Winter Senior Sessions: From Golden Hills to Downtown Petaluma

Better late than never! While December and January are typically my “hibernation” months due to the holidays, this year was a beautiful exception. I had the pleasure of kicking off 2026 with two incredible senior portrait sessions right here in Petaluma.

Nature vs. Urban: Two Vibes

• Owen at Helen Putnam Park: Even in the heart of winter when the trees are bare, the rolling hills of West Petaluma provide a stunning, minimalist backdrop. We leaned into the rustic textures of the park, proving you don’t need lush greenery to get a timeless shot.
• Samara in Downtown Petaluma: This was my first time using our historic downtown as a primary backdrop, and I’m hooked! Between the iron-front buildings and hidden alleyways, the “urban scout” vibe worked perfectly.

Planning is everything for senior photos. By scouting specific spots for Samara’s poses beforehand, we captured a modern, editorial look that I can’t wait to do again.

To see more examples of my work with local high school seniors, visit my full portrait portfolio here.