Karen De Jager Spectrum Photography LLC - Contra Costa County

Karen De Jager Spectrum Photography LLC - Contra Costa County Published and award winning Bay Area Photographer offering in studio and outdoor photography

Spectrum Photography endeavors to capture a wide variety of significant moments or events in a beautiful photojournalistic style. Whether it be couples, babies, family, weddings, or commissioned portraiture, we promise to capture those little connections that you and the people you love share. We enjoy the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make our children (and adults) who they are, so a photography

session with us is not about sitting pretty and smiling at strangers. It is about a family spending time together, creating memories that last a long time. We are proud to be an official photographer for Delicious Dolls Pinup Magazine. For more information about them check out their website at www.deliciousdollsmagazine.com!

โ€œEven with 15 years of photography experience, every new photo shoot is like the start of a new adventure. Itโ€™s exciting and joyful and it gives me just a little bit of an adrenalin rush! Itโ€™s the not knowing exactly what will unfold along the journey and embracing every moment by capturing it when it happens. It is my hope for everyone that I photograph, that they are left with a great experience, outstanding service, and wonderful memories that will last.โ€

Karen De Jager, Lead Photographer | Owner

๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽ“ A graduation doesnโ€™t always look the same and thatโ€™s what makes it so beautiful. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒŸThis year, I had the incredible ho...
06/19/2026

๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽ“ A graduation doesnโ€™t always look the same and thatโ€™s what makes it so beautiful. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒŸ

This year, I had the incredible honor of photographing something truly special: the very first graduation ceremony held on Anovaโ€™s Concord campus.

As I stood behind my camera, I was reminded that every graduate's path is unique. Some journeys are straightforward, while others are filled with obstacles, perseverance, growth, self-discovery, and countless victories that may never appear on a transcript. Yet every one of those journeys deserves to be celebrated.

What made this ceremony so meaningful wasn't the size of the graduating class โ€” it was the heart behind it. Each student crossed the stage carrying their own story, their own challenges overcome, and their own dreams for what comes next. The pride from families, teachers, therapists, and support staff was impossible to miss. These graduates were surrounded by a community that believed in them every step of the way.

There were heartfelt speeches, moments of laughter, tears of joy, decorated caps, proud families, and more than a few reminders that success isn't measured by how closely a person follows someone else's timeline. Success is finding your path, persevering through challenges, and reaching milestones that once felt impossible.
Being trusted to document Anova Concord's first-ever graduation ceremony is something I will never forget. It was a celebration of achievement, resilience, individuality, and the many different ways students can thrive when given the support they need.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your journeys may all be different, but every one of them is worth celebrating. ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŽ“โœจ

Happy 10th Birthday, Olive! ๐Ÿ’•๐ŸŽ‚Ten years. Somehow it feels like just yesterday I was meeting this sweet girl as a newborn...
06/16/2026

Happy 10th Birthday, Olive! ๐Ÿ’•๐ŸŽ‚

Ten years. Somehow it feels like just yesterday I was meeting this sweet girl as a newborn.

One of my favorite things about photographing Olive through the years is the little tradition her family started from the very beginning. At her newborn session, her mom brought the cutest little olive to include in her photos. Since then, that same "Olive" has made an appearance in every milestone session along the way. ๐Ÿซ’
This year, as we celebrated double digits, I loved getting to tell Olive the stories behind those early sessions what she was doing in her newborn photos, how tiny she was at six months old, and how much has changed since then. Watching her connect with those memories was such a special full-circle moment.

Since Olive is currently all about art, creativity, and anything pink, we decided to create a blank pink canvas for her birthday session and let her help design it. From choosing props and arranging parts of the set to proudly showing off the loom bracelet she made herself, this session felt so perfectly Olive.

