Blog - Fifth and Chestnut

Spring UNR Graduation Portraits | Reno Graduation Photographer

May 13, 2021 In Grad Portraits No Comment

I had a blast with Whitney on a BEAUTIFUL spring afternoon to create her lovely and feminine spring UNR graduation portraits.

UNR is an absolutely beautiful place throughout all the seasons, but spring is one of the best. April can be a fickle time in Reno, and I never know for sure when the wind will sweep away the early tree blossoms. But we were very lucky and the trees were in all their splendor, full of delicate flowers.

It was a calm, mostly wind-free afternoon – and warm for an early spring day. Just walking around the campus during this time of year is a treat – but when I get to create portraits?! I am THRILLED.

I am especially thrilled when someone as wonderful as Whitney is in front of my lens. She is a natural in front of the camera. We had so much fun playing with her cap & gown as part of her ensemble. I adored her black dress with beautiful ruffle details, too, coupled with the most gorgeous pastel pink heels!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS UNR GRAD!

While Whitney and I roamed UNR’s incredible campus, we chatted about her time at UNR and her future plans. She is a total sweetheart and I am so glad to have met her and captured this AMAZING milestone for her.

Everyone please wish Whitney a wonderful journey ahead!

I want to also thank her awesome Dad for finding me to create Whitney’s spring UNR graduation portraits – thank you, Keith!

Hair & Makeup: Caliber Hair and Makeup Studio

A beautfiul graduate in her cap and gown plus blue UNR sash in front of spring blossoms for her spring UNR graduation portraits

If you are about to graduate from UNR, please don’t hesitate to r e ach out to me about spring UNR graduation portraits! My spring schedule fills up very quickly with UNR grad portraits starting in March. Let’s create beautiful grad pictures for you as you knock an amazing milestone off your list!

Spring Forest High School Senior Portraits

May 7, 2021 In Senior Portraits No Comment

Congratulations to Emma, graduating class of 2021! I was so honored to photograph her spring forest high school senior portraits in one of my all-time favorite locations in April.

Emma was an absolute joy to work with. As was her family who joined us for a few pics. By the way, I ALWAYS love taking family portraits during senior photo sessions. It’s the perfect time to get an updated family photo!

Emma had a wonderful combo of outfits. For one set of images, she wore a cute flowy dress with a denim jacket. For the second set, she went more casual with a coral pink top and jeans. And for a third, she wore her new college swag – which I think is so much fun.

Senior Photos at Galena Creek Park

We started our senior session in front of some lovely manzanita (which I just love). Then we headed over the bridge at Galena Creek Park and stopped at a few places before the trail splits off.

I was also happy to see the creek flowing so fast, and we got some great pics of Emma near the water.

Thank you to Mandy at ME Beauty for providing hair and makeup for Emma’s senior portraits 🙂

a family stands with their senior student for a family photo during her forest high school senior portrait session with a Reno high school senior photographer

Please check out my CONTACT tab above if you are looking for a Reno High School Senior Photographer to create beautiful forest high school senior portraits for you or your senior student!

Baby Blue Newborn Portraits by Reno Newborn Photographer

March 4, 2021 In Newborn No Comment

In case you haven’t heard elsewhere, I had to [cue the word of the 2020] PIVOT to in-home LIFESTYLE newborn sessions for the foreseeable future. And only when it is safe for me to do so. However, the little guy below is my nephew, so he actually came to visit me in my home for his baby blue newborn portraits – where I set up a temporary studio to photograph him.

Auggie was perhaps the most CHILL baby I’ve ever photographed. He hardly made a peep and slept the WHOLE TIME.

He was just as happy swaddled as he was totally naked. Thanks, little buddy, for making my job WAY too easy on this occasion! And I was SO happy to snuggle this sweet little guy – it was my first time meeting him and although COVID has thrown such a wrench into everything, I was so glad that I still got to meet him and photograph him.

I hope I can snuggle this guy again soon…my nephews are all growing up so fast and it’s so heartbreaking that COVID has kept us all apart. I actually photographed ALL FOUR of my sister-in-law’s boys – how fun is that?!

You might even remember little Forest from last year!

Here’s hoping that we’ll be together again in 2021.

baby boy laying on a gray knit blanket for baby blue newborn portraits by reno newborn photographer in the winter — cute smile on a newborn baby boy who posed for newborn photos

Sweet baby blue newborn portrait of a newborn boy wearing blue — cute smile on a newborn baby boy who posed for newborn photos

If you enjoyed these baby blue newborn portraits, please comment or share my blog post with anyone you know who might be currently looking for a Reno newborn photographer! I would be most grateful. Thanks and CHEERS, my friends!

Identical twin girls posed together on an ivory blanket for their winter twin newborn photos by Reno Newborn Photographer

Fall and Winter Twin Newborn Photos by Reno Newborn Photographer

February 13, 2021 In Newborn No Comment

I have a special place in my heart for twins (obvs) – and it was an absolute joy to photograph these fall and winter twin newborn photos. These two sweeties are identical sisters that belong to a couple I’ve known through several stages of life!

I knew Sonia & Jimmy at a time before marriage and kids (feels like yesterday but also forever ago). And then I had the honor of photographing their engagement & wedding (again, seems like yesterday). Now I am so happy to say that I photographed their newest little blessings!

In-Home Twin Newborn Photos

These twin ladies were rockstars. They slept pretty much THE WHOLE TIME and posed so perfectly! They were very patient with our setups. Total dream babies!!

Thank you, Sonia & Jimmy, for inviting me into your home (especially during a pandemic – aaah!!) to safely photograph your little loves and their big brother with you guys!

Sweet Identical Girls

Before we move on to the actual photos, let me just make a little shoutout.

