When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you start photographing kids you’ve known since they were barely walking. Then suddenly, they’re graduating high school and driving themselves to sessions. What even is time?

Kate is my best friend’s daughter, which made this one extra surreal. I remember her as a toddler, and now here she is, gorgeous, grown, and ready for whatever comes next. It was such an honor to be the one behind the camera for this milestone.

We started at Avila Barn, wandered around in the golden light, and then headed to the beach. Kate is a dream to photograph. She’s sweet, adorable, and takes direction like a pro, even the weird prompts that are really just designed to make her laugh. Her personality came through in every frame, from calm and collected to full-on giggles.

Now, about that “sunset view” we were hoping for. Let’s just say the winding one-lane road up Cuesta Grade did not deliver the epic skies we’d imagined. Instead, we got cold, heavy fog. But in a plot twist I didn’t expect, that fog ended up being kind of amazing. Moody, dramatic, and totally different from the rest of her session.

Kate, you’re an absolute gem. I loved every minute of this shoot and still can’t believe how grown up you are. Thanks for trusting me with this moment. I hope these photos always remind you of how far you’ve come, and how much is still ahead.

Thank you, Kate, for trusting me to capture this special time.