Aviva Photography Blog

Here’s another family I’m friends with. Thanks to a few existing friends, I met Sean and Jessica. They’re PCSing (as in, moving back to the States) in a couple of weeks and Val (of the funnest family ever) made her call me to set up a shoot. I was definitely more excited than they were. Because I know them; and I knew this would be a blast.

Their family consists of Sean, Jess, and two big girls… Zoe and Maggie.

We started on the beach because what’s a family portrait without your kids?

Hanging out with Sean is like hanging out with Ben Stiller for a day. (He does a pretty bang-up impression too.) And Jess is the most easygoing and fun girl EVER.

(Note the girls swimming in the background with the orange floatie toy! LOVE IT.)

Crazy good-looking couple that are so real and fun – sign me up! When they met, Sean was actually dating someone. He went on a blind date with Jess and said as soon as she sat down and ordered the messiest burger on the menu, then proceeded to chow down on it with reckless abandon, he was hooked.

Jeez, look at her. Really? You eat cheeseburgers? Shannan was my assistant du jour, and I really liked this interesting long pool of water but didn’t know what to do with it. She had an idea, I told her to go make it happen – and wow, did it work!

And how cute is this?? I wasn’t even paying attention – just yapping away, and Shannan gave me a nudge and said, “That’s a good shot.” It’s one of my favorites! (Shannan, you earned your dollars last weekend!)

These two had NO trouble getting lovey dovey with each other. Naturals.

More hubba.

But believe me, we still laughed all the way through to the end!

And… because it’s Friday. Because it’s Halloween. And because I LOVE TO LAUGH…. your moment of jumping zen:

Now next time the challenge is to get the DOGS jumping too! Have a great weekend and happy Halloween!

Ilisa is a friend for several reasons – we met when school started in 2007 because we were on the PTO together. One of her daughters is in the same grade as my daughter is. And the other is a couple of years older. We also attend services together, which wouldn’t be unusual, except that we’re Jewish. NOT a whole lot of Jewish folks in the military, certainly not in Okinawa! Lastly – her husband flies in the same squadron with our sweet friend Erin’s hubby and several other folks I already know. So, like so many other connections I’ve made here in Oki, Ilisa and I were meant to be pals.

Ilisa’s sister, Marla, is a photographer too. She works in Florida. She is GOOD. And Ilisa is critical. So when she saw my work and hired me, I took that as an incredible compliment! Ilisa doesn’t mince words, and she tells it like it is. To have her as one of my fans is a big deal to me (so thanks, Ilisa!).

Abe, her hubby, is deployed in the Philippines at the moment, so we girls did this thing together! It was so much fun. Ilisa and her girls are beautiful, inside and out.

A friend of ours was kind enough to let us use her Okinawa home’s outdoor landscaped garden and beach as our setting for the shoot. It was something different – we all know I like that. And the light was gorgeous.

The whole time, E and S were helping me with good shot locations and spots. So much so that I had to let them take turns deciding where the next place would be. I swear, I need to start figuring out how to bottle kids’ energy. Ilisa decided to get in on the action. I don’t blame her – the girls were looking pretty darned adorable.

These girls kept us laughing the whole time. And for two sisters who are so different, it was sweet to see them get along so well. I know they fight sometimes, but this was a great day.

Toward the end, Ilisa whipped S’ hair back and said, “THIS is her!” Well shoot, I agree.

And E- well, you can tell she’s a camera hog. I wonder why….

And honestly – I’d PAY for these blue eyes. I was dazzled straight out of my camera!

And here is a pretty accurate depiction of the way our morning went.

Thanks so much, girls – we had a fantastic time. I can’t wait to be done editing and show you all the beautiful photos, Ilisa! SOON. (And HI ABE!! -waving- I hope you like the photos too!)

This was Keeley’s favorite and it slipped my mind! Here you go, sweets. I can definitely agree this is a stunning shot of you.

Hi there! I’ve had the most beautiful weekend, I hope you did too.

But this shoot – this was from eight days ago. This young lady has beach-lover’s blood coursing through her veins, and she was all about a beach shoot for her senior session. I hadn’t done that yet – but I realize this will not be the last time. Meet gorgeous Keeley!

I actually met her this past summer, she was a lifeguard at the Foster pool. One day while my daughter was in swim class, and a couple of lifeguards came up to me and asked me about my iPhone (I always played games on it and caught up on email while bearing the summer heat). I felt hip – ME, a 37-year-old mom – I was COOL – just for a second – but it was a lovely second!  I handed out cards that day when I realized the lifeguards were seniors, and I was so happy to get an email from Keeley & her mom!

(Ok… I’m a TV junkie sometimes, I realize, but doesn’t she have a little bit of a Mischa Barton thing going on? But not skin and bones, this girl’s a cross country team member!)

