Blog - Fifth and Chestnut

Adorable Reno Holiday Pajama Mini Session with Reno Photographer Kids

January 14, 2022 In Babies & Kids Holiday Portraits No Comment

Hey, it’s my kids! Of course I’m a little biased, but I think these adorable Reno holiday pajama mini session portraits are absolutely freakin’ precious.

My kids were actually REALLY good sports for this shoot on the coldest, snowiest December day, ever.

I appreciate that they humored me for this session. I got so many cute portraits of my own kids and for the first time in a while, it was actually easy and stress-free. I guess that’s the beauty of your kids getting older!

I just love my babies <3 Hope you enjoy these portraits of them, too!

Matching Christmas Pajama Portraits by Reno Family Photographer

January 14, 2022 In Uncategorized No Comment

I had so much fun with this family at my Holiday Pajama Mini Session event in December! They brought their sweet puppies for their matching Christmas pajama portraits, too – and you KNOW I love doggies!!

They put up with the cold like it wasn’t even a thing, too! And trust me, it was COLD on this lovely snowy December day.

They had the BEST matching Christmas pajamas. I love that not everything is matchy matchy, but perfectly coordinated together.

I can’t wait to do holiday pajama minis again in 2022. If you want to be the first to know about them, contact me and ask to be put on my newsletter list!

a family huddles together for a cute family portrait at barley ranch by reno family photographer

Colorful Rustic Reno Family Portraits at Bartley Ranch

January 14, 2022 In Family No Comment

I am so excited to share these colorful rustic Reno family portraits with you! Lacie was the very lucky winner of one of my mini session gift certificates for Align Life’s Open House & Grand Opening!

I was so thrilled when she wanted to include her parents in her photoshoot with her husband. I think it’s always so special to bring in extended family for portraits. These will be such a treasure for both of these families.

We started our session at the old schoolhouse at Bartley Ranch, which is an iconic Reno spot to take pictures for sure. We were all VERY happy to see red, orange and yellow leaves even in mid-November!

Fall Foliage in November for Reno family portraits

Sometimes the leaves are gone by November 1st around here, but sometimes they linger like this year! It’s always a blessing when they hang around a little longer. I LOVE FALL COLOR.

Lacie and her family were so much fun to work with and I adore the rustic Reno family portraits we created! I wish I could bring that vintage blue truck with me everywhere I go…wouldn’t that be neat?

It’s also kind of crazy how many locations and poses we fit into this short session, by the way. I guess that’s the beauty of working with adults only LOL. Normally I am chasing down toddlers for the majority of a session. It was a nice break to photograph this grown up fam 🙂

I hope you enjoy these gorgeous portraits!

If you’re in the mood for colorful and fun Reno family portraits, I hope you’ll contact me! I have been a Reno family photographer for 13 years and counting – and I would love to work with you! And if you’re looking for a great, rustic location to take pictures at, Bartley Ranch is the ultimate location in Reno.

Warm and Cozy Lifestyle Family Portraits by Reno Family Photographer

January 14, 2022 In Family No Comment

This beautiful family is so lucky to have SUCH an amazing friend (hi Kayla!) and God Parents who gifted them the precious gift of photography. Their November session on a chilly day called for warm and cozy lifestyle family portraits in their home!

Cozy Lifestyle Family Portraits with TWINS!

I am always SO thrilled to photograph twins. If you’re new around here, I have twins who are about to turn 4 soon. So I obviously just have a soft spot for capturing moments with other twin families as well.

These cutie one-year-old twins were such a joy to photograph. They are seriously SUCH sweeties. They came up to me immediately when I walked in the door. So friendly and adorable. They weren’t fans of my camera, though! However, one of the amazing perks of doing a lifestyle shoot in your home is that we get such cute candid images. This is especially great with young kids who are a little shy of the camera.

I love how cozy and sweet these images feel!

Are you looking for cozy Lifestyle Family Portraits in Reno, too? This is such a fun way to capture the realness of your sweet family at home. We’ll capture every-day moments that will help you remember what life was like when these portraits were taken.

