Welcome to the Aviva Photography Blog

Irrashaimase! I'm Aviva. I live on Okinawa with my family, and I love photography and taking photographs of the beautiful people here on the island.

This will be a place that I share sneak peeks of photo shoots, some personal reviews and artistic photography, and some random other things. Whatever brought you to my blog, I'm happy you're here! Email me at aviva@aviva-photography.com or leave a comment if you have anything to say or share.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Aviva is a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) organization.

Four Down, One to Go

The moment I met Kristal, I wanted to take her family’s photos. They’re such a beautiful and diverse bunch. And she wasn’t even pregnant with kid #5 yet.

She had twins (boy/girl) who are the most loving and sweet kids you’d ever want to meet. They greet me with hugs and hold my hand every time I see them. (At the end of the shoot they hugged my assistant - she said she felt like a rock star!) Beautiful E:

e

And charming and sensitive C:

c

Then came young K - beyond smart enough to be in kindergarten no doubt, but isn’t quite old enough yet. She’s also a very big fan of octopi. Octopuses. Well, whatever. Did I mention the DIMPLE in her cheek when she makes me giggle with her smile?

2ks

And adorable little S. Preparing to be a big sister might be tough - I can tell she enjoys being the sweet baby with all the attention. But with a face like this I don’t think she’s going to get any less attention. I would be able to verify that her cheeks taste like butter cream frosting, but I drowned in her blue eyes and didn’t care to be rescued.

s2

Well obviously with kids like this, you have a classic beauty and a ridiculously tall and handsome man as parents. I kept having to ask James to bend or sit so that I didn’t get sun glare or nostril shots.

kandj

All four children are such a beautiful blend of their parents, aren’t they? The differences in their personalities is so amazing to me - and yet they’re all so kind and outgoing, you can tell there’s a lot of love in this house! (Not to mention patience - Dad deploys - and Kristal is always schlepping the kids somewhere!)

4kids

I’m sorry but this shot of S takes my breath away and I have to share it. Yum.

s

And there’s a little BOY inside that tummy. The last baby, Kristal says. I love this shot of the whole bunch; especially how Kristal and James are looking at each other like - “Here we go again!”

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Sit, James. Good man. I appreciate your patience with all of us on a hot morning.

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The twins - enjoying the water toward the end of the shoot!

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And at the end - we broke out the tutus. Oh heck yeah we did.Well… not for C of course.

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SO many more but I must stop here. Thank you for coming out on a hot and humid day for the sake of capturing the last of the family of SIX - can’t wait to meet little #7.

Athena - Ahh, what a cute family! Love that all the girls have curly hair. Is little #7 a boy or a girl -- I wonder? :)

They’ve Traveled the World & the Seven Seas

(sing it with me….everybody’s lookin’ for something…. - sorry, child of the 80’s)

Hi there! Hot enough for ya? I know, that’s annoying. It’s hot & sticky. But my clients are brave. And I just sweat. That’s all there is to it.

Diann found me through a mutual friend, and I had no idea how well-traveled this family was! Shannan & I enjoyed talking to them throughout the shoot about their favorite places to live and work, and how it was traveling with their two gorgeous kiddos.

Beautiful A (almost exactly the age of my own daughter, and quite the little camera hound).

prettya

And RUNNING 2-year-old N, who i’m proud to say I caught up with a few times and got some great shots of his adorable grin. See?

cutien

I think Diann and the kids used to having the camera on them, because Jim is definitely a shutterbug himself. I enjoy meeting other photographers, and definitely enjoy taking their photos - because I know how rare it is for them to be on the other side of the lens! (ahem. yes, myself included.)

momanddad

I’m sorry, but Jim really looks like Kyle MacLachlan, doesn’t he? The Twin Peaks guy? But I digress. He knew his stuff, and Jim - I’d love to see some of your work too please.

The morning was hot, but the sun was shining for the first time in over a week, so despite the stickiness we were happy! Especially the kids! I love this.

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A is an adorable silly girl; another fave.

a

It’s amazing to see the interactions between parents and kids - and since N was a runner he was also a squirmer; you need a fast camera to get some of this stuff.

dadandn

Apparently A had circled the globe once already by the time she was six months old! That’s amazing. Diann lights up around her kids, doesn’t she?

momanda

These two are walking examples of how you can still live the lifestyle of a traveler and have the family too. (CUTE!)

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Yes, the morning ended in the water. And A told me afterward that it was her favorite part. Who doesn’t like playing in the water!?

