Aviva Photography Blog

Hm. Deja vu? Yep. She’s a teacher. He’s a (now separated from the military) pilot. And they have a newly one-year-old little man, L. Who is downright edible and thankfully one heck of a morning person!

Tell me that adorable sweater & courderoy pants outfit doesn’t make him look like something out of a New England catalog! I have to say, we were all so happy that the weather the week prior was much too windy for the shoot because we lucked out and had one of the most gorgeous weekends of 2009. Look at this golden yummy light.

L’s mom, Megan, has been here teaching for quite a while, and is finishing up the school year and then they’re moving back to the states. She and Matt originally met in Okinawa, married, and had little L. I just love an Okinawan romance story!

And Megan’s folks were visiting! They left soon after the shoot, so I’m really thrilled we got to get them in a couple of shots too. Don’t they all look fantastic?

I told Megan, it amazes me sometimes that it almost looks as if Mom’s DNA wasn’t even involved in a child – like we go through 9 months of pregnancy and then childbirth to have our hubby’s “Mini-Me”. Ahem. Case in point.

But hey – if you fall in love with his smile, it sure is easy to love that smile in your kiddo, right?

L had also been walking for few weeks, and it’s ALL he wanted to do! But I think he was curious as to why I kept kneeling down and following him and getting in his way… but this expression is still priceless.

I know you live near this beach, and how special it is to you! It was delightful spending the day with the family, Megan, Matt, Charlie & Ruthann. I hope the rest of the visit was fabulous.

More on GAMU soon! (Goodbye Auto Mode University – changed to help in global awareness & understanding.)

I’ve been excited to share these with you. Brittney is officially a MARRIED WOMAN now! And when she approached me to do bridal portraits I really got excited. You remember Brittney – she & Brian did an engagement shoot a while back.

Well I for one can’t wait to see the wedding photos. They’re in Hawaii for the wedding and THIS….drum roll please… is the beautiful gown she wore.

Once again… stunning Brittney.

I don’t need to type much here. I’ll just remind you that she’s as lovely of a person as she is on the outside. I’m really happy for them both and can’t wait to hear about their wedding!

SO fun.

Soon to come, a jewelry designer’s new line is launched!

Well, Nikon D40 owners who want to purchase a 50mm lens: YOUR camera does not have autofocus in the body, only in the lenses. If you want the 50mm lens, you’ll have to get the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G Autofocus Lens. (Sorry gang – you saved $300 on your camera body – but you’ll have to fork it over for the lens…) It costs $485 on B&H and is currently back-ordered. Not sure how long that will last. I do apologize; as I’m not a Nikon shooter, it’s something I completely forgot to take into consideration!

Thanks, Julia! I miss you!

Hi, everyone! I am back! Well, I guess I wasn’t really GONE, but I took a short session break even though I really didn’t. Now that THAT confusing mess is over…

Meet Jamie. She’s a kindergarten teacher. (So some of you might recognize her.) She’s not working now because she had a baby! Also meet Brian. He’s a jet pilot. He’s a proud papa too! And lastly  – meet 7-week-old H. He was on his best behavior.

First of all – I have to say, that photo up there almost looks like one that comes with a frame. They’re great-looking, aren’t they? Secondly – you probably notice, they’re indoors! It was COLD out there. And with the baby I didn’t think it was wise to play around in the cold and wind even though they live near a beach. Their home had a beautiful big double sliding glass door in the living room – and look at these shots – it was PERFECT lighting! The other bonus is, I could capture them in their home – that’s special while we’re in Okinawa, isn’t it? I’d love to offer that to everyone, but here’s the problem. Light in homes on base is not great. Those of you who live on base – I’m not telling you something you don’t know, and you realize I’m not trying to insult you – unfortunately, the homes there were built to withstand typhoons not to open big picture windows and enjoy a great view. So if you have or are scheduling an upcoming shoot and you know of or live in an indoor location with fantastic big windows – let me know if that’s where you’d like to be for your shoot or for part of it. I love capturing families in their homes!

Sigh. I just got lost in those pools in your eyes, H. This adorable shot was the very first one I took. I knew it’d be a good day.

This one (and several others during their shoot) was Jamie’s idea! I love that they’re fans of photography and that they had ideas. Creative clients are fabulous! I will always give credit where credit is due. And I will ALWAYS love the bare feet shots!

Speaking of creativity… my fabulous assistant du jour, Shannan, spotted a huge world atlas. Those blue eyes next to that blue East China Sea are just great, wouldn’t you say? Here’s to Okinawa Babies!

You know I don’t usually post in black and white, but this moment is so pure and beautiful – I really do like it this way. Brian and Jamie are amazing new parents, they’re so sweet with their little man.

Strong pilot hands + sweet swirly-haired tiny baby head = Aviva in a melted pile of goo.

