Aviva Photography Blog

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.

(Ok, when did 2010 sneak up on me? That’s insanity. Time is going WAY too fast…)

HI there! I’m over the top excited to share this with you – Nikki is not only the daughter of a Jersey boy (ahem, yes, I AM a Jersey GIRL – you got a problem wit dat?) who is friends with my hubby, but she’s also the daughter of a Chicago girl who I am so very happy and lucky to call my friend! (Mary & Chris, you’re awesome.)

Nikki attends Kubasaki High School – her favorite thing about her senior year is being senior class President (oh yeah, baby!) and attending all the sports games. This girl is a rock star! (And totally gorgeous with a million dollar smile, by the way.)

What keeps Nikki busy after school? Volleyball, ASB, NHS, and lifeguarding. (All that AND she’s smart!)

What is Nikki looking forward to most after graduation? Seeing her brothers & her best friend! Oh – and college, of course!

HEAVENS does this photo make me laugh….definite fave.

Most listened to song on her iPod: Too many to name, but right now her favorite is You Belong with Me by Taylor Swift.

Written on her favorite t-shirt: Kubasaki Varsity Volleyball (2008-2009) on the front, and “Pirate” (her nickname – ARRR) and #5 on the back.

(I LOVE MY JOB. And my clients. Had to tuck that in there.)

Who does Nikki admire most? People who aren’t afraid to take chances, and people who never give up on anything.

(So since we don’t know if she’ll wear green or white at graduation – we just HAD to take photos with BOTH!)

What Nikki wants to be when she grows up: A teacher or a pastry chef. (I say why not both??)

Or…supermodel. Whatever.

That last one is for YOU, Ms. Mary! There are many more…but that’s it for now.

….and what will Nikki remember most about her photo shoot? How Mrs. Aviva always knew what to do to make it fun.

LOVE YOU, Nikki! See you soon to share the rest. Thank YOU for making it fun too!

Sharing is easy and fun (we all teach our kids that, right?) and so I would like to share this with other photographers out there – Okinawa Living Magazine now has a site where anyone can register and submit photos for consideration for the Parting Shot on the last page.

What a GREAT thing this is! So…go visit. Click here, or type in: http://67.15.245.19/~okinawah/ in your browser. Register with a user name and password and then have at it! You’ll see on the site that there’s a countdown to when the photos are due and for which issue. And you’ll also see other people’s photos – and everyone gets to VOTE too! So even if you don’t want to submit something, feel free to visit and vote on the photo you think should be in the next issue. I personally submitted a couple of photos from Peace Prayer Park in honor of Veteran’s Day for the November magazine. These are the two I uploaded:

Bear in mind; the site will want you to upload your photo at web resolution (1MB max size) and 900 px wide. You’ll also need to submit a thumbnail at 200px wide. Be prepared with these when you register and submit.

Have fun with this! I hope to see your photos on the site and in Okinawa Living!

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.

Hi, everyone! I have some fabulous photos of a lovely couple to post tomorrow, but wanted to get this out there today.

Some of you know, I’m part of the Okinawa International Women’s Club (OIWC) here in Okinawa. I posted about it back in December. Well I’m the historian on the board for this amazing organization. I say it’s amazing because not only is it a wonderful opportunity to meet women from all over the world and from Okinawa, of course, but OIWC provides an opportunity to learn about local culture, traditions, and most importantly to give back. This organization is a cultural exchange AND a non-profit organization that supports so many amazing causes.

Every fall, the OIWC has a welcome coffee. The club meets at luncheons once a month (alternating between on and off base locations) and then there are smaller culture groups that are part of the whole. The board meets once a month as well, usually right after the luncheon; meetings/luncheons/culture group events take place from September through June. By the way – the FOOD at these luncheons is usually fantastic. I am a fan of the local cuisine, but in general the meals are great!

I am taking the time to write about this because it is the last year (the 2009-2010 year) that I will be participating as Historian on the board. I’d love it if anyone who is local here in Oki would join – it’s a great time even if you’re just a member. But what I’m looking for is someone who’d like to help me document the 2009-2010 OIWC events.

If you have an interest in learning more about photography, if you will be here at least until summer of 2011, and if you would like to work with me as my “committee” for the OIWC Historian, please email me. I’d love to work with you this year, help you to get to know your DSLR (or at the very least a good point and shoot) and to have you join in the rewarding experience of giving back to this amazing place we call home for a short time. You know I love it! It’s my 3rd year as a member and my 2nd year on the board. If you have questions about it or think you might be interested – email me. I’d love to have you along. And if you’re not going to be here until at least the summer of 2011, this isn’t for you – I really am looking for someone who can take over next year. What would this post be without a few photos? I have to whet your whistle – these are some of the amazing things I’ve seen during my time with OIWC.

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!