10 Best Locations for Family Portraits in South Lake Tahoe
Looking for the best locations for family portraits in South Lake Tahoe? After 14 years photographing families across the South Shore, I’ve created a guide to my favorite spots with real insight on lighting, access, and variety. This isn’t a list of postcard views. It’s a practical breakdown of what actually works for real families. Whether you’re hoping for a forest trail, open meadow, or lakefront session without the crowds, this post will help you find the right fit for your people.
Local’s Guide to Lake Tahoe
Planning a summer trip to Tahoe? This is a local’s guide to Lake Tahoe — packed with honest, tried-and-true recommendations from a South Lake local of nearly 20 years. From where to eat without the wait, to hidden hikes, wine cruises, distilleries, free concerts, and places the kids will actually love — it’s everything you need to plan your best Tahoe adventure without looking like a tourist. Come for the views, stay for the poke bowls and paddleboard yoga.
Weddings in Amador City: End of Nowhere Winery, Best Restaurants, and Hidden Wineries
Looking for a wedding destination that’s intimate, charming, and surrounded by incredible wine country? Amador City might be Northern California’s best-kept secret. As the smallest city in the state, this historic Gold Rush town is packed with personality, stunning winery views, and a laid-back vibe perfect for couples who want a relaxed yet unforgettable celebration. From saying "I do" at End of Nowhere Winery to dining at the best local restaurants and exploring hidden wineries, this guide has everything you need to plan a picture-perfect Amador City wedding weekend.
Addison Grove Wedding | Megan + Clay
This wedding was extra special for me—I've known Megan and her family for years, dating back to 1998 when I babysat Megan and her brother, Zach, while I was in college in Austin. Their family has always been dear to me, so when Megan asked me to photograph her wedding at Addison Grove, it was an incredible honor. Watching someone you’ve known since childhood step into such a huge milestone is both surreal and deeply meaningful. It was a joy to see what amazing humans they’ve become, and being welcomed so warmly into the celebration and proudly introduced to their closest friends and family made the day even more unforgettable. Addison Grove provided the perfect backdrop for their love story, and I’m grateful to have been a part of such a special moment in their lives.
SXSW Survival Tips: How to Survive SXSW | Part 2
SXSW, otherwise known as my absolute favorite 10 days of the year, every year, is an annual convergence of technology, film, and music in Austin, Texas. It's 10 days of thriving on adrenaline and chaos. It's a beacon of creativity and innovation. Drawing attendees from diverse industries worldwide, it's unparalleled popularity can certainly be attributed to the dynamic blend of cutting-edge technology showcases, an extensive list of film premieres, and my favorite - the off-the-beaten-path version of its music festival which celebrates and heralds unsigned and new artists. As promised, I'm back with part II in my series on how to survive SXSW like a pro with more SXSW survival tips.
How to Survive SXSW | Part 1
75,000 people are about to descend upon Austin, TX for SXSW, one of the world's premier music, film and tech festivals. While SXSW is mostly known for its music festival, what really brings the money to Austin (and $350 million plus of it at that), is the Interactive portion, which draws a young audience of inventors, investors and risk takers looking for networking opportunities and the next big thing. At any given moment all over the city there are thousands of opportunities to learn, network, workshop and cultivate relationships. For over 12 years now, I've been working for the Sales Department at the event, as a client event photographer responsible for documenting the return on investment for their sponsors. It's exhausting. It's exhilarating. It's incredibly fun. If you're attending for the first time and looking for some answers on how to survive SXSW, I got you boo.
The Best Tahoe Wedding Vendors
Whether you love wedding planning or hate it, choosing your vendors is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. If you're planning a Lake Tahoe wedding and want to know who my favorite people and the best Tahoe wedding vendors are, look no further! All my favorite people, all in one easy to navigate guide for getting married in Lake Tahoe.
What to Wear in your Senior Portraits
Choosing what to wear in your senior portraits is an important decision that can make all the difference in how your photos turn out. From picking the right colors to selecting outfits that reflect your personal style, I'll guide you through outfit recommendations, seasonal tips, and styling suggestions to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera. Whether you’re opting for a casual look, a formal ensemble, or something unique that represents your hobbies, I want you to be prepared for a session that truly reflects who you are.
Why Senior Pictures Matter and What to Know Before You Book
Graduating from high school is a major milestone, and senior photos are the perfect way to capture this moment. Not only do they preserve your memories for years to come, but they also provide meaningful keepsakes for your family and friends. Whether it’s sending photos with your graduation invitations, sharing them with classmates, or creating a lasting memento of who you are at this moment in time, senior portraits celebrate your growth and accomplishments. In this post, we’ll explore the many reasons why senior photos are more than just pictures—they’re a way to honor your journey and share it with those who’ve supported you along the way.
San Benito House Wedding: A Celebration of Color
Dana and Calvin’s wedding at the San Benito House in Half Moon Bay, CA, was a vibrant celebration filled with bold colors and bright moments. The laid back super chill venue, with its giant patio and expansive lawn, provided the perfect backdrop for their colorful vision. From the striking floral arrangements to Dana’s rainbow veil and Calvin’s maroon suit, every detail burst with color. The couple’s choice of photography was equally important—they wanted a style that would truly capture the vibrancy of their day. With a bold and vibrant photography approach, the colors were preserved authentically, creating a lively, energetic collection of memories.
Intimate Gar Woods Wedding | Kings Beach, CA | Hana + Tyler
Planning an intimate wedding in North Lake Tahoe? Hana and Tyler’s celebration at Gar Woods was a perfect blend of love, laughter, and lakeside charm. From personalized touches to navigating the unique lodging restrictions in the area, their day showcased how stunning and seamless a North Lake Tahoe wedding can be. Whether you're drawn to Gar Woods' lake views or its cozy, intimate vibe, this post has all the inspiration and tips you need to start planning your own unforgettable day.
How to throw the perfect Tahoe winter proposal
There’s nothing quite as enchanting as a proposal set against the snowy splendor of Lake Tahoe. Picture a quiet, snow-dusted landscape, shimmering peaks, and the warmth of love amidst the crisp winter air. Tahoe's winter beauty provides an idyllic backdrop for unforgettable moments, and capturing the joy of your engagement is a memory you’ll cherish forever. Whether you're planning a cozy lakeside proposal or a mountaintop surprise, I’m here to document every heartfelt detail. Let’s turn your dream proposal into a timeless story.