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Healthy Treats to Beat the Heat

7/24/2018

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Tips for High School seniors in Pleasanton, Livermore, Danville, and San Ramon to stay refreshed for their senior portraits
by Melia.  Melia is a 2019 senior at Amador Valley High School and captain of the varsity cheer team. 
In the summer when the temperature is north of 90 degrees and you're spending time outside, it's a great idea to make some healthy treats to keep yourself cool and energized.  

1. Banana Nutella Roll Ups

Picture
Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
This snack only takes 5 minutes to make and is perfect for a day at the pool or the beach with your friends.  If you don’t love Nutella you could sub in peanut butter, or any type of nut butter really. A fun version of it is to use peanut butter and jelly.

Ingredients-
2 bananas
4 Tbsp of nutella or peanut utter
2 soft flour tortillas
​

Directions-
1. Spread nutella and/or peanut butter on the tortillas.
2. Peel the bananas and center one on each tortilla
3. Roll the tortillas tightly around the bananas.
4. Cut into pieces.
Makes two roll ups.

2. Strawberry Energy Bites

A healthy treat recommended by the Amador Valley High School Cheer Captain
These energy bites are a delicious and healthy option for breakfast. You could pack this snack for a hike or sports practice. If the natural sugar in the strawberries is not sweet enough for you, you could always add in an extra 1-2 tbsps of maple syrup. I love this snack because you could make it the night before and it would be ready to go for early morning adventures.
Ingredients-
2C frozen strawberries
1C oats                                                
½ cup coconut flour
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup dried shredded coconut
½ C of sunflower seeds
Optional: 1-2 tbsp maple syrup

Directions-
1. In a food processor, mix the strawberries, oats, coconut flour, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, and maple syrup (if you want extra sweetness.)
2. Once it becomes a paste, scoop out the dough and form bite size balls.
3. Roll the balls in the dried coconut
           
Makes around 30 energy bites.
Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool

3. Strawberry Limeade Slushies

Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
This drink is super refreshing, easy to make, and is great for the hottest of days! I love drinking this by the pool with my friends. 

Ingredients- 
2 C ice cubes 
¾ C water
¼ C lime juice
4 Tbsp sugar
4 strawberries
Lime slices
Directions-   
1. Add everything to blender
2. Blend until smooth 
3. Pour into cups and garnish with extra strawberries and lime wedges.

*Try adding 7Up for a tangy variation on this recipe.
Makes 4 smoothies.

4.  Fruit Infused Water

Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
A great drink for staying cool during your high school senior portrait in the tri-valley
This drink is just a simple twist on your regular water but I like making it because you can add any fruit you want!  

​Putting this into your water bottle instead of regular water might help you keep hydrated better in hot weather because it’s a little more interesting than the plain stuff!
Ingredients- 
10 mint leaves     
1 orange
6 strawberries
4C water

Directions- 
1. Cut the orange into thin slices or wedges
2.  Cut the strawberries into thin cross sections
Put all the fruit and mint in the water
​

2. Refrigerate overnight
Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
Amador Valley High School Senior Melia Storey pictured by her pool
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Keep Swimming...

7/19/2018

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San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
"I created her," is what Lucy's mom Karen told me.  She delivered this line completely deadpan after I showed her the back of the camera, in the middle of Lucy's shoot.  Yes.  Yes you did.  Nice job!
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
Lucy is attending Chapman University in the fall.  She wanted to incorporate some of her college gear in her shoot as well as some dressier and more casual looks. 
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
Wind can be difficult to work with at photoshoots but sometimes you need to embrace it.  I love the movement in her long hair...
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
Lucy has a shark tattoo on her back.  "It's to remind me to constantly keep swimming," she explained.  She also loves nature and exploration.  Love. It. 
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures

San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
San Ramon Valley Senior Pictures
Lucy, I hope you have an amazing time this summer exploring Europe and are rested and ready to rock it at college in the fall!
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Hailey's "rustic neutrals" senior portrait shoot

7/15/2018

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"I got this dress this morning," is how you can give your photographer a heart attack.  Just don't tell me.  I don't want to know.  Let me think you've had this outfit ready to go for the last 3 weeks.  But yeah, that's what Hailey admitted when I told her that I loved it.  To everyone else: don't leave it to the last minute because you might not luck out like Hailey!  ​
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
However, let the record stand that Hailey was the originator of the "accessories in individual baggies" planning epiphany.  So when you get your two-day pre-shoot email from me with the last minute checklist of planning prep, and it talks about this, you have Hailey to thank!
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
During her planning call Hailey explained that she really wanted a rustic look for her shoot.  She was going to wear neutrals.  So instantly I knew that this farm and field would be perfect for her shoot.
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
"The photography opera!" is what her mom Micaelanne called it.  And by "it" I mean me, and the happy noises I make when I'm excited about a shot.  I was quite operatic at Hailey's shoot apparently.  But seriously, how can you *not* get excited when you see a shot that you know will turn out like this?
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
While we were at this farm, in between takes, we managed to see baby goats, ducks, chickens... it was seriously like our own little mini petting zoo.  