My schedule fills up super fast, so make sure to contact me now if you want to book lifestyle family portraits in Reno this late fall and winter season!

a reno high school senior leans against a tree in the woods for her forest high school senior portraits

2023 High School Senior VIP Team | Applications open NOW

January 13, 2022 In Senior Portraits No Comment

2023 FAC SENIOR VIP TEAM

What do you want to remember the most when your senior year is over? The homework? Probably not. The constant barrage of events and obligations? I don’t think so. More likely, you want to REVEL in your incredible high school senior memories. You want to be grateful for the friendships and good times – especially after throwing a pandemic into the middle of your high school experience – am I right?! And perhaps most importantly, you want to move onto the next chapter with a smile and a happy heart. You probably also want to have INCREDIBLE Tahoe / Reno high school senior portraits. Just sayin’!

I’m assembling my 2023 Senior VIP Team and it’s time to apply if you’re interested in joining! This is an exclusive experience that will provide you with absolutely incredible memories from your senior year in high school!

TAHOE / RENO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PORTRAITS

My goal for every high school senior portrait session is for my subject to feel their absolute best in front of my lens. Confident. Happy. Comfortable. Authentic! With that in mind, I have tailored my Fifth and Chestnut Photo Co. Senior VIP Team experience to be that and MORE. SO much more.

FAC Senior VIP Team BENEFITS

There is a plethora of benefits to being on the FAC Senior VIP Team!

Scheduling: Among other fantastic bonuses, my VIP team has preferred scheduling. Your tenure on my team starts your JUNIOR year. That way, you’re more likely to get the dates you want for your solo senior session (especially my much-coveted late summer and early fall dates). You’ll have the opportunity to start your senior year with photos in-hand.

Multiple Sessions: Another amazing perk is that you won’t just have one session. Oh no, my friend – you will get several shoots. First and foremost, you’ll get a very special senior session: the Fifth and Chestnut Elite Senior Photoshoot, which is my BEST senior session option – exclusive to FAC Senior VIPs. In addition, you’ll be invited to so many fun team shoots throughout the year. How fun is that?!

Limited Spots: I will only be selecting 10 students for this experience per year, from any schools in the Reno/Tahoe area. One of the benefits of this limitation is making new friends outside of your own school.

MUAH: Hair and makeup is INCLUDED in your Elite Senior Photoshoot. You’ll also make connections with hair and makeup artists that you can choose to hire for any additional photoshoots. I mean – is it ever too early to be thinking about getting ready for prom?!

FREE Retouching: That’s right – your Elite Senior Photoshoot COMES WITH retouching. I’ll retouch your skin naturally and beautifully – removing blemishes and reducing under-eye bags etc. You’ll love it, and it’s INCLUDED – yay!

This is actually just a small list of the benefits to being a FAC Senior VIP. There are more, and I promise they are so worth it!

WHO IS A GOOD FIT FOR THE SENIOR VIP TEAM?

EVERYONE. I am not looking for a particular type of person for my team. Any and all body types, races, genders and personalities are welcome to join – you don’t have to be a model or an influencer to be on my VIP team. You don’t have to be anything other than yourself. In fact, I would highly encourage you to apply ESPECIALLY if this is a little out of your comfort zone!

Although the process does include an application, you don’t “win” a seat on my team – the first 10 people to apply and pay for their high school senior VIP team experience are ON. THE. TEAM. WOO!!

If the sound of being on my team just sounds FUN, please apply to join us!

HOW IS THE FAC SENIOR VIP TEAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SPOKESMODEL PROGRAMS?

The FAC VIP Team is like NO OTHER in the Reno/Tahoe area. First of all, your photographer is me, and there is only one me!

Timeless Aesthetic: My style is fresh and FUN, but most importantly, it’s TIMELESS. This is something that especially sets me apart. I don’t randomly change my editing style and switch between the newest shiny Instagram filters because your senior portraits will sit on your parents’ walls FOR ETERNITY (trust me on this) and I promise you that a TIMELESS feel to your photos is very important. If you have laughed at your parents’ wedding portraits, you KNOW what I’m talkin’ about.

We have a mission: To purposefully and artistically document the irreplaceable memories of life’s incredible milestones through timeless, remarkable and heartfelt fine-art portraiture by connecting with people in a genuine and meaningful way. It’s one of my goals to get to know you so that I can capture you AUTHENTICALLY. Graduating high school is one of the MAJOR milestones in your life (and in your parents’ lives, too). What better way to commemorate this amazing span of time than with gorgeous portraits?!

Investing in yourself: You will have so many opportunities to expand your own confidence, make new friendships, and express your own personality through the amazing power of photography and social media. You are about to be blown away by what this experience brings you. If you are interested in being an insta influencer, this is a great chance to practice. It might even be something you include on your resume.

