Aviva Photography Blog

Oh PCS season, how I LOATHE thee….

Jen and John are neighbors, dear friends, and all-around fantastic people. Talented Jen designs jewelry for her company, Jib and Genoa – you may remember some photos I took of her line – wow, almost a year and a half ago!

Well, as I mentioned in that post – Jen & John got married here in Okinawa two years ago, so they’re really still newlyweds. They also didn’t have a wedding to speak of, nor any photos. I have only been waiting over a year to do this! And the great part is, since they’ve been here for a while and are very creative, they had ideas. I LOVE clients with ideas. So we headed out to the sea wall for some fun. First up – photos with their third family member, Gunner.

He was not exactly excited, but half the fun is taking dignity away from a cat, right? How handsome is this kitty!? He is such a lover.

So John, awesome lawyer by day, and art director by evening and weekend, wanted to take the cat for a …”walk” in the photos. They saw this one SOOC (straight out of the camera) and we ALL laughed so hard. At least 1000 words, right?

After terrorizing him, we let Gunner relax in Mama’s arms for a nice family portrait. Much better.

While John brought Gunner home (hopefully he didn’t claw up their bed for making him do that…) I had Jen sit and pose for a few individual photos – Jen, you have such a beautiful smile, but of course – you’re a friend and I see so much personality in it!

Then we were off to the sea wall to fulfill another wish. They had just returned from a jaunt to Tokyo, and returned with a nice set of chopsticks. They felt an integral part of their Okinawa experience was the introduction to Goya. They brought a paring knife and this interesting (and for those who don’t know, amazingly BITTER) melon in order to feed it to each other and capture their reactions. What’s even funnier is that this was only days after Jessica had me take A’s photos eating that lime! PRICELESS!

These two are so happy – and as usual, I look at these and realize that taking photos of friends is fantastic – none of that “cheesy” smile stuff – just having a good time together and capturing the fun. (Especially when I see colorful doorways and greenery! Happy Aviva.)

A favorite local soba haunt was a necessary shot for sure…

And of course, some obligatory Hubba Hubby shots! (John, you are pretty darned photogenic, my friend.)

Besides the goya & chopsticks – they packed a couple of straws for the obligatory vending machine moment! With Bikkle! (A favorite of my daughter’s as well.)

As we were finishing, we definitely wanted to get a shot inside Uroko’s, a favorite watering hole. It was after 7pm at this point, but we didn’t bring our wallets; just camera gear, goya, chopsticks, straws and ourselves. But like I said, this was a favorite spot in the neighborhood – and so we entered the bar and asked, “Would it be ok if we ordered a couple of beers and came back to pay you later tonight?” I know those of you who live or have lived here understand…. Only in Japan! The lovely waitress said, “Oh sure sure!” and poured a couple of cold Orion drafts. And another amazing memory was captured! Kampai!!

I won’t even start lamenting the fact that they’re leaving me in July. I can’t stand it. What will I do when you aren’t down the street? When I want to sit and watch Mad Men or walk over to Uroko’s to see Hitoshi-san play guitar and sing classics? I don’t care if you’re in Spokane and it’s 3am, I’m calling you. Deal with it!

We WILL visit, and my experience in Okinawa has been richer and more wonderful for having known you both. I wish you nothing but the best – always! (SNIFF)

Only a couple more shoots to share before I’m finished with shoots for the summer…but don’t worry, I have other plans in store! Stay tuned.

I might get choked up writing this post. Thankfully, these two aren’t leaving yet. Elizabeth (affectionately known as Ebeth) and Dean sat behind us on the Patriot Express from Seattle when we PCSed to Okinawa. They don’t have kids, but commented to us on the plane when we struck up a conversation that if they were all as well behaved as ours was on the way over, they might’ve considered it. (huge compliment – my kid has her moments, but she is an excellent traveler) They also have lived in San Diego, which is where we moved from so we immediately had some things in common and plenty of time to talk! When we were staying at the WestPac on Foster, we ran into them a few times and had our welcome brief together too…you know how it is. They’re adventurous and fun and we just kept running into them, so we exchanged phone numbers and have been friends ever since. Sometimes it’s just meant to be!

Ebeth jumped in with both feet and among other things, she is a head honcho with Ramond Ko jewelry sales now (so she might look familiar if you’ve bought something here). We were thrilled that after rescheduling for rain and work interferences – we FINALLY had a gorgeous night at the beach to shoot.

Ebeth, your blue eyes are stunning.