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beachfish

Thank you for braving the heat for a fun morning, everyone. I’ll see you very soon!

Sylvia Hill Bembry - I love these---but then I'm the grandmother!

Kassia - LOVE them! Everytime I see your photos I miss Oki... every time :)

Athena - Loving that last shot!

I Done Been Chastised…

And I repent. I’m not posting enough. Mea culpa.

A couple of shots from our recent trip north to Onna and beyond… and a bit of news.

We’re trying like the dickens to get to Oahu (Hickam) via Space A in July. I HOPE we get out around the 10th and we’ll return no earlier than the 18th. IF you are in Oahu, I can probably schedule a shoot or two (or several minis perhaps?) - so if you’re interested please email me or comment here and I’ll get in touch. PRAY that we get that flight! We are staying at a friend’s place while they’re gone, and I REALLY want to see Edith and Athena. Really.

So. Here are a few from Father’s day. First stop, Manza-mo (Cape Manza):

widercliff

Those of you who have been, know it’s really that gorgeous - and it was HOT. I wanted to dive in. (can you see the little tiny people on the edge of the cliff in the middle? Just to give you an idea of the scale. BIG cliff.

We headed up toward Nago Castle Park (where we saw some cherry blossoms back in February) - now there are other blooms.

flowers

redyellowflower

That’s it for now - some artsy stuff here for you. More soon - I did have another shoot this past weekend, I’ll post peeks stat!

Angela - Gorgeous pictures as always! :) I really enjoy looking at your page and seeing all the new pictures you put up. If you ever make it out to Italy before 2011 let me know, I'd love to have a photo session with you.

Vanessa - Amazing picture of Cape Manzamo. The last time I was there the wind was CRAZY and the waves were crashing up that clif. It was beautiful but I didn't have my camera! Amazing capture. Love it.

admin - Thanks so much, Angela! Man I wish - it's a ridiculously pricey ticket from Okinawa though - twice as much as from the states! (If our extension isn't approved, we'll chat about it though...I'm DYING to see Italy!)

admin - Thank you, Vanessa! I can imagine any time around a typhoon that spot is incredible. I'll have to keep that in mind.

Fourth Time’s a Charm

(Yeah, Jeanna - you KNEW this would be the title.)

Let’s see - we had a January date rescheduled because too much was going on in their lives. We had a March date rescheduled due to a TAD husband (not the first time I’ve had that happen). End of May got rescheduled because their older son was in a full-arm cast (she didn’t ask, I offered - who wants to remember that forever?), but finally - FINALLY June 20th arrived. After over a week of rain - we woke to see ….THE SUN! Someone was smiling on us. So after six months of emailing with Jeanna, I finally got to meet her.

I’m so glad I did; but I am also NOT because they leave in three weeks and I just can’t make a friend that’s about to leave. This is a huge part of what’s unfair about being in Okinawa and doing what I do. Alas… I suffer. And oh MAN did we have fun. What a great family!

Sal & Jeanna have two boys, D and D. Older D - a bit shy toward the beginning as mom predicted, but definitely opened up and had some fun.

d1

Younger D - wisenheimer for sure… and oh goodness those eyes. I am not sure these photos can even show you how green and amazing they were.

d2

He also has some kind of crazy Gene Simmons tongue…

genetongueBut I digress.

With kids like these, you just know that Mom & Dad are great lookin’ AND have a whole lot of fun! They haven’t had family photos done… like, ever… so they were kind of pumped for this. It showed.

happycouple

(Or maybe I’m just THAT funny… but I digress again.)

LOVE these!

familycollage

REALLY love this.

lookingdown

I’m not gonna lie. It was hot. Summer has arrived on Okinawa, all at once, like it always does. But we were out there early and with a quick hair tie these two had some fun while the boys ran around.

Tee hee!

kiss20x10

Jeanna, I love your smile. And your eyes are pretty dang amazing too, girlie. (Another one who immediate told me how “not photogenic” she was… pshaw I tell you.)

The boys probably thought I was insane. But after a quick change, they were sitting on the bench and I’m thinking this is just SO them… (particularly little D’s face, “Lady, are you DONE yet?” so priceless!)

brothers

We had a little jumpin’ fun of course.

jumping

And then headed to the water. Sweet relief.

inthewater

I did not set up this pose. They just did it. And it’s one of my favorites of the day.

lookingout

So the last photo here is a question… Big D spotted this dude in the rocks; now this is only my 85mm, folks - I was pretty far away, and this is cropped - but um… can anyone tell me what kind of snake this is?

snake

That sucker was long, but not that wide. Tell me the truth; I can take it.

