Aviva Photography Blog

I’m alive. Really, I am. You might’ve even seen me this summer. I took a much-needed break and I’m gearing up for the fall, and I can’t wait to book your session for your kids, your family, your high school senior….whatever you can dream up!

This fall not much has changed…as a matter of fact, things have changed for the better! Changes include:

• This fall (September 2010 thru December 2010), the session fee for a family of four or less is $200 for a weekend or holiday session, $25 per additional family member. The fee for a weekday (Monday thru Friday non-holidays when school is in session) is $150. A $100 deposit is due upon booking to hold your date. There is a $250 minimum on print purchases.
• This fall (September 2010 thru December 2010), the session fee for a high school senior session (congrats, class of 2011!) is $150 for a weekend or holiday session. The fee for a weekday (Monday thru Friday non-holidays when school is in session) is $100. The full sitting fee is due upon booking to hold your date. There is a $250 minimum on print purchases.
• Mini-session albums, session albums, and photo proof boxes have come down in price! This means that the a-la-carte prices are lower, and you will get more for your money when you purchase collections.
• NEW product offerings will be coming your way…sneak peeks when I have put together the pricing for these hot little numbers, but trust me – they’re super special and you won’t want to miss out!
• One Saturday in October will be dedicated to a mini-shoot day for holiday photos. It will be structured similarly to the Haiti Benefit mini-shoot day. Stay tuned for more information – I’m working on ideas for collections and pricing!

More pricing can be found under the “investment” tab on the website. I’ve missed you, everyone , and I am truly excited to start photographing again this fall!

And because it just simply isn’t fair to leave a post without photos…a few of my friends Alex, Jean and their kids and dog. I obviously haven’t posted their photos yet, it took me until June to take the photos (on the FIFTH try because of rain!) but what a morning we had!

These are dear friends, and I miss them so much already. I know we’ll see them again, as I do with most of the friends (FAMILY) I know from Okinawa. This was just a rough PCS season for us.

Jean & Alex are amazing people, there’s no way a blog post would be enough time to explain. They’re so stinkin’ cute, aren’t they?

These smart and gorgeous kids were a dream that morning…They came to have fun! Tell me this isn’t a typical scene with siblings!

Younger sis, A, hamming it UP most of the time, but I got a little calmer and closer to capture the true girl inside.

Big brother’s gonna kill the ladies…if he isn’t already. Such a warm smile, huh?

Jean rowed on the Dragon Boat team for the Navy women for a few years running…she brought her paddle and her shirt out for a few shots as well.

Then it was time to include Sola – the sweetie pie family puppy!

Thanks, you guys. I know you’re in the states again…I hope the move and the transition is easier than we’d dreamed.

For those still in Okinawa, I will be here at least until June of 2011! So book soon – less than a year left! Email me if you have questions or want to book a session. I hope you had a great summer!

Totally photo-heavy post…but I have to give Shannan a fix because it could be a while before I finish editing her shots – thanks for your patience, my friend – enjoy this. I will miss you so much when you go – I’m so lucky to have you as a friend and amazing assistant!

Shannan had some trouble committing, but we finally had a date. There was no escaping – she knew I wouldn’t let her! Even though some shirts were bought – the day of the shoot I think – it worked out beautifully. The boys were in rare form, I brought someone with me to help herd the cats (aka, three boys), and we avoided rain! Let’s start with my favorite of all five of them. Christy was a huge help getting everyone laughing for this. Love it!

Shannan is comfortable and more than capable behind the camera, but understandably (I know the feeling) not quite as comfortable on the other side. But something easy to capture is the love of her family and theirs of her.

Oldest K is growing up fast and man oh man, Shannan, you can’t deny this boy.

Middle boy B is definitely the blondest and the critter-lover for sure. This goofy pose is just a small peek into his silly little self!

Youngest D was the wild card. He still naps. Shannan was worried that he’d be a bit of a pill if he didn’t get a good one. Well either he did, or we got lucky because he was in rare form. I have watched this baby become a little boy – who can talk, run, and keep up with his older brothers. You are so stinkin’ cute I wanted to hug you over and over again!

We headed to the beach and the boys couldn’t have been more excited. I haven’t said much about Thomas (Dad) yet. I met him for the first time at the Foster pool during swim lessons I’m pretty sure. Summer of ‘08. He’s this easygoing southern gentleman, and he’s such a great dad and husband. After a while I got the boys together for a shot…

Then I felt it was time for Christy to take the boys away and give me some time for Shannan to snuggle up to hubby. Oh these make me so happy, I know they haven’t had photos together in much too long.

And though the moment was wonderful, it quickly turned into THIS. (One of my favorites…HA!)