It’s always an added bonus to shoot friends; people that I know and that are already comfortable with me. Dean is super friendly and smart, and definitely a hubba hubby (HELLO). Dean is my dive husband (Ebeth doesn’t dive and neither does my hubby, so it’s our thing – we have to go again soon, man!) , and had also had taken my GAMU class…interestingly enough, with my assistant for that evening, April of  April Belle Photography. So it was even more fun for me to geek out talking about photography with them while I shot. Never hurts to have such beautiful subjects! (But ALL my subjects are beautiful!)

Do this!

OK.

DO THAT.

Sure.

Sit there! YES, on the ground. I know there are ants.

Yes ma’am.

I love my clients.

Dean, your smile is contagious and oh so handsome. I’ll spare my photos of you with flowers in your teeth – but just know that I have something to bribe you with should I ever have to use it.

And Ebeth – well you’re just a gorgeous Tar Heel beauty – the camera LOVES you!

Oh what I wouldn’t give for another sunset like this – again it feels like it’s rained ever since this night!

Oh the light….the perfect breeze…I love what I do!

Let’s finish with one of my favorite sunset shots ever. I think I jumped up and down when I took it (didn’t I?) – who wouldn’t want this on their wall?

I’m so glad I don’t have to say goodbye to you yet…I love having you here as my friends. I’ll have the editing finished very soon and you’ll be out of suspense!

More soon…even though it has rained, I was busy in between the rain drops!

Hello blog peoples! I’m ALIVE!

I spent time in Baltimore for my brother-in-law’s wedding. I went to Richmond to try to see friends (I say TRY because two families had kids with pneumonia and I wanted no part of it during our trip, and one family got stuck in Florida due to a broken plane). Despite pneumonia and canceled flights, we spent time with dear friends that I miss very much.  Despite Eyjafjallajokull’s attempts to stop me from going to Italy with my husband, we went. And we had a GLORIOUS time. (more on that another day) We spent precious little time with my family in NJ, and my hubby saw our nephew for the first time (he was deployed last time we went to NJ). Overall, though exhausting, it was incredible. We have been back for two weeks and it’s been packed with jet lag recovery and some photo shoots to make up for March’s lousy weather. I seem to be dealing with lousy weather again, but am confident I can finish up the spring season with the clients I have!

So…I have a family shoot and a senior shoot to share with you after I share these few. (I’m going to post a few times in the next several days – promise!) In between editing I decided to share my brother-in-law and new sis-in-law’s photos I took in downtown Baltimore. We escaped late one morning to the Patapsco (thanks, Kristal – I can’t even hear that word properly anymore) River near the famous Domino’s Sugar sign and braved the chilliness to get THIS.

Introducing Jaime and Ridge!

Today is my 10th wedding anniversary, and a completely appropriate time to write this post. Seeing Jaime and Ridge together was so sweet, and as family it was amazing to be there to watch them get married. They were typical happy-in-love people, and they should always laugh and love like this together!

Jaim, you look fantastic – and you were a stunning bride the following day!

Ridge – what can I say? Your big brother by only 16 months is my hubby – I couldn’t be happier for you, and I hope you know you’ve been family with me since I’ve known you. You are one HUBBA HUBBY, I know Jaime and her family wouldn’t mind me sayin’!

I LOOOOVE this neighborhood and wish we could’ve gotten an earlier start to have more time…it was beautiful. Maybe it would’ve been EVEN better if you’d had coats..haha.

I went to University of Maryland (yes, hence the Duke U smack talk) and know Baltimore pretty well. Well enough to know that THIS sign had to be in the shoot. And we found it! And my goofy bro-in-law hammed it up and you know I LOVE THAT!

But then….THIS!

Last but not least, a favorite. They were married in a gorgeous ceremony at an inn on the Patapsco River. Congratulations & Mazel Tov to both of you. I know your honeymoon was kick-booty (because we really took the same trip in Italy!) and wish you all the happiness that Craig and I have in our 10 years and counting.

More soon, everyone! It’s good to be home.

When a session (with friends) starts with Amy saying, “So when we moved here, it was my mission to make Rob like coffee. And he never did. So now he likes the white coffee and I like the black one. So we brought our coffee cans for the photos!” – you know it’s going to be a fun day. Well THESE two? They’re naturals.

Rob was less than a week away from a 6-month deployment, and when we literally SQUEEZED in this shoot it was during a rainy week. It turned out to be the ONE day that week that it didn’t rain. Think someone up there knew they needed this day? I do! And with these amazing blue eyes, the clouds were a serious blessing – no squinting here!

What a fantastic spot! (It was their idea, not mine!)

As it turns out, they ARE veterans; they’d done a shoot together once before. Now that’s not always a good thing – but for these two (who honestly would’ve been fun & comfortable even if they hadn’t) – they had good taste and got all the pointers from their last photographer. That lucky person photographed them with their PLANE after they both had their pilots’ licenses! How cool is that? (Amy, you’ll have to send me some of those!)

