Aviva Photography Blog

They’re back. *SOB* And this was potentially the last time I’m going to take their photos because they LEAVE this summer. Sometimes the nature of this beast is downright ornery.

But lucky me – I got to play with now walking, running, talking, and definitely TWO-year-old E on her birthday! As usual, Mama Amy picked out the kick booty wardrobe, and now little E is rockin’ mama’s blonde curls too!

And guess what? Gammy was here! (I told you, Teresa – I want your secret. There’s no way you’re a grandmother!)

Completely and totally scrumptious.

And if THAT didn’t make you into a pile of goo – perhaps this will do.

Such a shame that poor child gets NO love.

Then E got into some play clothes (I mean what fun is it without a ride or two on the slide & swings?) and was so happy!

Especially on swing rides.

And last but not least, playing hide and seek under the playground set. (This one might be my favorite…)

It was such a pleasure to see you all again! I could be here posting all day, but you know – gotta keep something for the big reveal!

More soon…go out and enjoy what promises to be a lovely weekend in Okinawa!

Terry & Hillary and their wonderfully smart and sweet kids got rained out on the mini-session day…here are a few peeks!

K & C were quite taken with the dandelions (and making sure they provided seeds for more!) – after our rainy day the weekend before, we had a really sunny one for their shoot – thank goodness!

Hillary & Terry are so sweet together. Even though they wouldn’t kiss with Hillary’s lipstick on…I hear ya, Terry. My hubby hates it too!

Here’s the whole family!

Hillary, you have to email me or comment – let me know what the kids thought of the park and where their favorite slide was! It was great to see you and I hope you love your photos.

More soon, gang – a certain young lady just turned TWO! Time is flying way too fast.

So this past Saturday afternoon (the day of our OWN little 7.0 trembler, ironically enough) Alexis of Red Stone Photography and I held a mini-session day benefit. I knew a few of the folks coming, but most I didn’t. I like that. And EVERYone came to have FUN.

First up…Bambi and Rich with young T & O. I know Bambi. I’ve photographed Bambi once upon a time when I worked for Serena Nicole when I was just starting out. But it was a couples shoot with Bambi & Rich. Now I got my camera on ALL of them; and this bunch (as if you can’t tell by their amazing coordinated outfits) are photo PROS.

Even when they aren’t wearing blue, their eyes are amazingly bright blue…T is just the spitting image of her mama, and O – well he’s a handsome devil who insists he has no girlfriend. (mmmhmm….)

Their family extended here for 3 more years, and Bambi has started up a business of her own. (I’m so sorry I didn’t ask you about it last weekend, I hope it’s going great, Bambi!) These two STILL have that beautiful spark…I love seeing that in the moms & dads. Thanks, everyone!

Next up were Alexis’s kiddos, little S and older sister E. Alexis had one thing to ask, “PLEASE try to get anything you can of E smiling and looking at the camera! That’s all I want.” Well Papa Jason brought the girls (yes, this next photo turns me into goo if you were wondering…)

And though most of the session looked like THIS:

I got a fantastic handful of THIS!

So…JACKPOT! More to come, Alexis.

After that, Anna, Mike and her girls came to play. I haven’t seen Anna in MUCH too long…and little E is SO big now! These girls are outgoing, fun-loving, and I think I said it more than once – I should be paying THEM to be in my photos! It went so smoothly I couldn’t have asked for more!

(Their friend, Rikiko, came along and was a dream with flip-flops as bunny ears making the girls laugh hysterically…need a side job, Rikiko?)

Anna & Mike are gorgeous – inside and out. And darned smart too.

And L and little sister E…they had so much fun I wanted to stop my shoot day and play with them!

You’re so right, Anna – let’s not wait until the “next life” – I’ll get in touch about getting together VERY soon. Promise.

Next up – Tyler and Rebecca came along and I instantly was smiling and laughing with them, even though it was the first time we’d met. It took all of three seconds for 4-year-old C to grab my hand and tell me he’d be my boyfriend. You, my friend, melted my heart! Love this!

Well Miss L had been woken by our friend the earthquake at 5:30am, so Mom said she was cranky. She wouldn’t pose with big brother, but with Mom near by and me eating her arms and legs, I definitely got some smiles out of her!

I’m certain I laughed the whole time while photographing this fun-loving bunch. I really want us to be friends, Ok? Ok.

One more of Rebecca & Tyler…because the MINUTE my assistant took L, crying and all, and C took off, they sat on the lawn and did THIS!

Did every single one of you see that shot and at least smile if not giggle or laugh out loud??

Listen folks; when you show up for a photo session and are excited and willing to do whatever – THIS is the kind of timeless, happy, silly, fun-loving, wonderful stuff that will be on your walls. Forever and ever. I can’t stress enough how awesome I think this is and that up there? It’s visual proof of why I LOVE my job! Thanks, guys.

At this point in my day, the sky opened up. And I’m not kidding…not just a little drizzle but a full on Okinawa tropical downpour. It was dark. And it wasn’t letting up. SO…one family rescheduled for next weekend (so I’ll have that peek for you after Saturday!) and the other, Missy & Baylor, rescheduled for the following morning. (Thanks to all of you for your understanding; I can’t control the weather of course, but I still felt bad!)

SO – one more peek! Yay! Missy’s hubby is deployed at the moment, and she brought their awesome dog Baylor to do photos in the park. We had a glorious morning for it too! Baylor gets some SERIOUS love.

And see, Missy? I told you I was quick on the draw! I got a couple of Baylor looking at me! (with a piece of a treat in my other hand! MUHAHAHA)

And gorgeous Missy – who trudged through mud in high heels and sat in wet clover…I got some STUNNERS of you, girl. I know you’ll be happy! I had a blast chatting it up that morning, thanks for coming and it was wonderful to meet you both!

Special thanks to our volunteers, Tyeler, Michelle, and Cat. You girls are fabulous and I appreciate you SO MUCH! Thank you!

We raised over $3000 for Thirst Relief International. Final totals this month! Gotta go edit. Bye.

I’ve photographed A & M before, then W when he was born, then most recently the kids all by themselves…but now Crista and Aaron wanted in on the fun!

The girls were as active and fun-loving as ever.

Young W is definitely weeks away from his first steps.

And Crista and Aaron are obviously kept YOUNG by these active kids! Gorgeous.

This shoot was a while in the making thanks to lots of rain…but finally we scored! The girls were so happy to play in one of their favorite places to explore.

They EVEN sat still for a couple of family photos… We DID IT, Crista & Aaron! All 5 of you are looking!

This made me smile and laugh out loud from the first moment I saw it!

And this is just happy girl power! Snuggles rule.

As the time wound down, A was finally tired enough to sit still for a moment so I could grab a shot of just her. And it’s one of my favorites!

And at the end, the girls wanted to be the shiisa protecting the family on the castle walls. Cute!

That was a fun-filled morning which also provided some exercise! Thanks, Frank Family – and thanks for your patience, I have LOTS of great ones to share with you very soon.

Also – the Haiti benefit went SO well, and I can’t wait to share some peeks from that with you. I hope it’ll happen tomorrow. Suffice it to say, Red Stone Photography and Aviva Photography jointly raised over $3000! (At least!) For that, I thank you, my wonderful clients. That is a HUGE number. More details soon.