Jeanna & Sal & D boys - I’m so glad we made this happen, I really enjoyed meeting you & talking with you - and I hope you had half as much fun as I did - I’ve seen the photos, I think ya did.

Erin - Dude...SN totally had a run in with one of these at that location I believe! EWWW.

Val - I think your snake is a Taiwan Beauty or a Sakishima Beauty. Non-venomous:) http://homepage3.nifty.com/japrep/snake/ejaphebi.htm. You knew I would have a website for you, didn't you? It's a beautiful shot!

This Hits Home - A Retirement

I’ve been a bad blogger. But I’ll improve. Between rainy days and hot weather, I’ll be taking a few less photos, but I’m still busy. And I’m still taking some personal photos too, so stay tuned - there are never enough hours in a day. Particularly when my kid is out of school!

So this beautiful family that I photographed late last year contacted me to see about shooting David’s retirement ceremony. At the time I had no idea where it would be, or really any of the details - but I told them I’d make it happen. This was another “something different” - and the reason for that title is that it isn’t too far in our future. My hubby has just about 23 years in the USMC and at some point either before we leave Okinawa or not long afterward, there will be a retirement ceremony happening for him. Not to shift the focus here, but of course you understand how emotional this was for me even though David and MaryBeth and their girls are just friends. In general (if you haven’t already gathered), the military community is a tight-knit one; particularly on a sub-tropical island halfway between Japan and Taiwan!

Enough rambling. David, very much in character, chose a low-key small ceremony with a handful of very important people and some darned good food. MaryBeth did a lot of planning (not all of which went smoothly) and it was such a wonderful ceremony and reception. Despite the pouring (and I mean pouring) rain, and a forgotten shadow box that involved breaking and entering (don’t ask) it went smoothly…. thank goodness it wasn’t set for outdoors! I mean just THINK of what would’ve happened to the CAKE!!

cake

Yum.

As I entered, I saw the covers sitting on the table.

covers

The band played (love the USMC band!).

band

The Presentation of the Colors commenced. (This gets my heart thumping and my eyes teary every year at the USMC Birthday Ball, so I really enjoyed photographing this!)

colors

During the beautiful opening prayer.

duringprayer

A shot of the room…

fish

David gave a very emotional and amazing speech. I cried when he spoke beautifully of his wife, MaryBeth - including talk of how she has touched the lives of so many (you’re such a special woman, MB!) - and his daughters A & K - who were the only ones who didn’t “volunteer” for service, but grew and bloomed in a difficult life for any child. David - you’re an amazing father, husband and Marine, and it was an honor to be there.

ceremony

framedflag

Just when I thought the waterworks were over, I saw this…

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There were a couple of group shots requested; one with the people in their cul-de-sac:

culdesac

And one with the group from their church:

churchgroup

And MaryBeth and I share this wonderful friend, Michelle. She actually brought this family to me in the first place - and I know Michelle will miss MaryBeth more than anyone. I’m here for you, Mickey - a bottle of wine when you need it and plenty of laughter to go with it!

mickbeth

All gorgeous people of course! And thank GOODNESS, some comic relief - I mean really, this IS the same family I laughed myself silly with before…

spoonkids

(I KNOW, right?!)

Better yet (sorry, David - your turn for blog abuse) - the MOOSE ANTLER sneak attack on David as he posed with his sister who flew in from mainland. (Yes, I also have one without the moose antlers, don’t worry.)

mooseantlers

And last but not least (it was an eventful day, ok??) the beautiful Oliver family.

hahabeautifulfam

I wish you all the best in Austin, Oliver family. A lot of hearts in Okinawa are breaking but I know you reunion with family and friends will be sweet.

Safe and happy travels!

Kassia - I got a little misty-eyed reading through this and looking at the pictures. Such an important day/ceremony that you were able to capture... good job Aviva... :)

Val - Um. Yeah. So I realize I'm a little emotional lately but this got me all choked up. Especially the picture of M-B hugging her hubby. Nice!

Mary Beth - You're the best Vive l'Aviva! thanks so much for being there.

Michelle - What a gift you have to capture all the emotion and love of this family on their special day! Great job Aviva!

Staci - Thank you for allowing others to participate in this special day for this very special family. What a gift through photography to capture their personalities so well.