When we got the heck out of Dodge for the ultra rural part of the shoot the tall grasses were in their full spender.  This meant two thing:
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
1.  Hailey's sister, Rachael, would start throwing the little grass heads at Micaelanne's chest and, like a dart board, they would totally stick in her shirt.

2.  I, in a moment of inspiration, would pick an adjacent bundle of wildflowers for Hailey to hold and, in doing so, manage to rip the dang things out by the roots.  Here, hold this 3 foot tall bundle of stems with this clump of dirt!  Pretty!
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
Senior pictures in Livermore, CA for an Amador Valley High School graduate
But it all worked out.  Micaelanne made it out in one piece, I clipped the flowers down to a normal configuration, and Hailey got some lovely shots in the golden sunset.
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A Meadow Centric Senior Portrait Shoot

7/12/2018

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Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
"I broke my arm-- the same arm-- 4 times," said Kendra. The saga of how it happened each time, the metal plates, all the hospital visits...did not sound like fun. So imagine my surprise when Kendra explained that she wants to go to medical school.⠀
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
"I just really find it all interesting," she said.  I love the fact that Kendra was able to take what most people would consider pretty crummy experiences and channel them towards a bright future.⠀
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Speaking of future..."I was soooo worried that she wasn't going to do a good smile in her pictures!" Kendra's mom admitted to me when they came to pick up their artwork. ⠀
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Which was surprising to me, because Kendra's smile was totally natural in all the pictures from her senior session!⠀But this comment was based on a pretty extensive history of Kendra doing either cheesy or grimacing smiles.  But no worries here!  Obviously somewhere along the way she figured it out.
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Something else she figured out?  Bringing along a concealer stick to use on her legs!!  ("I read your post about how most people have random bruises on their legs and don't even realize it and already *knew* that I had some from diving!")  So yeah, there was a little bit of leg touching up going on.  Which was AWESOME.
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
I honestly think that all the careful prep that Kendra put into her session is an excellent indicator of her impending success in the pre-med track at Baylor!  Keep it up Kendra!
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
Granada High School senior pictures in Livermore
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Braids for Summer

7/10/2018

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Pleasanton Senior Photographer style tip for summer: Braids!
by Jade.  Jade is a 2019 senior at Foothill who has years and years of braiding experience.  
Foothill seniors Jade Leyvas and Emily Ferrey
Braids are pretty much the hottest look for the summer of 2018.  

Here are a few different ways to wear them and some tips to make them look great.

The anything but "basic" braid

This is a great starter look if you are new to braiding.  You already know to divide the hair you want to braid into three groups and do the pattern: left into center then right into center etc.  
High School senior hair styles
High School senior hair styles
High School senior hair styles
For this style, part your hair down the center and start a braid on one side of the part.  Feel free to leave a tendril free at the front.  While you are braiding pull the braid toward the back of your head.  Secure the braid in the back under some hair with a bobby pin. Then do the other side.  

A variation on this style: do beachy waves on the loose hair below the braids.

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are the opposite of French.  With French braids you add new hair from the side as you cross into the center.  When Dutch braiding you work from the center-out.  The pattern is center cross to right then center cross to left.  And Dutch braids add hair with each cross.  
High School senior hair styles
This look will also start with a center part.  Begin your Dutch braid down one side of the part, taking pretty small sections initially.  As you progress, take slightly larger sections of hair into each cross.  
High School senior hair styles
High School senior hair styles
Having longer nails here is helpful because you can use them to define out the sections evenly.  If you don't have long nails, using a rat-tail comb also works.  It will just take a little longer.  But take your time regardless, and keep the braid tight.  

The key with this is to pull backwards as you go so the braid lies flat against your head.  Once you are done with one side, do the other exactly the same.  