And of course, we couldn't forget her adorable older fur sister, who has been part of this journey from the newborn days and prior ๐Ÿพ

It is such a privilege to watch children grow from tiny newborns into confident, creative, kind young people. Thank you for letting me document these memories for the past decade. Happy Birthday, Olive may 10 be your best year yet! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ’—โœจ

A family had to reschedule, which means I have ONE Lavender Field Mini Session available this Thursday at 6:30 PM in Fai...
06/16/2026

A family had to reschedule, which means I have ONE Lavender Field Mini Session available this Thursday at 6:30 PM in Fairfield! ๐Ÿ’œ๐ŸŒฟ

With many families having Friday off for the holiday weekend, this could be the perfect opportunity to slow down and capture this season of life together.

Maybe you've been meaning to update your family photos, but life has been busy.

Maybe your child has a birthday coming up and you want to remember the gap-toothed smiles, twirls, and the little details that change all too quickly.

Maybe you're expecting a baby and have been hoping for maternity photos surrounded by lavender blooms.

Maybe Dad can finally make it after work.
Maybe Grandma is in town.
Maybe your kids would love running through the fields chasing bubbles and picking tiny bouquets.

Or maybe you don't need a reason at allโ€”just an evening together in the golden light, making memories before summer slips away.

๐ŸŒฟ Fairfield Lavender Fields
๐Ÿซง Thursday at 6:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ธ 25-minute mini session
๐Ÿ’œ Perfect for families, maternity, milestones, siblings, couples, and motherhood portraits

This is one of my final lavender sessions of the season, and once the blooms are gone, we'll have to wait until next year.
If you'd love to claim this spot, you can reserve it here:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/17a5b888/appointment/62178908/calendar/3211290?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=62178908

I can't wait to create a little summer magic for one more family. โœจ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’œ

06/12/2026

Childhood is made of muddy boots, wild imaginations, flower bouquets picked with love, and adventures that only little hearts can dream up. ๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿžโœจ
Our Summer Farm Adventure Minis are officially underway, and the studio has transformed into the sweetest little countryside escape. From catching bubbles and โ€œfishingโ€ for pretend worms to gathering flower bouquets, climbing into the vintage roadster, and setting off on imaginary adventures, these sessions are designed to capture the wonder of being little.
The giggles, curiosity, shy smiles, and big personalities that make this season of life so incredibly special deserve to be remembered exactly as they are. ๐Ÿค
โœจ We still have a few spots remaining this Saturday! โœจ
Reserve your Summer Farm Adventure Mini here:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/17a5b888/appointment/89433578/calendar/3211290?appointmentTypeIds[]=89433578
Looking for a different session?
View all upcoming 2026 mini sessions:
https://www.karendejager.com/2026-Mini-Sessions
And for those already dreaming of cooler weather and twinkling lights... holiday sessions, both in-studio and outdoors, will be opening for booking in July! ๐ŸŽ„โ„๏ธ
I canโ€™t wait to welcome your little adventurers into the studio and create memories your family will treasure for years to come.

Today the world is focused on soccer as FIFA kicks off in the Bay Areaโ€ฆ and I can't think of a better little fan to cele...
06/11/2026

Today the world is focused on soccer as FIFA kicks off in the Bay Areaโ€ฆ and I can't think of a better little fan to celebrate than Meyer! โšฝ๏ธ๐ŸŽ‰

Just like his big sister, Meyer has a tradition that has followed him through every milestone session. When he was a newborn, his family brought along the cutest little lemon to include in his photos. ๐Ÿ‹

Since then, that same lemon has appeared throughout the years, and this session was no exception. One of my favorite parts of photographing children over time is watching them discover those early memories. This year Meyer got a kick out of hearing all about his newborn photos and seeing how the little lemon that once seemed so big now fits right in the palm of his hand.

Of course, turning 7 meant we had to have a little fun with the classic joke. His shirt proudly declared, "I was 6, now I am 7" and he fully embraced the silliness of it.

Then we shifted gears and leaned into one of his biggest passions: soccer. Wearing the #7 jersey of his favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo, Meyer was completely in his element. Between the goals, trophies, smoke effects, confetti cannons, and championship celebrations, he brought so much energy and personality to every frame.