Keeley is a senior at Kubasaki. She’s lived in Hawaii and Australia among other places. As we talked I realized I kind of wanted her life! She’s so sweet and took my compliments so graciously. Keeley’s mom joined us and we all just had the most beautiful morning – weather-wise and company-wise.

She’s hoping to go to school in the Seattle area, and I think it’s going to be fantastic for her. Yeah, a bit more rain, but Seattle is such a beautiful city and there are so many things to do in the surrounding areas – she sounds very excited about it.

When I’m out with a senior I ask about music taste. Keeley brought up the group Slightly Stoopid (WOO HOO, San Diego band!) but also said she found it REALLY hard to narrow down music to her favorite bands. I agree – there’s so much great stuff out there, but I definitely like to know what’s in your iPod!

I’m still in awe at the beauty and confidence level of these 17-year-old girls. I mean really – I was an oily-faced frizzy-haired awkward girl with major self image issues at that age. I was confident, and I was in good shape – but it’s amazing to me how mature and self aware these teens are!

So now you see the reason for my title on this post; I asked if she wanted to kick off her shoes and she didn’t put them back on the whole time. These rocks and coral are sharp and she handled it like it was nothing!All that volcanic rock climbing in Hawaii I guess…

Keeley – you’re wonderful. Go do great things and be so happy – I’m thrilled that I got to meet you and be a small part of your glorious senior year. Thank you!

What better reason to have photos taken, right? My friend and neighbor Sandy has three gorgeous kids in her family. But this day was all about little O. One year old and just downright EDIBLE.

Yes, I tasted him. And he’s sweet and soft like Rice Krispie Treats^®. Another close-up. His hair, those cheeks, those eyes… yep. I’m in love!

It was such a nice day walking around with Sandy & O – he’s only been walking for a few weeks, so he’s still not that fast. Which makes my job a breeze because I can easily dash ahead of him or walk away and it takes a while for him to actually get somewhere. (Not for long though, so look out Mom & Dad!)

O was a busy little climber. Mom stuck close but he was very happy to be barefoot and work any steps or hills on his own. I love little fat toddler feet!

He’s very responsive to his Mama’s voice. He’d be walking but if she called him he would turn with a mischievous grin…

He was also quite the fan of this flower. Can’t you just hear it? “She loves me… she loves me not…”

Sandy, I had such fun with you two! I’m so happy you live close and I have you as a friend. I can’t WAIT to get my camera on your whole family in December. We are going to have a blast!

Ok – well – I couldn’t think of a good enough title and Kelly and Arash are both pathologists, so there we go. Kelly contacted me about setting a date for photos because it had been a very long time and she wanted photos for their families.

I think part of the reason why there are so many photographers in Okinawa (besides the fact that it is a beautiful place) is because we we are so far from home. We want to document our families and our children for the eyes that aren’t seeing them as often. Family and friends back home. That’s so important, and why I’m always flattered when people choose me to do this for them! If I haven’t mentioned it lately – I love what I do, and as I’m editing and talking to people it reinforces that passion for what I’m doing. Thank YOU!

Anyway – Kelly and Arash have a son, T, and he’s 4. He’s a very active and smart young man – and it was the first time I’d met him. He’s also GORGEOUS!

Kelly’s eyes are incredible, and she has a smile that just lights up the room. Then I looked closer at T and said, “Holy cow… those eyelashes!!”

And Kelly said, “Uh, yeah – that’s his father.” Ok, well shoot. The whole family is gorgeous.

I love that they came in comfortable clothes that they were happy in. And Kelly let everyone  wear what they wanted to and they all looked great – that’s the idea!

We had fun wandering around together. I’m not sure why, but this one really speaks to me. T has a huge grin on his face – and his father was the one that encouraged him to get on this thing standing up!

I had lots of fun talking to Arash and Kelly. Their chemistry and their way with each other and with T is just beautiful to see.

I want to know Kelly’s secret for her flawless skin too! (Sunblock I’d bet.)

I had a great time with your family, and I can’t wait for you to see ALL the photos. SOON!

I play bunco with Suzi. (Admittedly, when I moved to Okinawa and someone grabbed me to play bunco I had no idea what that was…. I thought it was some Price Is Right game.) She’s one of the ladies in my bunco group, and she’s so fun-loving and sweet – and she has two boys to chase around on a regular basis. Well, three if you count her husband, Justin.

I have to tell this story because it’s so funny. We arrived at the location and older brother J had to “go potty”. Which is fine, it’s right there at the entrance to the beach area. I was fiddling with the camera (ok photogs – HERE comes the part where you learn to always be ready – EVEN when your subject is in the bathroom!), and J comes running out and yells, “MAMA! I found BALLIES!!” I whirl around and he was proudly holding two fluorescent pink urinal cakes, one in each palm. (Again – I had no clue what that was until my friends had boys- why would I know what they put in a men’s room urinal to keep it fresh?? But I DO know now… and can I get a “YAY FOR GIRLS!!”?)