The Fish Tail Braid

Fish Tail braids are completely different from all other braids because you are working with two groups of hair rather than three.  You will be selecting a small amount of hair from the outer side of the right portion and crossing it into the center to join the left and then doing the same on the other side-- left wrapping into center to join right.  
High School senior hair styles
The key to making a gorgeous Fish Tail is to take small portions with each cross.  These can be super time consuming but the longer you put into it the better it will look.  If you want your braid to be thick when you are done, secure it with an elastic and then tease the individual pieces away from the center a bit.  
High School senior hair styles
Remember- no matter what style of braid you chose, it takes practice and the more often you do it the better you will get!
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All about hands...

7/8/2018

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Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
"I thought about being a hand model," Ashley mentioned off-hand. (Off-hand...heh heh). ⠀
⠀
This finally came out after I mentioned over and over how incredibly elegant Ashley's hands were. I probably came across as some total weirdo because, really, who spends that much time thinking about hands? ​
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
What gives? Well after the eyes, the hands are the most expressive features that we have. If they look stiff and awkward then YOU look stiff and awkward. ⠀
It's crazy but hands can make or break a shot.
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
But back to Ashley. Girl, if you have any free time while pursuing that bio major at UW, I really do think you could give this hand modeling thing a shot! You're a total natural! ⠀
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Speaking of natural, I was talking with Ashely's mom, Liz, about how she would like to display the artwork from Ashley's photoshoot and she told me the craziest story.  On the topic of matching artwork to your home's decor...she has this friend who is an interior decorator, who not only matches artwork to her decor, but also matches...her dogs.  She actually chose dog breeds and colors to match her interior.  Crazy?   Or brilliant?!??!  If you were in the market for a new pet, would you consider this!??!?
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
Monte Vista High School senior portrait at Meek Estate
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Fourth of July at the Fair!

7/3/2018

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I've always wanted to shoot at the fair- the bright colors, the swirly rides...all of it makes for a great backdrop for pictures.  Finally, this year I invited my Team 19 girls to join me for an afternoon photoshoot.  So. Much. Fun.  

The styling was red, white & blue, with red lips as a must.  And, as someone who never wears red lips, I was quite surprised to find the adage is true: there is a red for everyone!  
Amador Valley high school students at the Alameda County Fair
Dance Team Captain at Amador Valley High School at the Alameda County Fair
High school seniors enjoying the Alameda County Fair
Yes, the fair is pretty much the opportunity to pay an admission fee to get professionally heckled, but as long as it's not 1,000 degrees when you go, you're sure to have a good time!

And if you're curious - Team 19 is this year's group of seniors who join me throughout the spring of their junior year and fall of their senior year for stylized photoshoots.  Go back in the blog to www.samanthagrantphotography.com/blog/cherry-blossoms to check out our last group shoot together.  The next one up is top secret...

​If you are in the class of 2020 and are interested in joining next year's team, drop me a line!
I would love to do this!
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Senior/Rush Application Portrait

7/1/2018

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Taylor, captain of the varsity basketball team and also captain of the varsity stunt team, is one of the busiest seniors that I've come across.  So it's pretty much a miracle that we found time for her to do senior pictures.  But thank goodness we did because it was a blast.
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Upon arrival she emerged from the car fresh as a daisy in an adorable yellow party dress and... a pair of Ugg slippers.  Which was smart.  It was kind of chilly and we did need to walk a bit from the parking lot over to where I wanted to take pictures.  Note: feel free to bring comfy shoes and change into the cute ones at the last minute!  This isn't prom- you don't need to torture yourself in heels the entire time!
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
So we got to the spot.  "Hop into that drainage ditch over there!" I direct, with enthusiasm.  The drainage ditch?  "Yes!  That drainage ditch!"  Up for anything, Taylor found the spot, her mom Andrea got the reflector just right and we started shooting up a storm.
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Some rather gallant passers-by asked us if we needed some help.  Like as if we were looking for something, maybe?  But doing so by having Taylor sit really still and not look at the ground? Funny!
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Not so funny was the extremely near miss with a bird perched just above Taylor's head.  We decided to just completely ignore the fact that poop just fell from the sky, mere inches away and just continue on our way.
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Taylor is in the enviable position of already knowing all of her roommates at the University of Alabama.  They are actually from all over the country so she'll have people to stay with in plenty of cities after freshman year.
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
She plans to rush so sophomore year she'll probably be living with some of her sorority sisters. Naturally, we did some headshots for rush recruitment.
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Amador Valley High School Senior portrait in San Ramon
Taylor, I wish you an amazing time traveling around Italy this summer and at school in the fall.  Roll Tide!
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    Samantha

    I am a teen, tween, and high school senior portrait photographer in the SF east bay area.

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