Kelly - Can't. Stop. Crying! These are so beautiful!!!! You captured one of my favorite families so perfectly. David- Thankyou so much for your dedicated service to our Marine Corps. Awesome!!!

Diana Howard - David and MaryBeth - what a touching ceremony and beautifully depicted by this photographer. I would also like to thank you David for your life-long committment to protecting this great country! Words can never express our gratitude - Love you - Diana

admin - Thanks so much for your amazing compliments, everyone - this family is SO full of personality, it's hard not to capture it. It's really my pleasure, I wish you all the best, Olivers!

ilisa friedman - these are awesome.........you really are great..these are special....

Brandee, Nathan & the Bump

Sorry I’ve been - well, un-present here. My kiddo finished school for the summer and I was trying hard to get things done and enjoy time with PCSing friends and I’ve been working hard on some editing. I still have some blog love - Meet Brandee and Nathan.

They’re expecting a baby boy in July and it’s their first baby. Yes - as usual, a glowing mama (in a fantastic dress, I might add!) and a very proud dad (in a sweet linen outfit that I want to buy for my husband now - yay Old Navy).

handbelly

When they arrived, they were both quite honest in saying they hadn’t “done this” before (I’m quite sure they meant the professional photos, because looking at Brandee I’m guessing they’ve done the “other” thing). I hear that often, and I love a blank slate! I told them, as I do many clients, that I’d bet by the end they’ll be at ease and will know exactly what to do.

They followed direction very well - and I LOVE what we got! You could do a pirate theme for his room…ARRRRRR!

pirateshipcollage

I hope he has Nathan’s dimples. I’m quite sure he’ll have his father’s mischievous spirit.

sweetlook

As a first grade teacher, I think Brandee will have the patience of a saint. As the mother of a former first-grader now entering second, I can tell you she MUST!

Brandee - your eyes are stunning.

brandee1

As awkward as a couple might feel at first, after a little while of holding hands, walking slowly, and looking into each-other’s eyes - my camera and I fade away, and the good stuff happens. I love this part.
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Sometimes the shutter clicks and you say - “That one’s going to be a favorite!” 99% of the time, you’re right.

onetree

And this spot was perfect. Once we got our toes in the sand, I wasn’t sure we’d leave.

sittingonbeach

I’m so thankful that I told them what to do and they did it. Even though the ground was wet. Even though she’s that pregnant. I still love my clients!

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The sun was so perfect that day! I was making a lot of very happy noises while we were out shooting.

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Last but not least - proof of my prior statement. As I guided Brandee to stand in front of the red machine since her dress was blue, and Nathan to stand in front of the blue one - he ignored me and stepped on over to bring her in tight. See? By the end of the shoot they were quite at ease. And it shows! Love it!

vendingmachines

Can’t wait to meet the baby boy, you two. Thanks for a delightful morning!

Good Tidings of Arthur and Joy

Two of the reasons I love photography - it’s art, and it brings me joy. Well, this particular shoot involves Art & Joy! (I realize that was probably more cheesy than cute or funny, but I’m ok with that.)

These two are also friends of mine; their daughter (one of THREE) is in my daughter’s first grade class.

They also happen to be very hot tamales.

jstandasit

I know. I hate them for looking that good too. If she looks familiar, you’ve probably seen her at the gym!

joycutie

They know their family leaves this fall for Germany, and they wanted to do a grown-ups-only shoot in an urban setting. They are now my new poster children for urban couple shoots! WOW!

orangecollage

They’ve been in Okinawa for eight years - which is a long time, obviously - I’m well aware that they’ll miss this place. But I’m happy they’ll be here for a  bit longer - in the fall I hope to capture their whole family together! But this time it was all about these two - it amazes me how my loud self and my big camera disappear when a loving couple gets in front of my lens…

snuggle

I feel the need to mention the scrumptious light. Yes, I will either make you get up VERY early, or come out in the evening when the sun is low - because the light is best at those times. TRUST ME.

ingoldensun

Art. You are a hubby hubby, dude. And one funny & fun guy as well. I happen to know for myself.

art

And he turned FORTY the other day! Seriously - he makes me believe that 40 is the new 30. Even though it’ll be YEARS before I personally have to deal with that number…. ahem. YEARS. Plural. They brought along a cute t-shirt to mark the occasion.

