Hi, I’m Aileen.

Where it began · 1994

My dad and my first concert

In 1994, my dad took me to my first concert in Santa Rosa: Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and the Carter Family. He’s the reason I fell in love with country music.

When my dad passed away in 2008, listening to country music with the same passion he had helped me feel connected to him. That connection was the main reason I co-founded NorCal Country in 2011, and it remains at the heart of what I’m building today.

I’ve made it a goal to see the classic artists while I still have the chance. Along with that unforgettable first Johnny Cash concert, I’ve seen Willie Nelson multiple times, Merle Haggard twice, Glen Campbell twice, Ronnie Milsap, Bill Anderson and Kenny Rogers. Visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville gave me the chance to experience some of those country legends on such a special stage.

I saw Charley Pride twice: first at the Grand Ole Opry, and later in Nevada with my mom. My mom and I also saw Dolly Parton together. Those nights gave us beautiful memories that I’ll always treasure.

There are a few shows I still wish I’d caught. We were invited to see Loretta Lynn in Santa Rosa, and I regret not going. I never got to see Buck Owens live, but I love visiting the Crystal Palace. I never saw Waylon Jennings either, but I did get to see his son, Shooter Jennings, perform with Lukas Nelson at the Uptown Theatre.

Both of my parents have now passed away, but country music keeps me connected to them. From my dad taking me to my first concert to the nights my mom and I shared watching artists we loved, so much of my passion comes from those memories. They’re at the heart of NorCal Country Club and why sharing this music with others means so much to me.

The original NorCal Country · 2011 / 2012

From San Jose to Redding

In 2011, I co-founded NorCal Country. During 2011 and 2012, we spent a year attending, photographing and promoting shows throughout Northern California, connecting fans with the music we loved.

Our coverage included artists such as Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Lady A, Blake Shelton, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann, alongside local artists. We also worked with country radio stations including Froggy 92.9, KNCI, The Wolf and KRTY.

Life behind the camera

Concerts, families and a Napa studio

Over the years, I’ve photographed Dustin Lynch, Brett Eldredge, Scotty McCreery, Pam Tillis, Kellie Pickler, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, Craig Campbell, Montgomery Gentry, Tracy Lawrence, Tracy Byrd, Travis Tritt, Glen Campbell, Eli Young Band, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Jason Michael Carroll, Love and Theft, Kix Brooks, Gary Allan, David Nail and many others.

I had the privilege of photographing Glen Campbell twice in Northern California, including his final concert at Napa’s Uptown Theatre. Capturing moments like those helped shape the photographer I became.

After that year of NorCal Country shows, I built my family and newborn photography business in Napa and had a studio for eight years. My work has continued to grow and evolve. I later returned to the Sacramento region, where I had attended Sac State for two years and earned my psychology degree in 2010.

I’m also the founder and photographer behind Golden Age Portraits.

A love of bringing people together

Connection has always mattered

I’ve also been an entrepreneur beyond photography. I co-founded SR2M, creating single status bracelets to help people recognize other singles and make a connection.

Although that business ended after about a year, it’s been exciting to see similar ideas take shape at concerts and events. Helping people find one another has remained something I care about.