So we just wandered around, finding good spots – and having such amazing conversations. It was going great.

Amy – those eyes are to die for..(yours AND his!!)

Sigh..I know I’m a bit late for Valentine’s Day – but oh my GAWSH this makes me all mushy!

So we headed up the hill to get some shots with the great view…

And you’d THINK that if the rogue wave thing was going to happen, it would’ve happened up there in that rocky shot when the water was right there next to them.

But no.

After that last shot (which was quite a ways up there I might add) I turned to change lenses…and heard, “ka-SPLOOSH!” I turned around (sadly, I missed the exact moment) and saw…the soaked people.

Well, they were troopers about it. Amy really didn’t even care that much – Rob was cold. We went back so that he could change shirts…and though with another couple, it might’ve ended there – they went on with it. And I LOVED that about them!

Amy didn’t even brush her hair – low maintenance = my kind of gal! BEAUTIFUL and natural!

Last but not least (long post, I know – but I’m behind and a good peek is necessary here!) – a shot that was totally Rob’s idea. He stepped back, saw the palm tree – and said, “There!” You got it, Rob…and it’s a definite favorite!

I just can’t thank you two enough for a wonderfully fun morning and for being about as easygoing as anyone could ever be! Not quite done – but soon. Promise.

Come on folks! Who’s in for a mini-session on the 27th? Contact me…If we’re lucky, some cherry blossoms will still be in bloom!

**I’m totally booked through December! I’ll start taking 2010 bookings very soon, everyone! Thank you all for keeping me so busy.**

Well, this island is losing another couple of gems in less than two weeks. Jackie and Gus are PCSing at the end of October, and since Gus JUST got back from a deployment in September, I was over the moon happy to squeeze in this shoot! Jackie worked at Kadena marketing. I’ll tell you, walking in that place was what I did when I needed a confidence boost! They are all SO nice over there…I know she’ll miss her co-workers. And they’ll miss her.

Jackie. If I haven’t told you enough – you are just gorgeous. WOW.

This morning was so gorgeous…the ocean sounded soothing, the breeze was blowing. I can’t believe summer broke so early this year. I want this on my wall please. And I’m not even that much of a beach girl!

Beautiful. Inside and out, J…

Just couldn’t pass the identical rental Demeos without taking a photo, could I? Thanks for indulging me.

At one point (Jackie, correct me if I’m wrong) I think I had mentioned how gorgeous Jackie was SO many times, that Gus said, “Yeah. She got the raw end of the deal!” I beg to differ. This is Gus in his “GQ” shot (no DOUBT) – after staying up all night watching college football, mind you. Lucky for me, the Longhorns won – otherwise it would’ve been really SAD red eyes.

Hubba hubby no doubt.

AAAAAND totally smokin’ hotties in the doorway.

Will I ever stop posting photos of these lovebirds?

Ummm….maybe after THIS one.

No.

Not yet. One more of JACKIE….total freaking rock star model.

Sigh…ok, I’ll be finished now. There was one more down there in the previous post – I won’t repost, just go look there. It’s worth it.

Good luck in Twentynine Palms, you two. Go up to Idyllwild sometime – it’s lovely! And it snows there. And then you can snuggle up for a weekend, and go back home where it’s warmer. See you soon, gang – the photos are DONE. Whew…that was close.

I have not been present on this blog, and that’s lame. But most of you know, that sure doesn’t mean I’m sitting here bored out of my skull! I should at least be on here posting some pretty photo like those kitten and flower photos on the highway in Japan when there’s road construction.

Seriously, you guys…I had a week of rain which resulted in THREE shoot cancellations/reschedules. In the next two weeks I have SEVEN shoots. I want to take care of everyone before my mom and dad come to visit in November! (I am so excited!!)

Sunday I had two shoots, yesterday I went to the hospital to photograph a dear friend’s new baby boy, and today (Tuesday) I have another make-up shoot – and I can’t wait to share this fun with you! So – just a taste…

Sunday morning…gorgeous Jackie & Gus. Wow.

Sunday evening…this diverse and musical family of 7 (you can only see 5 1/2 of them in this one, but I’ll have more soon.)

And Monday afternoon – baby G…welcome to the world, little man!

Though I feel like I’m in a pool of water that’s barely up to my eyeballs and I may just drown, I’m still alive. And I’ll be here a couple of more times this week. For sure! Thanks for being patient.

I just love how it started off all tender and sweet and turned into WWF.