oldguysrule

Speaking of personality - THIS is an all-time favorite! Looking at this makes me GRIN. (And yes, they painted those doors out there - and I’m bummed about it. Kinda makes me want to bring cans of turquoise paint out there and re-do them!)

fishcute

As we walked around, a bunch of kids showed up and started playing with us and trying to get in the photos. It was funny for a while, but thankfully one of the kids spoke pretty good English. When I asked him as nicely as I could to go play with his friends somewhere else, they took off. I’m glad it happened though - it WAS kind of funny!

withkids

Can’t wait to get my camera on the whole clan together before you go! Be sure and pack your summer full of FUN Okinawan things to do. Shouldn’t be too hard - you know it well enough by now. And Joy - good luck on Sunday - and HAVE FUN.

ilisa friedman - Awe.....you guys look great!!! Joy you look so pretty in pink!!!

Red Stone Photo. - These are so fun! I just found your site and love your stuff!!!

Athena - I wanted to comment on this shoot the first time I saw this... they are a HOT couple! Totally love it. You rock the urban couple shoot! (and he does not look 40!)

Something Different

Before Jay & Margo and their girls PCSed (*SOB*), Jay asked me if I could come take photos of him with Kakinohana-sensei. Jay had just earned his black belt and his Sensei had some photographs taken at Nakagusuku Castle before, so we headed there on a Sunday morning. I was so honored to have been asked, and jumped at the chance. It was a beautiful morning, even if it was a bit warm.

flare

We wandered around the castle ruins, and even though Jay’s Japanese was about as limited as the Sensei’s English, they had brought along a friend of the Kakinohana-sensei’s who was a great translator. Though with photos, motioning and posing really renders verbal communication obsolete for the most part. I used the translator for other things; like finding out that he had been doing karate for 45 years! (I asked if he started when he was five years old, and he smiled and told me he liked me very much.)

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Jay is a silly little boy inside of a grown man’s body. (Aren’t they all??) They just look so darned happy in this shot!

smiling

We walked around and found some shade, and Sensei posed Jay in different positions and corrected his stance; some looked more painful than others, but for a big guy Jay was quite flexible!

senseiposingjay

Then I got Jay on his own - I like this one in front of the doorway with that beautiful blue sky.

posing

Here’s more of a combat pose.

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After this one, Jay pushed off of Sensei and did a back flip and landed squarely on his feet. The Japanese judge gave him an 8.2. He was robbed.

And finally - some humor. You’ll remember from my monk on a cell phone shot that I love to mix the ancient with the modern….halfway through the shoot, Kakinohana-sensei’s phone rang and he sat next to a shrine of some sort and started talking in a very animated way. I wonder who it was…

cellphone

So Jay motioned me over and we started having fun with castle ruin architecture. Jay “Atlas” Norton, here we go!

holditup

See? It was funny, Jay!

Thank you SO much, and I’m thrilled I could be there. That was something different for me and I loved it! Tell the girls we miss them already, and we’ll see you when we’re back in the states! Big hugs.

Cruz Family - I really love how you captured the both of them. The funny ones are always my fav. I admire the black and white photo of Sensei. The front entry one with the sky is also another fav...but as always, all your photos are always awesome.

stephanie - I just love, love, love these pictures! How awesome was the castle ruins as your backdrop? A-maaaazing!

Beth Olmo - Oh my gosh, these are AWESOME. Groovy, Jay! :)

Another Sweet Goodbye

I met Teri and Rod about a year and a half ago (WHAT is happening to TIME?! Wow.) when I was working for Serena Nicole. Since then we’ve stayed friends due to other mutual friends on this tiny island. Their family is just gorgeous; they have two girls, K and C - who have stunning blue eyes and the most incredible smiles!

girlsingrass

They’re edible. Anyway, they’re leaving soon to PCS back to the states and Teri asked if she could book a mini session at the sea wall. I was so happy to oblige and get my camera on this family! They’d had a stressful day, and Teri was anxious. I quickly told her to forget it all, we’re here to kick off our flip-flops and have FUN. I sure did. I hope you did too!

seawallcollage

These seasoned pros just did everything I wanted them to and had a great time in front of the camera. They love it here; I know Teri will miss it. The girls will too.

Look how casual and colorful their outfits were! PERFECT Aviva Photography gear; particularly to go with a sunset at the sea wall! It helps that Rod is an easygoing guy who will pretty much do what he has to behind me to make his girls grin. It worked! (Rod, if you need a job as a photo assistant one day, you have my recommendation.)

dadandgirls

Nothing turns me into goo faster than watching a loving (and hubba hubby) dad with his daughters.