Shannan, you’re beautiful…you shine around your family. (and your hair looked great!)

Obligatory shoe shot as the boys got ready to surf.

Oh yeah…in the freezing water, two of the kids went for it! Middle B wants to be a professional surfer. And what was the other thing, Shannan? I think it should be a vet.

Small D just wants to keep up. He did a darn good job too! (He looks chilly – it was!)

Big brother was happy to play in the sand. I think his parents were happy to take one kid home that wasn’t soaked and shivering.

Last but oh so not least…one of my favorite portraits I’ve ever taken. The sheer JOY and energy in this shot….it makes me smile every time I look at it – and I’ve looked at it a lot!

These crazy kids are heading to ENGLAND in the fall and I couldn’t be more excited for them – and sorry for myself. Here’s to a summer of fun in Okinawa. Thanks for a super fun evening, all!

Here’s another session that took a few tries….and this was a family who wanted that sunset time at the beach, so when the rain started I was worried. Somehow, in that week of downpours, we picked the one beautiful evening.

John is a Chaplain here on island (yep, that’s why you might recognize him!), and Regina is a bit of a shutterbug herself (more on that later…) – and their son J is just the sweetest young man! Oh yeah – then there’s Missy and Onis…the dogs. I headed out with amazing (read: I’m going to throw a temper tantrum when she leaves me) Shannan as my assistant on the first NON rainy evening in days (seemingly months).

I usually finish with a shot like this, but it was early in the shoot and I just LOVE it!

I have to say, I hadn’t met them before but from moment one I felt as if we were already friends. This is something that always makes for great photos and natural smiles! Regina & John…you two are gorgeous.

And J – your smile is awesome – you are an easygoing guy, don’t ever lose that!

As I pulled each parent aside to take photos of them with their son, the joking and poking started. What a shame it is that there’s no love in this family.

John is a loving father and has a very magnetic personality. (A hubba hubby as well, I might add.) What was even better for me, is that he wanted to be there just as much as everyone else. They’ve been in Okinawa for quite a while (7 years if I remember correctly) and hadn’t had family photos done since the beginning. As I’ve said, I pride myself on getting “Dad” on board – normally, he wants no part of portraits. But John was up for it from the moment we started, and I appreciated it so much.

And Regina – well holy supermodel. She’s this petite lil’ thing (and both John & J are quite tall!) and her love and happiness made her shine, don’t you think?

Regina’s got herself a nice little camera – and she had it with her. Initially she was going to put it in the car, she just wanted to snap a couple of shots later. But I told her to bring it – it’s who she is! She definitely needs to have some photos of her shooting. I mean she puts her family through it a lot, right? I have NO IDEA what that’s like, Regina…how does it feel??

Look how happy she is. Even though the boys are beating each other up again.

So they adopted two dogs here on Oki – Onis (the “stubborn one with the white stripe on his forehead”), the boy – and Missy, the young lady. There was a lot of stuff going on and they didn’t both look at the same time too often. But thanks to my amazing assistant, a few treats, and some luck, we got a few keepers! Love it!

(Don’t you just see Missy getting ready to drool over the milk bone on my head?)

Anyway – as I’m sure you can imagine, there’s no lack of great shots of this photogenic bunch. So I’ll stop here because I have to finish editing! Thank you all for such a fun evening. It was a pleasure – and keep shooting, Regina!

Oh so much more to come this week – SHANNAN’S family (Yep, my assistant!), a ridiculously edible 1 1/2-year-old cutie boy, and two couples. Back to work.

I’ve said it before, I’m so lucky to have repeat clients and people as clients that I know are my friends. Anna & Jay and their twins, C & G are definitely my friends. The first time I shot C & G was at their home a YEAR ago. They were four months old! Now – 16 months and BOTH mobile! When they were dressed identically for the first part of the shoot, I had real trouble discerning who was who! (Anna, correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure the top is G and the bottom is C here.)

They’re so cute – and they’re really sweet with each other – but man oh man what a challenge having two kids running in different directions at 14 months old. WHEW. I’m happy to be their photographer because my camera is fast – and you ALWAYS get home from a shoot like this with surprises as you’ve shot on the fly! Here are the girls upside down; one of the only ways they were willing to smile when being held.

When we headed down to the water, I asked the same question I usually do with kids this age; “Will they just want to go swimming?” Anna & Jay said they’d probably be fine, they love the water. So off we went. Plus – they brought a change of clothes so even if there was some swimming, we had a backup. Good thing. But also – a really good thing that they were in the water…so precious catching them changing, I love these girls!

(Um, I DO have tickets to this gun show. Thanks, Jay.)

Yummy nekkid C!