It’s not a chore: As a FAC Senior VIP, you do NOT have a list of duties that you must complete or referrals you are obligated to make. Your parents pay for this experience and with that, you get major perks. It takes time and effort to take part in the photoshoots, but it’s something you are doing for FUN. Being on the FAC Senior VIP team is ACTUALLY about having a good time, forming lasting friendships and building memories to last a lifetime! It’s NOT about advertising for me – although yes, I absolutely LOVE when you share the photos I create and tag me in them….like all the time! Also, if you miss a group photoshoot – it’s okay! You are not obligated to attend every shoot we do.

Make LASTING MEMORIES with your Reno high school senior portraits

The FAC Senior VIP Team Experience will be something you remember forever. My aim is to make this year truly unforgettable and to close out your high school education on a major high note. Again, I want you to head into your next adventure with a smile and a happy heart. So let’s do it!!

JOIN NOW

Fill out my application to be on the 2023 Fifth and Chestnut Senior VIP Team here! It’s FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE for the first 10 students who apply (and complete the booking process).

Whimsical and boho chick reno high school senior portraits in a meadow by reno high school senior portrait photographer

Beachy reno high school senior portraits in Lake Tahoe by Reno Senior Photographer on a warm summer day

PS: If you’re not TOTALLY into the idea of being on the VIP team, please know that I also provide 1-hour Reno High School Senior Portraits year-round and I would LOVE to be your Reno High School Senior Photographer!

And in case you missed the link above, please heck out the Senior VIP Team APPLICATION here.

Cute and Snowy Reno Holiday Pajama Mini Portraits by Reno's Best Family Photographer

Cute & Snowy Reno Holiday Pajama Mini Portraits

December 17, 2021 In Babies & Kids Holiday Portraits No Comment

When I planned my 2021 Reno Holiday Pajama Mini sessions, I didn’t plan on having a snowy winter wonderland backdrop, but I’m not mad about it!

The weather around here can always throw us for a loop, but luckily it wasn’t raining or snowing. It was chilly, but the beauty of a short mini session is that we don’t have to be out in the elements very long.

Adorable Reno Holiday Pajama Portraits

I had the best time with this guy and his parents for his holiday pajama portraits. One thing he did not want to do was sit down in my pre-planned set. He had his own ideas! And it’s totally okay because I got the CUTEST shots of him exploring the snow.

Playing in the snow has to be one of life’s ultimate joys, don’t you think?

I personally love playing in the snow, and it is so gorgeous when a blanket of white covers our city and our mountains. So I feel kind of lucky we had such gorgeous backdrops for these Reno holiday pajama mini portraits!

Want to join us next year for our Reno Holiday Pajama Mini Portraits? Make sure to email me and ask to sign up for my newsletter so you can be the first to know about them and snag a highly coveted spot!

I only do mini portrait sessions on a very limited basis as my schedule allows, so signing up for my newsletter will keep you in the know for the limited mini session opportunities throughout the year!

Golden Reno Fall Family Portraits at Thomas Creek | Reno Photographer

November 4, 2021 In Family No Comment

I am so excited to share these golden Reno fall family portraits of my beautiful friend Talia and her amazing family!

You may recognize Talia if I (we) have photographed your wedding or newborn(s)! She has been my second photographer for MANY weddings, and she’s also assisted on several newborn sessions with me. If you know her, you know that she is the sweetest!

Talia created my maternity portraits when I was pregnant with my twins, and our family portraits when the twins were one. She is such an incredible photographer and I have been lucky to work alongside her.

Although it’s nerve-wracking to photograph another photographer, I was SO excited when Talia let me know that her Mom Linda wanted me to create fall family portraits for them this year! It turns out that Linda is ALSO a photographer, so the pressure was ON! But actually, this family is SO laid back and their sense of humor is so amazing that I was laughing the WHOLE time.

The fall colors were POPPIN’ here at the Thomas Creek Trailhead. It’s such a lovely place to shoot during fall in Reno. I was so glad to be there on an amazing fall day with this family.

Unfortunately, it was also freezing. But I bet you can’t tell from the photos. Can you? I can’t, but maybe I’m biased LOL.

Fall Colors for Golden Reno Fall Family Portraits

I also love the color scheme this family chose for their fall wardrobe against the goregous aspens. The colors complimented the scenery so well for their golden Reno fall family portraits. Way to go, guys!

Do you want incredible Reno Fall Family Portraits, too? Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I would LOVE the opportunity to capture priceless memories for you and your family. Please use my contact form to inquire and get on my fall calendar!