K&C sat on the jacks making funny faces at each other which resulted in the most natural happy faces! This is definitely a favorite!!

girls1

HOORAY for gorgeous light, a lovey dovey couple, and multi-colored graffiti! Can you believe I didn’t see the beauty in this place at first? Now I notice it more and more each time I’m shooting. Is it wrong to want to wallpaper my walls with my clients? They’re friends of mine. It’s ok, right?

seawallsmooch

I wish you two all the best back in the states - you’re never more than a phone call away, ok - a few time zones, but that can be worked out. I have come to dread PCS season!

rodteri

You’re all gorgeous.

These were the last couple that I snapped. Girls & Rod - thanks for a super fun day. (And yes, their father was behind me making silly faces and bunny ears. Props to Rod.)

candkbtob

I hope your move is easy & fast. I know that you too will bloom where you’re planted. You have a healthy and happy family. You have each other, and you really have fun together - everything else isn’t important, so let it go. See you soon to show you the rest! Enjoy the weekend and I hope you get to do the whale shark dive!

ilisa friedman - It is so bittersweet to see these awesome pix of my dear friend and her wonderful family. Aviva your pix are awesome and your models are beautiful. i'm going to miss them soo much!!!

Brooke - Aw! The pics came out awesome! I LOVE LOVE LOVE em! Your work is great. And Teri and Rod, your family is beautiful.... we will miss you guys! -Brooke

MA - another beautiful shoot aviva! you rock it girl. i'll miss you next month!

Serena Nicole - I LOVE these! Your portraits are so fun Aviva and they capture this sweet family perfectly! I miss these guys so much, it was great to be able to see them again thanks to you! Teri, Rod, and girls I hope you have a wonderful move.

Some Dual Active Duty FUN

Jeanette coached the Air Force women’s dragon boat team this year, and I met her through Sarah. This island beauty is also a hobby photog and she had some ideas of her own.

Jeanette and Mark are both active duty Air Force folks - I can imagine this has had its challenges for them. They love it here and they wanted to have some FUN. The good news is… Mark and their gorgeous son, D, did too!

totempole

This family is just so exotic looking - I felt like I was shooting in Hawaii or something, but it’s the Guamanian background you see here. At least I think so.

indoorway

Yeah, they pretty much were one of those types of families that I felt like I’d known for ages - as you can see. I laughed SO hard when I saw this one!

earpull

D is definitely their pride and joy. A little tickling got some great smiles out of him. Thankfully the blue candy he was eating before the shoot had worn off by this time. Whew!
d

J brought PROPS! She loves her umbrellas.

janddumbrellas

Mark not so much - but he sucked it up to get some smooches from J. Love it!

kissing

They’re climbers! (Did I mention they were up for anything?)

inahole

As the light got lower it was more and more golden and beautiful. Here are the boys soaking it in together (right after Dad made bunny ears on D).

dadandd

And at one point, Mark & J were pretty done with dealing with D….

strangle

But I saved him from their choke holds. (Don’t you love how J’s making that same face with her tongue?)

And then - they had the whole sun in their hands.

holdingsun

A beautiful new take on my “shoe shot”…the light coming through that umbrella, the dressy pumps, the boys playing in the tide pools… this is a fave.

shoesumbrella

J, M & D - it was a blast to hang out with you all! Thanks for bringin’ it. I can’t wait to show off the rest, and I hope you enjoyed a good peek! :) Hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

stephanie - Wow! This family is beautiful! I loved the umbrellas...they just seemed to bring everything together. Love the shoe shot! Wish I wore sexy pumps like those on my shoot. Then again, I would've never worn them. They would have just been in the shoe shot cause this girl don't wear heels. You'd have been taking a lot of pictures of me stumbling around. Too much information for a comment on your post? Probably, but I had time today. And i miss you!

Cruz Family - You made us laugh so hard. Thank you for such wonderful images. We'll always cherish the memories behind each of the photos. So many stories to tell our families and friends. Much love, Jeanette, Mark, & Donovan Cruz

admin - Steph you kill me. I miss you too, girlie! I agree about the pumps - and girlfriend was rockin' em in the sand & coral - it was nuts!

Erika - LOVE the rock photo...Nice...It was made for them...:o)

Jocelyn S. Espiritu - I love the shoot of my sis Jette, Mark, and Don...They crack me up:)...Keep it up:)