Aviva Photography Blog

Like so many around the world, I’m devastated by the disaster in Haiti. We know some Marines who headed there to help (Godspeed to you all), and I know many who have donated (as our family has) but still feel like I can do more. Then I came across Photographers for Haiti recently on one of the blogs I read. Kelsey Bigelow and Kristi Crosson are the photographers behind this effort, and I jumped on board as soon as I read about it. I hope you’ll all help me show them that we want to contribute!

I’m in talks with Alexis of Red Stone Photography about putting together a mini shoot day in February to benefit organizations helping with the relief efforts in Haiti. At the moment it’s looking like it will be on a Saturday afternoon at around 3pm with 20-minute shoots on the half-hour. 100% of the sitting fee (amount TBD) will be donated DIRECTLY (as in, you will bring a check made out to one of the affiliated relief organizations) to the cause. Then at least 50% of the cost of prints purchased will also be donated to the same organizations.

Rally with me, folks – I’d love to have your support for this worthy cause. If you’re interested and want to be the first to know about the date & sign your family up, email me! I truly hope I have too many people to fit in one day.

Photo taken by Damon Winter, courtesy of the New York Times.

Crazy! Post #150….wow. In 20 months. 7.5 posts per month. I can do better. I don’t blog enough. And I really do enjoy it. Time just zooms by so fast I lose track – but I LOVE sharing with you!

Ok – on to today’s post – Shaunna! We met this past Saturday and walked around the sea wall area for her senior photo shoot. You know, it’s funny. I’ve definitely done a few shoots at the sea wall (and out in town in general)…and every time there are certain spots that are classics and that I really need to do. Not that they aren’t different depending on the subjects or the weather, but you know what I mean. But there are also new discoveries. On EVERY urban shoot. Each client has a unique spot or type of photo in their gallery because we’re covering these places out in town. On foot. For example…

I do live in this neighborhood…and I’ve been dying to take a portrait at this wall. Shaunna’s choice of yellow bag and turquoise scarf didn’t hurt in making this a prime location! Or her matching blue eyes…WOW.

Shaunna’s considering going to college in places like Alaska and Montana. She loves the winter. (Not so much of that in Okinawa!) In the early morning when we started, it was such a gorgeous day – but a bit chilly. She was so happy in a t-shirt with wind-kissed cheeks!

Shaunna is the youngest of three, and she brought her mom with her for the shoot. (Sigh – SO sweet.) Well Mom got extra points for coming back down from Okuma before dawn that morning to be here in time for the shoot! (Annette, you’re fantastic! Thank you for coming along.) Down the road was a bright yellow wall – and you know, one of her favorite colors (NOT just because she goes to Kadena High) is YELLOW.

This series makes me giggle and cry all at the same time.I know how you feel, Annette.

This black sweater sure did make her eyes pop. And around every bend there was GLOOORIOUS light! (Come on, fellow photogs, you understand. That light that you wish would stay all day long.) Oh my goodness…

KAPOW – my favorite. For now. Ask me later, I might have a different one. Mom, you were so right. Classic beauty.

OOH, there! Another yellow wall! CAP AND GOWN TIME!

I could’ve stayed out all day with this one. Can you blame me?

In her first email to me, she said she wanted some photos at Family Mart. I get it – and I LOVE it. It’s like the mall was for me as a Jersey Girl teen. But with peach water and onigiri.

Now how many seniors have THAT in their photos?

Well, I could post these all day, but must get back to editing the rest. THANK you so much, Shaunna & Annette! I had a blast with you (if you couldn’t tell) and will be done soon!

Perhaps another before & after post soon – what do YOU want to see?? Comment and let me know!

I met Katie & Matt at our welcome brief in June of 2007. They were newlyweds. And it wasn’t long before they decided to increase their family size by one. J was born in July of 2008. (You might remember him….he was the subject of my very first newborn photo shoot!) Ready for a wow moment? Heeeeeeere they are!

J is cute as a button, and RUNNING everywhere. He didn’t even walk I think….I’m pretty sure he went straight to running, right Kt? Probably because his dad was deployed and well, we all know how those little ones like to keep you on your toes. Somehow (maybe not the BEST idea) I talked Katie into bringing J to the airport for Matt’s return in December, and letting me come photograph their reunion at the airport. Despite the fact that it was really late at night for J, I think the moments spoke for themselves.

And soon after we made plans to take some family photos. I got to know J a little bit recently. He’s not a big fan of Aviva’s work. We had to get creative with getting him to look at me – or even smile – but patience pays. And so do parents who know how to play.

He’s not much for being held, but that’s ok. Curiosity and wonder make for great expressions too!

And peeks at belly buttons for that matter.

J loves to “find” Mama (when she covers her face)…

And even had some loves for Daddy. It’s hard for a little man who’s been without his dad for months! Matt’s an amazing and patient father…and J is one well-loved little man. This is so precious.