Watching families grow is one of the greatest gifts of my job. It feels like yesterday I was photographing Meyer as a tiny newborn, and now here he is 7 years old, full of confidence, humor, and big dreams.

Happy 7th Birthday, Meyer! May this year be filled with goals scored, adventures had, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. โšฝ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ†

โœจ๐Ÿ‡โ™ ๏ธ Down the Rabbit Hole with Allison โ™ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿซ–โœจSome sessions feel like stepping straight into a storybook, and Allison's was...
06/08/2026

โœจ๐Ÿ‡โ™ ๏ธ Down the Rabbit Hole with Allison โ™ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿซ–โœจ

Some sessions feel like stepping straight into a storybook, and Allison's was exactly that.

Dressed in the most breathtaking handmade gowns, Allison transformed my studio into her very own Wonderland. Every detail of this set was carefully chosen to bring the theme to life from oversized flowers and whimsical balloon garlands to vintage clocks, playing cards, teacups, storybooks, and, of course, everyone's favorite mischievous Cheshire Cat peeking out from the scene. ๐Ÿ’•โฐ๐ŸŽฉ

I love how many little Wonderland-inspired details are tucked throughout the set. The "This Way" and "Wonderland" signs invite you down the rabbit hole, butterflies flutter among the flowers, and the tea party touches make it feel as though Alice herself might appear at any moment. Every corner was designed to capture the magic, curiosity, and whimsy of this beloved story.

But as beautiful as the set was, Allison completely stole the show. Her sweet personality, smile, and stunning handmade gown brought every piece of Wonderland to life. She was an absolute the best to photograph and made it impossible not to smile behind the camera.

Sometimes the most magical sessions happen when imagination takes over, and this one felt like pure storybook magic from beginning to end. โœจ

"We're all mad here." ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿซ–

06/07/2026

โœจ A beautiful evening celebrating love in the most meaningful way, surrounded by family, friends, and the charm of a backyard wedding. โœจ

From the heartfelt vows beneath a stunning floral arbor to the laughter, happy tears, and dancing under the stars, tonight was a reminder that the most beautiful weddings are often the most personal.

A huge thank you to the talented team that helped bring this day together:

๐Ÿ’„ Hair & Makeup by Beauty by MH๏ฟผ, who created a timeless and elegant bridal look that photographed beautifully all day long. .by.mh

๐ŸŽถ Music and entertainment by DJ Mark Savagell (), who kept the celebration flowing and the dance floor full all evening.

Congratulations to the newlyweds! Wishing you a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and countless beautiful memories together. โค๏ธ

06/06/2026

A truly historic day. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’™

I had the honor of photographing the very first graduating class of Anovaโ€™s Concord campus.

As both a photographer and a parent of an Anova student, this day carried a special meaning. Watching these graduates walk across the stage surrounded by families, staff, and a community that has supported them every step of the way was incredibly moving.

Anova is more than a school, it is a place where students are seen, understood, encouraged, and celebrated for exactly who they are. For many families, finding a place where their child can thrive feels life-changing, and this graduation was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when students are given the support and opportunities they deserve.

To the graduates: congratulations on this remarkable milestone. You are pioneers, forever part of the first graduating class in Concord campus history. The future is bright, and I canโ€™t wait to see where your journeys take you next.

Thank you to Anova for trusting me to help document such a meaningful chapter in your story. It was a privilege to witness and preserve these memories. ๐Ÿ’™

Some sessions come full circle.Years ago, I photographed big brother when he was just a tiny baby who couldn't even sit ...
06/01/2026

Some sessions come full circle.

Years ago, I photographed big brother when he was just a tiny baby who couldn't even sit on his own yet. Recently he walked into my studio proudly showing me his brand new baby brother.

Watching families grow is one of the greatest gifts of this job. Seeing him so gentle, protective, and proud of his little brother melted my heart. And of course, their sweet dog made sure to be part of the family portraits too.

Welcome to the world, baby Orion. You are already so very loved. ๐Ÿ’™

Address

Pleasant Hill Rd
Pleasant Hill, CA
94523

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