Aviva Photography Blog

(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).

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?

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.)

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.

A is an adorable silly girl; another fave.

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.

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?

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

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!?

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

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):

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.

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!

(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.

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.

He also has some kind of crazy Gene Simmons tongue…

But 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.

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

LOVE these!

REALLY love this.

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!

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!)

We had a little jumpin’ fun of course.

And then headed to the water. Sweet relief.

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

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?

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.

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!!

Yum.

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

The band played (love the USMC 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!)

During the beautiful opening prayer.

A shot of the room…

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.

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

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

And one with the group from their church:

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!

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…

(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.)

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

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!

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).

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!

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

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.

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.

Sometimes the shutter clicks and you say – “That one’s going to be a favorite!” 99% of the time, you’re right.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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…

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.

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

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.

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!)

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!

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.

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.

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.)

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!

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!

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

Here’s more of a combat pose.

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…

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

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.