Cozy Hope Valley Family Portraits by Hope Valley Photographer

November 4, 2021 In Family No Comment

I was so excited when Jenn asked me to create these Hope Valley family portraits for her! I have known her since my very early photography days through mutual friends and it was amazing to see how her family has grown over the years.

It’s always my greatest joy to see families evolve and capture precious moments in time that fly by. These will be priceless portraits, especially when these kiddos are older <3

Also, let me tell you how much I love Hope Valley. It’s one of the most gorgeous areas during fall. It’s been a few years since I have taken pictures here. So, I was thrilled to be there! And this family did an amazing job at choosing wardrobe to compliment the beautiful landscape.

Our shoot happened to be during a cold snap, but they absolutely rocked the cold weather (and wind). Ugh – the wind! It’s hard to escape around here – but honestly it brings that “real life” feel to portraits with hair swirling around and I love that about it.

Hope Valley Family Portraits

You’ll see that Berkley is basically a perfect child model with her amazing smiles and poses. She was a joy to photograph – truly. And you’ll also see that little baby bear Bruin REALLY liked being thrown in the air. He also really loves his teething ring!

Jenn and Kyle also introduced me to a VERY cool spot in Hope Valley. Those portraits are at the end of this post, with the river running through. I will definitely come back to that spot – you can bet on it!

A family standing in a field of dry grasses for their Hope Valley family portraits by Hope Valley Photographer

These Hope Valley family portraits bring me so much joy, and I hope they invoke the same feelings for you, too. If you’re in need of fall family portraits, please use my contact form to inquire about a fall Hope Valley session!

A four year old boy stands proudly in front of a creek for his reno child portraits

Fall Reno Forest Family Photos by Reno Family Photographer

November 2, 2021 In Family No Comment

I have some fall Reno forest family photos for you today! This is my fourth year photographing Theo and he is always such a joy to capture! What makes this year even more special is that his parents joined him for family portraits as well.

Anahi, Mike and Theo are such a wonderful trio. I LOVE their fall family portraits together at Callahan Park.

We took some portraits in a wide variety of scenes at Callahan park. At this amazing location, there is a creek, a fun playground, lots of pine trees and tons of high desert scenery as well. An AMAZING combo of landscapes!

I also got some amazing shots of Theo (of course). Did you know he loves robots?! He probably thinks I am such a dork because I called the robots from Star Wars drones instead of droids. UGH! And you know what…I am actually a huge Star Wars fan. But apparently words escape me these days!

I absolutely love the expressions I got from Theo for his four-year portraits during this lovely fall day. I had so much fun following him around this lovely park in Reno (a true fall gem in our area).

Check out his session from last year to see how much he’s grown!

I’m also so glad that Anahi scheduled these Reno fall forest photos at the perfect time before the cold spell hit Reno. Look how gorgeous these portraits are!

Reno Forest Family Photos at Callahan Park by Reno Family Photographer

I hope you love these Reno forest family photos at Callahan Park. If you are in need of a family portrait session, I hope you’ll use the contact link above to initiate a chat with me today!

Summer Idle Hour Wedding during the Caldor Fire by Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer

Alex & Devon’s Idle Hour Wedding in Lake Tahoe

October 22, 2021 In Weddings No Comment

If you know me pretty well, you know that I scaled back my weddings before the times of Covid for several reasons. One of those reasons is just the time involved to edit these bad boys! However, I will occasionally shoot weddings as long as my schedule allows…and sometimes you JUST HAVE TO for your very good friends! That was the case with this amazing Idle Hour wedding in Lake Tahoe.

My friends Alex and Devon were supposed to get married in 2020, but you know what I’m about to say. Due to the pandemic, their wedding was rescheduled for August of 2021.

What no one could predict, on top of a pandemic still raging on, was that there would be a horrific forest fire gobbling up parts of Lake Tahoe during their new wedding date.

Luckily, their wedding was set BEFORE the mass evactuations in Lake Tahoe began. So we squeezed their wedding in pretty much at the last minute! Can you beleive it?!

As much as the wildfire smoke was horrendous, I am glad that their wedding didn’t have to be rescheduled AGAIN.

I had the BEST TIME celebrating my two friends and capturing the special moments of their wedding day. Below are just my top favorites from their Idle Hour wedding in Lake Tahoe, which I had an impossible time narrowing down for a blog post!

Please join me in saying CHEERS, Alex & Devon! Congrats a million times!!!