching laughter echo across the fields, it felt like a full-circle moment.

Looking to capture your family in the Carson Valley? Get in touch!

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Multi-Generation Family Session in South Lake Tahoe

Visiting from Oklahoma, the Farmer family embraced a sun-soaked day along the shores of Lake Tahoe, chasing little footsteps as they celebrated the start of a beautiful third generation. This heartfelt family session was gifted to Grandma by her three daughters, making it all the more meaningful.

One of the most fulfilling parts of being a Lake Tahoe family photographer is sending families home with portraits that truly reflect why they chose Tahoe as their destination. When little ones are part of the adventure, I always ask their ages so I can thoughtfully recommend locations that make the experience easy and enjoyable for everyone. This particular beach is a favorite I return to often. It offers convenient parking, is stroller-friendly, and beautifully captures everything people love about Lake Tahoe: mountains, beach, forest, and meadow all in one stunning, accessible setting. It’s the perfect balance of comfort for larger families while still delivering the iconic Tahoe scenery.

Scroll through to witness this session as it naturally came together.

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Relaxed Summer Senior Session

Warm summer days are just around the corner and what better way to step into the season than with a laidback senior session, barefoot in the sand. Katelyn embodies that youthful, carefree energy. Soft light, effortless movement, and a relaxed beach vibe that felt true to Katelyn’s season of life.

If graduation is on the horizon, it’s not too late to document this milestone in a way that feels authentic to who you are. I find the simplest settings – just sand, sky, and a little golden light – create the most meaningful memories.

Scroll along to feel that breeze off the water…

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Looking to capture your senior portraits? Get in touch here!

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Planning the Perfect Lake Tahoe Proposal

Little did she know, the surprise wasn’t over. Yes, they were going to dinner. But there would be a big group of friends and family waiting to celebrate once they arrived.

Congratulations, you two! Enjoy every bit of this ride on Cloud 9!

Round Hill Pines is such a beautiful location for a Lake Tahoe engagement session. If you’re planning something special and would like it captured, feel free to reach out!

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Proposal at Emerald Bay

Taylor knew he wanted to propose to Garin on one of their upcoming trips. As pilots, travel is simply part of life and while Garin had a feeling a proposal was coming, when and where it would happen was the real mystery. On a drive from Sacramento to an event in Reno, Taylor realized they’d be passing through Lake Tahoe. A scenic stop. A perfect surprise proposal plan.

Sitting on a rock overlooking Lake Tahoe, my camera bag hidden inside a cooler and my long lens tucked beneath my coat, I blended in as just another tourist taking in the view. I pretended to be FaceTiming a friend to show off the scenery (thank you to all the friends who actually answer when I call). When Taylor and Garin walked right behind me, it looked completely believable. One of my favorite parts of photographing surprise proposals, especially in beautiful, quiet locations like Lake Tahoe, is creating a believable story for why I’m there. This little distraction worked perfectly, and what was meant to be a quick stop to admire the lake turned into a proposal she’ll never forget.

Garin, already dressed and glowing for the event ahead, was absolutely picture-perfect when Taylor got down on one knee. Camera ready at my hip, it was go time. Moments later, her dad and best friend arrived with flowers in hand, turning an already unforgettable Lake Tahoe proposal into a full, joy-filled celebration. Scroll on to see how it all unfolded.

Want to see more proposal stories? Click Here.

Looking to propose at Lake Tahoe? Get in touch to start planning the perfect proposal!

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Lake Tahoe Beach Engagement Session 

Andrew and Lexie’s engagement session on the beaches of Lake Tahoe was the perfect extension of an already unforgettable weekend. After getting engaged the day before, they gathered with family on the South Shore to celebrate, making this session feel even more meaningful. Andrew thoughtfully planned photos as part of the weekend festivities, giving Lexie a chance to get dolled up and soak in the excitement of being newly engaged!

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Senior Portraits in the Glow of Sunset

This session is extra special because it’s family.  Tierney’s happy-go-lucky spirit, constant laughter, and contagious enthusiasm instantly light up any room. As I write this, I’m wrapped in the coziest handmade blanket she made for me years ago – a sweet reminder of her thoughtfulness every time I use it.

We spent the afternoon exploring a golden meadow and quiet dock in South Lake Tahoe, two of her favorite spots and the perfect backdrop for her senior portraits. The soft mountain light and peaceful scenery made this session feel so true to her – radiant, grounded, and full of joy.

She’s a beauty inside and out, and what a treat it was to capture this moment in her life in the place she calls home. I couldn’t be more excited to see all that lies ahead for her. Congrats, girl!

Looking for authentic senior portraits that celebrate this milestone in style? Get in touch today!

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Matt and Taylor’s Summer Engagement Session

I could never tire of capturing this couple! Last winter, Matt and Taylor were newly engaged and we spent a snowy afternoon shooting for their big news. Now, there’s a wedding date set and for their save-the-dates, they had something more summery in mind and few places say Lake Tahoe summer more than the beach. Barefoot in the sand, we snagged a beautiful evening and some soft, dreamy, sunset moments.

Are you looking for the best engagement session experience in Lake Tahoe? I’ve got you set with an easy flow, with comfortable direction and break down the camera’s wall to show you your true love through images.

Get in touch to book your session.

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Trails, Trees and Togetherness – Truckee Family Photography

The Berkowitz family returned to one of their favorite places to soak up time together before welcoming their third little one. Instead of the classic lake setting, Sara described their family style as more “trails and trees,” so a meadow they often pass on their hikes felt like the perfect backdrop. With two toddlers, life is busy, and some of their happiest moments are spent in wide-open spaces where the kids can roam freely. That’s exactly what this session captured, just with everyone a little more dressed up.

But as with so many family stories, the lead-up made the photos even more meaningful. A 20-minute car ride from the lake turned into an impromptu nap for the little ones, who woke up in no mood for pictures. By the time we reached the meadow, both wanted nothing more than to be in Mom’s arms, no small ask when she’s 7 months pregnant and wearing a black dress under the afternoon sun. Sara gets MVP for handling it with grace, even as tears streamed down two tired toddler faces.

When we arrived to the location, I reassured Sara and Evan that we’d give the kids all the time they needed to reset. With gentle patience from Mom and Dad, no rush from me to force smiles, and a little space for the kids to shake off their big emotions, the shift happened. And looking at the photos, you’d never know the session began with tears.

Grandma and Grandpa joined too, adding even more laughter and play to the mix, and by the end, we had the perfect blend of candid joy and timeless portraits.

Looking to capture your time as a family in Lake Tahoe? Get in touch!

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