I couldn’t have made winter these twin newborn photos all by myself, nor as well, without my assistant & friend, Elizabeth. THANKS girl, for being my secret weapon baby whisperer and expert wrapper/poser. You do things effortlessly that take me a whole lot of effort LOL.

And now, let’s focus on these sweet BABIES!!! Just look at them!

Fifth and Chestnut Photo Co. is a Reno portrait photographer providing heartfelt memory-keeping for families across the Northern Nevada region.

2022 High School Senior Model Team | Applications open NOW

January 11, 2021 In Senior Portraits No Comment

2022 FAC SENIOR MODEL 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 2022 Senior Model 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 Model Team experience to be that and MORE. SO much more.

FAC Senior Model Team BENEFITS

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

Scheduling: Among other fantastic bonuses, my model 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 Models. 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 (normally a per/image or flat rate fee). 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 Model. There are more, and I promise they are so worth it!

WHO IS A GOOD FIT FOR THE SENIOR MODEL TEAM?

I am not looking for a particular type of person for my team. Any and all body types, races, genders and personalities should apply – you don’t have to be a “model” to be on my team. You don’t have to be anything other than yourself.

If the sound of being on my team just sounds FUN, please apply to join us! Although the process does include an application and an interview, you don’t “win” a seat on my team – the first ~10 people to apply and pay for their high school senior model experience are ON. THE. TEAM. WOO!!

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

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

Fine-Art Aesthetic: My style is fresh and FUN, but most importantly, it’s TIMELESS. This is one thing 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.

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 Model, 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 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 Model 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!

Make LASTING MEMORIES with your Reno high school senior portraits

The FAC Senior Model 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!!

APPLY NOW

Apply to be on the 2022 Fifth and Chestnut Senior Model Team here!

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 model 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 2022 Senior Model Team APPLICATION here.

Family of 5 stands on their back balcony overlooking majestic mounatins in the Lake Tahoe foothills

MOUNTAIN FAMILY PORTRAITS | TAHOE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

December 16, 2020 In Family No Comment

When I am asked to photograph a family at their home – and a spot I haven’t been for – I jump at the chance! It’s always fun for me as a Tahoe family photographer to shoot at totally new locations. And creating mountain family portraits is something I am so passionate about! I LOVE where I live!

Mountains, Meadows & Family Photos

I recently photographed the youngest member of this family! You might recognize him if you follow my blog. Speaking of which, does anyone actually follow my blog? LOL.

I had an absolute blast with this family! It was so nice of them to welcome me to their mountain home. Isn’t their custom home in the mountains just absolutely gorgeous?!

I love the portraits I created of them together!

In our time together on a lovely fall day, I also got to create new headshots for Sandra and two of her adult sons. I’ll share those in a separate post. I hope this lovely family had as much fun with their mountain family portraits as I did!

Family of 5 laugh with each other during their mountain family portraits

Hey friends – would you like mountain family portraits as well? Let’s do it! Contact me today to chat about a family portrait session in the Reno/Tahoe area!

Lake Tahoe High School Senior Portraits at Hidden Beach on Rock by the Splashing Waves

Lake Tahoe High School Senior Portraits with beachy, casual vibe by Reno High School Senior Photographer

December 16, 2020 In Senior Portraits 1 Comment

I had so much fun creating Lake Tahoe High School Senior Portraits of Cory at Hidden Beach in Lake Tahoe! Cory will be graduating in from Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno.

Cory’s wardrobe style and colors were so fitting of the beautiful beach landscape around us. Hidden Beach was truly the best location for these summer portraits!

Lake Tahoe Senior Portraits at Hidden Beach

His senior portraits couldn’t have occurred on a more perfect day. It wasn’t too hot, but there was a nice breeze coming in off the lake. And the sun was glistening so perfectly off of the gorgeously clear Tahoe water.

I found out that Cory is interested in computer technology, much like my Husband, and would like to pursue further education in that.

It was a pleasure to get to know Cory and his Mom who set up these portraits for him. I hope to hear of his amazing successes in the future! Join me in wishing Cory luck with all of his future endeavors!

Congrats Cory, Class of 2021!

Booking 2020 and 2021 Seniors!

It’s not too late to schedule your Lake Tahoe or Reno high school senior portraits for 2020. I know that a lot of parents and seniors have delayed portraits this year. I get it! But let’s get you on the calendar for winter or spring!

Get in touch and let’s get you guys set with finding your Reno high school senior photographer!

Crystal Peak Park Portraits | Locations by Reno Family Photographer

November 20, 2020 In Locations No Comment

How do I love this location? Let me count the ways…

Is this probably one of my top 5 places to shoot? You BETCHA!

Summer Examples:

Gotta love late spring and early summer here. Tons of greenery. Endless background possibilities. The grass here grows tall and there are even wildflowers to be found hiding all around.

Early Spring / Late Fall Example

Even when the greenery is in hibernation, Crystal Peak park has a lot of beautiful features. If you plan for a longer session to explore this park, we can get some AMAZING backgrounds for your portraits at ANY time of year.

Caughlin Ranch Portraits | Locations by Reno Family Photographer

November 20, 2020 In Locations No Comment

Caughlin Ranch portraits are so beautiful. At this location, we get to work with gorgeous willow trees and reflective ponds. This are looks wonderful and green in late Spring and Summer, too!

FALL EXAMPLES:

Galena Creek Portraits | Locations by Reno Family Photographer

November 20, 2020 In Locations No Comment

Galena Creek Park is hands down one of the best and most versatile places to have your family portraits done! I don’t happen to have summer examples, but I do have some every other season. However, Summer is a GREAT time of year to use this spot as well.

Fall Examples:

I’ve taken photos here from early fall until late fall…either way, it’s a good bet. There are plenty of evergreens in late fall if the yellow foliage has fallen!