Ok. This isn’t fair. They do NOT look sleep-deprived and stressed. They look fantastic. It’s lucky they’re so nice or I’d have to hate them.

This is about as close to a smile as I captured – but this little smirk is SO CUTE, isn’t ‘it? He’s leaning on a blanket made by his grandmother. It’s a quilt with a bear on an airplane. Of course!

Thank you for the coffee, the invitation into your beautiful home, and the opportunity to meet sweet H. The photos will be done soon and maybe I can return the coffee favor!

Coming soon: Two shoots from a while back that I wasn’t able to post until later (a bridal shoot and a jewelry shoot!) – stay tuned…

AKA – Digital SLR class!

This is in its early stages (planning-wise) – but here’s the head’s up. It will be far enough out that you have time to get a 50mm prime lens. Prime means it’s a fixed focal length – or as we like to say – “foot zoom”. No zooming, except when you use your feet to get closer. Don’t be intimidated. This is a GOOD THING.

Okinawa folks: B&H is where to go to buy your lenses, bags, accessories, cameras – any goodies you need. Get the “USA” version, not the import even though it’s a few dollars cheaper. Trust me, you want the USA warranty and such. Yes, they ship to our APO/FPO address. Yes, their customer service is bar none the best you’ll find. Yes, you might find the lens for a few dollars cheaper elsewhere (not on Okinawa though), but if ANYTHING happens – I can guarantee B&H will handle it for you with better service than any other store.

Canon shooters, this means the 50mm 1.8 which is now $84.95. I also recommend getting the lens hood for it and a UV filter. (Lens hood protects your shots from sun flare, and protects your lens if you drop or lower your camera too fast. Worth every penny. USE IT.)

Click on this banner to go shopping:

Nikon shooters, you want an AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8 for $109.95. Same deal – get a lens hood and UV filter. (Lens hood protects your shots from sun flare, and protects your lens if you drop or lower your camera too fast. Worth every penny. USE IT.)

Click on this banner to buy it:

Even if you aren’t taking a class, or if you decide you aren’t going to take my class, if you’re a new SLR owner, this is a no-brainer investment. It’s a better lens than the kit lens your camera came with, you’ll take better portraits, you’ll be able to shoot in lower light without a flash, your camera will make you breakfast in bed… ok, maybe not that last one, but really – you won’t be sorry. If you want to spend a bit more for the 1.4 – hey go for it! If you have any questions, email me at aviva@aviva-photography.com or leave a comment.

Class will probably begin in late February or early March. Hope to see you there! What? More photos? SOON. I promise. Must go back to work now.

FYI- B&H is in NY and they will not sell anything to you online or otherwise from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday (EST) during any given week in observance of the sabbath.

You may remember that I mentioned Friend & Neighbor #4 back in November… well he was here! And despite the winter weather’s plans, we had a fabulous day in the neighborhood together.

Devin is 19 years old and he came to visit for Christmas. I’m still trying to get myself over the fact that THESE young people have a 19-year-old…. (time just doesn’t show on some people!)

We walked around our ‘hood to take these, and Devin said he really loved it here. He got out surfing and snorkeling – even though the rest of us probably thought it was too cold for that. He’s in the military now and came out after basic training. Seeing these brothers together was awesome – even though they fought like brothers do, you could feel the love.

(NO family resemblance, huh?)

The sky was purple and the ocean was turquoise – another amazing day in Okinawa!

Melissa is one of the most laid back people you’d ever meet, and I have to think it’s because she’s been surrounded by boys for so long. I mean look at these guys! Pete’s the walking picture of FUN DAD – surfing, climbing on the jacks, chasing the dog on the sea wall – to me it was always felt like we were seconds away from an injury, to Melissa it was just another day.

I LOVE this one by the ocean!(you can’t tell, but Todd was digging a hole to New York from right in front of them.)

After our last session, they all indulged me when I asked them to do something. Sorry if your backs hurt after this one, but I think it was worth it.

But I think my faves of the day came at the end. As we wrapped it up, the waves were amazing – and Pete & the boys ran back to jump into wet suits and go surfing.

P showed me some of his best body building moves…

And ya KNOW I had to get some shots in front of their home! Another all time favorite:

And last but not least in this photo-heavy post…. THE COOL PHOTO. (Yeah, Pete – you’re still cool.)

I say after a 20th anniversary maybe the next shoot should be a lovey dovey couple shoot – what do you say, Pete & Melissa?

Thanks for another awesome day!! It was great meeting you, Devin!

Right around Christmastime I got an email from Cherie. Cryptic to say the least, but basically saying she was hoping I could squeeze in a shoot because her daughter was here visiting from college for the break and she wanted some photos of her kids with her friend Tracey’s kids. I’m so happy I could fit this in, meeting these ladies and all these kids was just a blast.

Tracey actually has FIVE kids – two are grown and living in the states. Here are her three; and her oldest (J, on the left) is a senior in high school. They look like they’re related, huh?