And I’m thrilled I got what I think is a fabulous shot of Mom & Dad (considering I was assistant-less that day, it’s a miracle!). You two are gorgeous.

You know that Daddy and daughter shots melt me…after the change, we headed for the hill. But first, adorable G with her Dada.

And some horseplay with C.

Anna – the shots of you and the girls were so good I kept most of them! Love it!

And last but a definite instant fave – the girls miraculously sitting on their parents’ shoulders. I RAN for my fisheye (which was across the lawn) when I saw this view…and it was worth it.

Thanks, Palmers…I will always have fun with you both! Jay – have a speedy and safe deployment, I can’t wait to shoot your reunion with your amazing girls.

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.

They’re back. *SOB* And this was potentially the last time I’m going to take their photos because they LEAVE this summer. Sometimes the nature of this beast is downright ornery.

But lucky me – I got to play with now walking, running, talking, and definitely TWO-year-old E on her birthday! As usual, Mama Amy picked out the kick booty wardrobe, and now little E is rockin’ mama’s blonde curls too!

And guess what? Gammy was here! (I told you, Teresa – I want your secret. There’s no way you’re a grandmother!)

Completely and totally scrumptious.

And if THAT didn’t make you into a pile of goo – perhaps this will do.

Such a shame that poor child gets NO love.

Then E got into some play clothes (I mean what fun is it without a ride or two on the slide & swings?) and was so happy!

Especially on swing rides.

And last but not least, playing hide and seek under the playground set. (This one might be my favorite…)

It was such a pleasure to see you all again! I could be here posting all day, but you know – gotta keep something for the big reveal!

More soon…go out and enjoy what promises to be a lovely weekend in Okinawa!

Terry & Hillary and their wonderfully smart and sweet kids got rained out on the mini-session day…here are a few peeks!

K & C were quite taken with the dandelions (and making sure they provided seeds for more!) – after our rainy day the weekend before, we had a really sunny one for their shoot – thank goodness!

Hillary & Terry are so sweet together. Even though they wouldn’t kiss with Hillary’s lipstick on…I hear ya, Terry. My hubby hates it too!

Here’s the whole family!

Hillary, you have to email me or comment – let me know what the kids thought of the park and where their favorite slide was! It was great to see you and I hope you love your photos.

More soon, gang – a certain young lady just turned TWO! Time is flying way too fast.

So this past Saturday afternoon (the day of our OWN little 7.0 trembler, ironically enough) Alexis of Red Stone Photography and I held a mini-session day benefit. I knew a few of the folks coming, but most I didn’t. I like that. And EVERYone came to have FUN.

First up…Bambi and Rich with young T & O. I know Bambi. I’ve photographed Bambi once upon a time when I worked for Serena Nicole when I was just starting out. But it was a couples shoot with Bambi & Rich. Now I got my camera on ALL of them; and this bunch (as if you can’t tell by their amazing coordinated outfits) are photo PROS.

Even when they aren’t wearing blue, their eyes are amazingly bright blue…T is just the spitting image of her mama, and O – well he’s a handsome devil who insists he has no girlfriend. (mmmhmm….)

Their family extended here for 3 more years, and Bambi has started up a business of her own. (I’m so sorry I didn’t ask you about it last weekend, I hope it’s going great, Bambi!) These two STILL have that beautiful spark…I love seeing that in the moms & dads. Thanks, everyone!

Next up were Alexis’s kiddos, little S and older sister E. Alexis had one thing to ask, “PLEASE try to get anything you can of E smiling and looking at the camera! That’s all I want.” Well Papa Jason brought the girls (yes, this next photo turns me into goo if you were wondering…)

And though most of the session looked like THIS:

I got a fantastic handful of THIS!

So…JACKPOT! More to come, Alexis.

After that, Anna, Mike and her girls came to play. I haven’t seen Anna in MUCH too long…and little E is SO big now! These girls are outgoing, fun-loving, and I think I said it more than once – I should be paying THEM to be in my photos! It went so smoothly I couldn’t have asked for more!

(Their friend, Rikiko, came along and was a dream with flip-flops as bunny ears making the girls laugh hysterically…need a side job, Rikiko?)

Anna & Mike are gorgeous – inside and out. And darned smart too.

And L and little sister E…they had so much fun I wanted to stop my shoot day and play with them!

You’re so right, Anna – let’s not wait until the “next life” – I’ll get in touch about getting together VERY soon. Promise.

Next up – Tyler and Rebecca came along and I instantly was smiling and laughing with them, even though it was the first time we’d met. It took all of three seconds for 4-year-old C to grab my hand and tell me he’d be my boyfriend. You, my friend, melted my heart! Love this!