When Dana contacted me, she booked two shoots; one for karate, and one for her family. Her family included a very special member – their 16-year-old retriever, Sam. “He’ll outlive us all,” she said. I’ve met Sam; she might be right! What a sweet good boy he was!

I love his smile! He sure looks good with his mom & dad too. (Who have matching smiles that I LOVE!)

By the way, fellow photogs- that shot up there happened after they tried to get him to jump up on Sean’s chest. Wasn’t happening. So what do we do? Get down low where Sam feels like going. Sometimes when you give in and just join the fun instead of stressing about it, the good stuff happens!

Dana is an ER nurse (read: SAINT!), and Sean is a psychiatrist. At no point did I feel I was being analyzed, only that I was enjoying the company of a very smart and loving couple. Looooooove the way they look at each other!

And Dana has a great eye – she noticed the green around the beach the moment we walked on. And like good clients – they sat in it for the sake of the shot. I’d say it was worth it.

Sam went home (unwillingly – he wanted to stay and play!) with a friend, and then we moved on to get some shots of the two of them alone. Dana – did you say something about not being photogenic? My patootie.

According to Dana & Sean, the last time they had photos taken they were in an argument. I’d say things must’ve gotten resolved since then, and on this day they were getting along just fine. This is a favorite!

Speaking of favorites, everything about this sweet shot makes me so HAPPY!!!

Dana had a kimono along, and wanted to sport it somewhere out in town. We were set to go somewhere, and Shannan – bless her heart – says, “THE RED BRIDGE!” Uh…YEAH!

And another all-time fave. We’ve been wanting to do this for ages! Thanks for indulging me, Dana. This is special.

There are so many wonderful keepers, you two – I can’t wait to share when you return from your trip. I hope you’re having a blast! See you on the flip side.

I had a session booked for Eric & Laura, and then she asked what the best way would be to get their dog into their photos. I explained a bit, and then she told me, “He’s a 170-pound brown Newfoundland.”

How did I miss THIS animal? I guess I don’t hang out in her neighborhood. I know she wouldn’t get two feet on a walk with this gorgeous boy at the sea wall without being stopped by the Japanese for photos!

Meet Eric, Laura, and Barkley! (As in Barkley from Sesame Street! Remember him??)

I LOVE how his giant feet point out when he’s lying down! Somehow this photo just doesn’t do his size justice…I’m not sure if any of these do, but here it goes.

Well in that one up there, he’s sitting next to Eric and comes up past his hip bone… does that give you the scale? Let’s just say if my almost eight-year-old daughter tried to ride him, her feet might not touch the ground.

So stinkin’ CUTE! Laura & Eric were so much fun. And Barkley was definitely the gentle giant that Laura said he was.

And these two are practically newlyweds… so though it was hot (yes, IT IS STILL HOT HERE) and I know getting kissy and snuggly isn’t top on the list of fun things to do in this weather, they rocked it.

Their friend’s daughter, Kayleigh (I’m beginning to think I know everyone and their neighbor on this island!) came along so that she could take Barkley home and we could move on to some other romantic photos down the road.

Hubba blue-eyed Hubby…hello there. I don’t know Eric that well, but I’m throwing out there that I think this photo is SO him!

And Laura…are you kidding me? What a natural knockout! I told you that you were photogenic.

They did everything I asked them to…bless their hearts.

Lie down in that grass! I know it’s wet. Too bad! Ok. Whatever you say.

LOVE this! (probably because they’re laughing at me because I’m getting grass stains right along with ‘em)

Oh this photo makes me happy.

But it’s always the photos with the ocean in them that are special in Okinawa. And though it was hot, the weather was stunning!

I thoroughly enjoyed our morning together, Laura & Eric! I’m excited to share the whole thing with you.

Coming soon….SENIORITIS! I hope it sets in this year…you know how I love those high school seniors!

Class of ‘10 here we come.

What a fantastic way to start my fall sessions – a castle ruin site and two ladies in their gis with all the trimmings. What a stunning morning!

Dana contacted me a while back and booked this separate session to showcase her karate moves with Asako. We were up early to beat the heat – it was windy, but it was gorgeous.

Asako is getting ready to leave at the end of the month, and Dana has a few more months here. It’s apparent that they love this place – I can’t say I disagree!

These girls had some moves.

And some weapons!

As we moved upward, the views got even more spectacular. It felt like I was on a movie set.

(Can’t you just hear the Kill Bill soundtrack?)

They smiled. It wasn’t ALL business….

I got SO happy when I saw this view that I made them go back down ahead of me to grab this shot – one of my favorites!

Of course they finished with a respectful bow.

And I captured a few details.

Thank you so much, Asako & Dana! I had a fantastic time with you both. Dana, I look forward to seeing you again soon!