Tracey’s family and Cherie’s family met on their LAST deployment here, so this is the second time around in Oki – and the kids are similar ages, so they are all like siblings with each other. Here are Cherie’s four kids. She kept apologizing for little K – she’s four years old. She didn’t have to – this kid was such a character!! You know I love that. Her son, W (on the left), is also a senior with J. Alix (the oldest on the right) is in a ROTC program in college and she’s all about jumping out of airplanes. AWESOME.

When I started talking to these kids I felt like they already knew me. Even littlest K- they were so friendly, outgoing, confident – and I genuinely enjoyed their stories about growing up as military “brats”. The boys are already talking about college – and though their schools will be far from each other, they have families closeby and can see each other on breaks. In these days of email, texting, video chats, etc. – it’s really not as hard to be a little farther away though. They have the best attitude.

Ahem… yes, W has a girlfriend. Of course….look at him.

So does J, and he has a sense of humor too; I was ALWAYS a sucker for that. Look at this smile!

When I started looking through the shots I realized… dang, seven kids. That’s a LOT.

But when we got to know each other a little – and they played together – it was hardly work at all to capture everyone having fun!

Or when we told W he didn’t have to jump as long as everyone else would – that worked out.

But I have to say… the shoot would NOT have been the same without little K! She’s so pretty, and such a little spitfire! You can tell she enjoys the attention. And boy does she get it! LOOOOVE this one!

When I was arranging the shoot, I asked if they had any locations in mind. Cherie laughed and said she’d LOVE to get a couple of shots at Family Mart. Ok folks – you know me by now. I LOVE something new and different – and something that is SO Okinawa! Who doesn’t love Family Mart?! ONIGIRI RULES!

Thanks so much to BOTH families – and all the kids who came (and got up early for me over winter break!). Kat & I had so much fun with you. I’ll be in touch soon and we’ll make a date to see them ALL.

More soon, readers… I’m getting back into my routine!

Happy new year everyone! Did you have a great winter break? I did. Though I guess it wasn’t a real break for my biz – I had 3 shoots this past week! But I am happy to keep my phtoography chops and loved capturing families around the holidays when everyone is together and happy.

Great news – I’m now accepting bookings through March of 2009! There are MORE products available, the sitting fees have remained the same, and I’d just love to get your family in front of my camera. I know there are lots of deployed hubbies (and wives I suppose) – so when they return home and settle in it’s a great time to do some family photos. The weather is a whole lot less sweaty right now, so what are you waiting for? ALSO: Rising seniors (as in, juniors right now- class of ‘10) - I’ll be starting a Senior Rep program soon! If you’re a rising senior or the parent of one – stay tuned, there’s a great referral program. If you want to book or need more info about any of this, email me at aviva@aviva-photography.com or contact me through the website. In the next two weeks I’ll put out info about GGMU (Goodbye Green Mode University) – stay tuned for that too. Remember, your shoot is NOT BOOKED until I get a $100 deposit to hold your date.

So this post is about my friend’s kids, but I guess they are not really “kids” – 2 out of 3 are over 21. Those two were visiting from California – and this was supposed to be a family shoot, but mom & dad were sick, so they threw Kellita, Renee & N my way so that I could at least caputre them while they were together. The first photos together since N was 5 years old. He is quite a bit older than 5 years old…

I’ve known this family for almost exactly ten years. My hubby works with their father, and I met them at their Superbowl barbecue in 1999. They were kind enough to be our sponsors when we moved out here a year after they did, and I’ll be sad to see them go this summer. I only had met Renee the one time back in 99, but I feel like I keep up on her busy Los Angeles life through her parents. She’s working for a film production company – for peanuts, but she’s got her foot in the door and I wish her ALL the best. She’s beautiful enough to be in front of the camera too, but I realize that’s not for everyone.

I know that even twins are different personality-wise, but these two sisters are REALLY different. Kellita is the oldest and she’s going to grad school in San Diego now. She’s going to be a science teacher – and she’s an all-around academic superstar. Brains AND beauty – and trust me, a sense of humor too!

And young N. What can I say – from the moment we arrived and went out to dinner with this family, my daughter was smitten with him. (And I would like to think she has pretty great taste!) He’s so sweet around her even though he has a few years on her – and I love talking to him about our DS games, PSP games, and the music he’s listening to on his brand new iPod he got for Christmas. I’m going to miss you, N! (And your contagious smile.)

They all chose great shoes; and mom was smart telling them to put on some bright solid-colored & simple patterned shirts. (A great call, future clients! Look how great they look!)

This doorway was just too cool….(a black & white one for you, Kelly!)

It’s a rare treat to have your grown children both visiting at the same time, and I’m so happy the kids could make it. Rich & Kelly – you’re next! You need to have the WHOLE family up on your walls when you go back to San Diego! I had a great time with you three – thanks for coming out with me!