Katie glows around Matt. She always has…but even more so now that he’s home and their family is complete. She knows I’d kill for those amazing blue eyes too.

Can you say “Mini Matt”?! SO cute!

We finished on the beach, where he was content to throw pieces of coral into the water on a beautiful day.

Katie apologized a lot that morning. But I have to say, there are so many keepers – and knowing and remember who he is right now is what’s important. He’s a loved, sweet, smart, adorable and inquisitive little boy – don’t you worry, Katie. We got that!

Have a great weekend, everyone – and if you’re not doing anything on Saturday and want to join GAMU to learn how to use that DSLR of yours – I’d love to teach you! Email me for more information!

It’s here, everyone! The one-day class to get to know your digital SLR (camera with interchangeable lenses, i.e. Canon Rebel XSi or Nikon D40). THIS Saturday from 9-4. $100 deposit required to hold your slot, and $250 balance due the day of the class. (Total tuition: $350)

What the class will cover:

• A general understanding of the functions of your DSLR camera
• ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed – and how to make them work together to get the photos you want
• General tips and tricks for composition and getting your photos right IN the camera
• Reference material recommendations (websites, books, editing tools)
• Access to an online forum for ongoing learning and community-style question and answer

What you will need to bring:

• Your DSLR camera with a charged battery, memory card, 50mm lens if you have it (if not, go order one at B&H Photo!), and camera manual. Bring any other lenses you have or wish to bring.
• A written list of any questions you have or things you’re extra-interested in learning
• Photos or magazine clippings that you LOOOOVE – things that you did or SOMEone did RIGHT. You can’t put your finger on why perhaps –but it just makes you happy!
• Also bring along photos you’ve taken that were not quite right – for whatever reason. It was blurry, it wasn’t composed right, or even if it seems to have all the right elements – maybe it just bugs you for some strange reason.
• Some empty brain space for me to fill

What I’ll supply for you:

• Pens, paper, and written material
• Access code & URL for online forum
• Lunch
• Way too much information

Email me if you’re interested and I’ll send more information and tell you how to make a deposit. First FOUR people to email me get a slot!

(I know you’re waiting impatiently, Anna – here you go, girl.)

On this EXACT day that I took their photos, one year prior – G and C were born at Lester Hospital.

So funny how twins are…G was just not in as good of a mood as C – and last time it was the other way around. I told Anna & Jay, at least it isn’t both of them out of sorts together! But you wouldn’t know it – they’re happy sweet girls. (And these could be some of my favorites of them EVER!)

They’re sitting…and spinning (on their rear, it’s hysterical – Anna tells me they play keep-away with food that way).

Oh and they are crawling – and proud of it!

C chose her army crawl for this shot, at least I can tell them apart that way.

Changing clothes is normally very upsetting – these two seem to like it!

And they LOVE to dance! Between this singing Elmo that Jay & Anna brought along (which is pretty hilarious) and Vampire Weekend on my iPhone, we turned around a cranky mood quite a few times!

By the end, G was pretty over it. (I still love everything about this image. Especially her shoes.)

And C was still conducting the music.

Thanks for spending your birthday morning with me, girls! I’m sure you were really happy to have Mommy and Daddy there to spoil you on your birthday. I can’t wait to hear how the cakes went…. Anna?

A LOT of you will know at least one of these people. They’re huge in Japan – meaning they’re popular, not that they’re sumo wrestlers.

I took senior photos of Alaina last year, and now – she’s in college in Washington. While she was home for winter break, she requested, and Cassie, her mom, complied – family photos! I just love this family. And since it’s MY blog, I decided to put my favorite first….VOILA!

Cassie’s a very loved first grade teacher at Bob Hope, A is going to be a senior next year at Kadena High (WOO HOO), Alaina you may recognize, and ahem. Mr. Grade? Well…I’m just going to go on record as saying I made the Principal of Lester Middle School sit on wet gravel. Just putting that out there… Now of course, he cannot give me detention. And I sat on it as well. And I gave him a towel. I hope for the sake of this shot, that he’s happy he did it, because I know I am!

Alaina, you’re still a knockout.

Obviously those genes are strong, because your little sister is gorgeous too. She was SO sweet – and like most teenagers, up for anything. (Your senior photos are going to be awesome, girlie.)

As soon as I put them in this pose, Cassie and I got happy! Love this one too.

Cassie was concerned about her “type A” family. I knew this would be a fun morning; type A schmype A. You girls are fabulous!

I even got toothy smiles out of Mr. Grade you guys!! (And apparently Mom & Dad’s last photos together were in Kimono dress – so it was time for an update.)

Slightly off the topic….their clothes are awesome. See these blues? Not matching, but coordinated – solid colors look fantastic, and these all have a great feel. Points for wardrobe, Grade fam!

You know those Daddy & daughter shots make me swoon.