“OH NO! YUCK YUCK YUCK!” yells Suzi and they run to put them back and wash his hands. That could’ve been the most hilarious photo yet. Ok. Onward. Thank you for indulging me.

Just look at them! Not that they sit still ever… but when they do it’s adorable.

Justin climbed up with younger W, and J followed him to the top of the rock. I love it when the dads are into cool shots & angles! I’m still tired just looking at these photos – chasing these boys is exhausting.

Suzi is beautiful. She’s been working out hard core, and looks fantastic. I can’t imagine not being in great shape chasing her kids – it must be a little easier now!

We headed toward the beach at the end of the shoot and the kids took off their shirts and started playing in the water. It was warm – I wanted to jump in with them because they looked like they were having a blast!

(This one is for YOU, Melissa!) PEEK-A-BOO!

I’m not claiming that nobody takes photos like these, but I like to think this is a signature Aviva shot. (Sometime soon I’ll put up a collage of these and you’ll see!) The shoe shot!

Last but definitely not least – these two have such amazing love for each other. The couple of times that I took photos with only Suzi and Justin, it was amazing – like POOF – nobody is there. The way Justin looks at Suzi just makes me sigh and reaffirms my belief in true love. It’s a fantastic thing.

I had a great time with you all! I hope W is over that nasty cough, thanks for braving it to come play. I can’t wait to have you over to see the rest!

I’m getting ready to post a bunch of stuff I’ve been working on – but I feel the need to make you all laugh with me. When the Funnest Family Ever came over to see their photo gallery, we kept going back to look at this one and laugh ourselves silly. It could be the best jumping shot I’ve ever taken – and I’m confident, but I wouldn’t call myself a bragger. This makes me smile and laugh for SO many reasons – and the subjects just about insisted that this photo should make the blog. I can’t even decide if my favorite part of this photo is Val’s hair or M’s huge grin….

Two beautiful families and a gorgeous senior to come soon! Have a fantastic day!

I got a call from Jen, mom of 19-month-old twin boys, that her mom was in town from California and she wanted to do a session. (Truth be told, I had met Jen before and I was hoping she’d call me for some photos!)

It was no surprise that her mom was so sweet – and she had boundless energy too! They love the ferris wheel, so off to American Village we went. Can’t you just hear them singing the Chicken Dance song?

The boys were very pensive – they didn’t know me. But as soon as we started running, they got happy.

They also enjoyed it when we saw a little Japanese truck and they got to sit inside it!

They love it when Jen or “Mama” (as they call their Grandma) reads to them!

I think they were cautious about me though – that weird lady with the big black camera…

I think these ladies are just beautiful. (And photogenic as well, I might add!)

Thanks to you all for a fun day – I know it was hot – next time it’ll be cooler! I hope you had a great visit together too!

That’s a bold statement. And a non-existent word, I realize. But Val and Chris and little M – well, they became personal friends just after they set a shoot date. And in that time I’ve come to know this fun-loving and hysterically funny family. They are also neighbors. I got so lucky. The friend chemistry was immediately apparent, and I definitely laugh until my gut hurts with them.

They hadn’t had photos done since their wedding. Typical. But Chris was not so sure about this photo shoot thing. And Val admitted she doesn’t like photos of herself. And M – she’s a stunning little girl, but very shy. I had my work cut out for me. Helpful, super sweet, and beautiful MA schlepped bags and clothes changes helped me out on a gorgeous Saturday morning, and off we went!

The light was beautiful. And they all looked great. The BREEZE is back, people! Okinawa is getting pleasant, dare I say.

M was quite happy with her fistful of flowers.

And her totally adorable shoes. (I kid you not – she gallops when you sing the William Tell Overture.)

BEAUTIFUL!

Ok, but I said FUNNEST. Exhibit A:

Exhibit B: The Zoolander Shot

Exhibit C: HA!

Trust me – there are more. I’ve never laughed so hard while editing photos in my life! But I also said that Val & Chris had some worries. No photos taken since their wedding? I don’t think much has changed, even though I didn’t know them then.

Val hates herself in photos…total smokin’ hottie. Check.

Chris isn’t comfortable in front of the camera. (Aside from exhibits A thru C above, um – he’s a camera HOUND… we have hottie hubby here.)

Shy quiet child? Not with Dad’s help.

I’ve posted so many here – I could honestly post more. Side story – we headed to this location, a castle ruins site, and a few minutes after we started about 200 Japanese high schoolers came in to tour! Pretty funny when that happened right after Val changed clothes behind a reflector. Never a dull moment.

Thank you SO much for a fun day, you 3. And thanks for helping out, MA!

More to come very soon – sorry for the break, but I took a weekend off for the kid’s birthday. We’re BAAACK and super busy through the next few weeks! And I just might post more from Baby R’s session – there were too many great ones not to share more. Have a great week!