Well Miss L had been woken by our friend the earthquake at 5:30am, so Mom said she was cranky. She wouldn’t pose with big brother, but with Mom near by and me eating her arms and legs, I definitely got some smiles out of her!

I’m certain I laughed the whole time while photographing this fun-loving bunch. I really want us to be friends, Ok? Ok.

One more of Rebecca & Tyler…because the MINUTE my assistant took L, crying and all, and C took off, they sat on the lawn and did THIS!

Did every single one of you see that shot and at least smile if not giggle or laugh out loud??

Listen folks; when you show up for a photo session and are excited and willing to do whatever – THIS is the kind of timeless, happy, silly, fun-loving, wonderful stuff that will be on your walls. Forever and ever. I can’t stress enough how awesome I think this is and that up there? It’s visual proof of why I LOVE my job! Thanks, guys.

At this point in my day, the sky opened up. And I’m not kidding…not just a little drizzle but a full on Okinawa tropical downpour. It was dark. And it wasn’t letting up. SO…one family rescheduled for next weekend (so I’ll have that peek for you after Saturday!) and the other, Missy & Baylor, rescheduled for the following morning. (Thanks to all of you for your understanding; I can’t control the weather of course, but I still felt bad!)

SO – one more peek! Yay! Missy’s hubby is deployed at the moment, and she brought their awesome dog Baylor to do photos in the park. We had a glorious morning for it too! Baylor gets some SERIOUS love.

And see, Missy? I told you I was quick on the draw! I got a couple of Baylor looking at me! (with a piece of a treat in my other hand! MUHAHAHA)

And gorgeous Missy – who trudged through mud in high heels and sat in wet clover…I got some STUNNERS of you, girl. I know you’ll be happy! I had a blast chatting it up that morning, thanks for coming and it was wonderful to meet you both!

Special thanks to our volunteers, Tyeler, Michelle, and Cat. You girls are fabulous and I appreciate you SO MUCH! Thank you!

We raised over $3000 for Thirst Relief International. Final totals this month! Gotta go edit. Bye.

I’ve photographed A & M before, then W when he was born, then most recently the kids all by themselves…but now Crista and Aaron wanted in on the fun!

The girls were as active and fun-loving as ever.

Young W is definitely weeks away from his first steps.

And Crista and Aaron are obviously kept YOUNG by these active kids! Gorgeous.

This shoot was a while in the making thanks to lots of rain…but finally we scored! The girls were so happy to play in one of their favorite places to explore.

They EVEN sat still for a couple of family photos… We DID IT, Crista & Aaron! All 5 of you are looking!

This made me smile and laugh out loud from the first moment I saw it!

And this is just happy girl power! Snuggles rule.

As the time wound down, A was finally tired enough to sit still for a moment so I could grab a shot of just her. And it’s one of my favorites!

And at the end, the girls wanted to be the shiisa protecting the family on the castle walls. Cute!

That was a fun-filled morning which also provided some exercise! Thanks, Frank Family – and thanks for your patience, I have LOTS of great ones to share with you very soon.

Also – the Haiti benefit went SO well, and I can’t wait to share some peeks from that with you. I hope it’ll happen tomorrow. Suffice it to say, Red Stone Photography and Aviva Photography jointly raised over $3000! (At least!) For that, I thank you, my wonderful clients. That is a HUGE number. More details soon.

You just might recognize this good-lookin’ bunch from the cover of November’s Venture Magazine. Yeah. They’re famous. I mean really – tell me you wouldn’t hang THIS on your wall!? LOVE IT!

We went out to play together at a local castle ruins site, and as always, we had a fantastic time together. Melissa wanted me to concentrate on young P for this one, so I did as I was told. We bonded. He’s a handsome young devil. It was fun…

Of course Todd was in on the action too. (Is it just me, or does this look like something out of a catalog?)

We walked around enjoying a cool morning and the views from the castle walls. Melissa & Pete are used to this (it’s shoot #4!) and she noticed this perfect spot for the two of them to snuggle up. This is one of my faves that I’ve taken of you two!

I love father and son photos…

Melissa has a great eye – at one point she pointed and said, “OOH – this background would be great!” You’re darn tootin’ it was!

A couple more of P that tickled my fancy. (there were many to choose from!)

I love photographing kids, you know this. But I also love when they have ideas because it’s fun to indulge them and get something TOTALLY “out of the box”. P said, “Hey – if I leap off this step and you’re back here, it’ll look like I’m jumping from really high up, won’t it?”

As a matter of fact it would. Favorite shot of the day!

Thanks again, you all! It was as fun as always – I’ll be done soon – I promise!

Everyone else – TWO SLOTS LEFT for the Haiti Benefit Mini-Session day! EMAIL ME if you’re interested….I hope to see you there!