And last but not least…perhaps the biggest giggle I’ve had recently. It’s fun to end on something fun & funny, right? (Forgive me…)

THANK YOU for such a fun morning…I’m glad the weather straightened out for us. I’ll be done soon – thank you for being patient with my busy self, Grade family!

Crystee and I became friends through a mutual friend and as it ends up – we probably would’ve met some other way. She and her kids were active at the Karate dojo where my daughter takes lessons, and she’s a hobby photographer herself. Her kids are so sweet, and when they got orders to Ramstein, they definitely wanted to fit in some family photos in Okinawa before they left.

All four of them have names starting with C. Hello – maybe I should call them C⁴. (ok, HTML isn’t behaving – that is supposed to be superscripted) They’re a beautiful family, inside & out.

It was COLD on this morning…I mean for Okinawa it was cold. And you see Crystee & C in short sleeves…as we wandered the streets, they would put on a coat and take it off to pose. (Not kidding.)

They’d done some beach photos with the talented Kerry Mills, and wanted to have some fun in an urban setting too. But not for too many shots – just a few. So after these…

and these…

(I know…could they be more photogenic and gorgeous?) a friend came to get the kiddos and the grown-ups wandered around.

Cody’s a tough man – I was just happy he was willing to sit on the wet ground for me so that I could get cool shots like this! (and they will tell you that I had a soaking wet rear after this shot as well…but I suffer for my art.)

Because this is a hobby for Crystee, which Cody fully supports & appreciates, they were willing to do whatever I wanted them to. Nothing makes me happier…and you can tell from the results that I was having so much fun that day!

(Thanks for hunting down this puddle, Kelly!)

Sigh. Beautiful!

She’s still sitting in a puddle. But she looks darn good doing it.

Big fave of Cody.

And when I set this up, I distinctly remember Crystee going along with me EVEN though she KNEW she wouldn’t like it. Well HA. She did. Maybe it isn’t her favorite – but it’s absolutely one of mine. Thank goodness for little Christmas lights!

I wish your family all the best on your new adventure. Stay in touch and have a blast…dress warm! I hear it’s cold there right now

Thanks for everything, Hoagland family!

Hi! I’m NOT dead. Not even sick. Just realizing that as the holidays came and went, I worked a lot but also took some much-needed time with my family. THANK you to my clients – who I know understand this and have been very patient. I’m not ignoring you, nor have I forgotten you – it’s just taking me a bit longer than usual to catch up; but I’ll get there. I promise.

These three young people (who I photographed so long ago it was still pretty warm outside) attend Zion Christian Academy. My daughter’s piano teacher, Mimi, has a son in the graduating class. Well why wouldn’t they want some senior photos? I’m in! So ladies first!

Sarah is the lady of the group – she’s beautiful, she’s sweet, and she’s athletic. She’s also wonderfully sentimental and loves her family, and she brought her grandfather’s hat to wear for a few photos.

Can you still see? Her smile is pretty dazzling. And she brought along some killer outfits – and SHOES.

Oh Sarah – you’re just a knockout.

Next (I’ll just go alphabetically, it’s easier): Kaiga. I’m not sure he knew what we’d be doing that morning, but thankfully he put up with my silliness. Sit on the ground? Really? Yes. Really. There? Yep. Don’t sit in the puddle…but yes, there. Oh. Ok. BAM! Love this.

I loved editing these photos – all three kids are so different, and I think Kaiga has a really intriguing face.

He’s got this warm smile…he’s got a goofy side, I just know it.

And then there’s the class clown…I mean, Nico! He’s experienced an Aviva shoot once before, and he definitely brought the FUN. Oh Nico – this is SO you!

Nico’s family is very proud of their Filipino heritage. I love this natural smile! A definite favorite.

By the end of the day it was quite warm, and we were all hungry. I think the only way I got these last few smiles was by saying, “One more and we’re DONE!” (well, that and the fact that they got to miss some class time to come out and play with me)

Ok – last but not least, a few of the whole crew. They were great individually, but I think you’ll see that they lit up when they were together. (I know my fabulous assistant Annya agreed!)

Awesome sky…

These three were naturals! Are you kidding me?

Sarah & Kaiga brought along their basketball jerseys for a shot. (And I must have made some extremely funny crack here because I LOVE their smiles!)

But of the group shots this is probably my favorite. We’ll see. But it’s just – cool! And what kid isn’t wearing an OKI ALL DAY shirt these days? Love it!

HUGE thank yous to Annya (for helping me with the formal portraits and the casual shots), Mimi for setting this up, joining us on shoot day and getting McDonald’s for Annya & me after the shoot, Mrs. Wilson for allowing the kids to spend some time with me on a school day, and Coco for coming along and being one HECK of a kick-booty stylist! I’m tellin’ ya – I might hire you to join me for shoots in the future. Thank you! Be patient – I have a lot to do on this one – I promise it’ll be worth the wait! More soon – THREE more shoots in the hopper that I’m editing right now….back to it!