A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

Winter Hawaiian Morning

Good morning, December 14th! What a beautiful start to the day!!!

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!!!

 
 

Winter Hawaiian Sunset

After a very gratefully busy weekend it was nice to end today with this beautiful gift of a winter Hawaiian sunset!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Happy tomorrow!!!

 
 

My, My, My

I love when I'm hired to do out-of-the box photo shoots!

Today I worked with Myra or My, who's celebrating her 30th birthday this year.  One of the things she really wanted to do is have herself documented at this important age in her lifetime.

I think it's just grand when women have themselves professionally photographed at milestone times in their lives like turning 21, 30, being hapai, etc. As women, I think we go through more physical changes than men do and we really care about these changes!  So it's great to look back and reflect on how we've evolved as women and remember who we were at that time in our life.  In addition, it's just something nice to do for yourself like a pedi and mani!

Myra's makeup was done by professional make up artist, Corvette "Coco" Dela Cruz!  Mahalo, Coco!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Oh! And might I add that I did a private indoor studio shoot of Myra earlier capturing her body at 30 BEFORE she gets her very elaborate tattoo done tomorrow!

You go girl!!!

  

So remember, kids, professional shoots don't have to be done  when you're leaving the nest at 18 or exchanging wedding vows.  Do it WHENVER!!! Especially if you're going through or want to commemorate a special time in your life.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Hawai'i December Morning

Okay, I don't mean to brag...but then again, maybe I do!  I can't help it!  Look at this gorgeous December morning in Kahalu'u!  This is what our winter is like. While our mainland counterparts have their White (albeit cold) Wintery Wonderland, this is what we are blessed with in our islands.

I LOVE our winter in Hawai'i!!!

 
 

Help Portrait Hawai'i

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"BE HAPPY!" with Alice Inoue

My dear friend and spiritual mentor, Alice Inoue, has done it again!

 
 

She has published yet another inspirational book called, "Be Happy! -It's Your Choice: Ten Ways to Keep Your Light Bright" and another DVD "Feng Shui Illuminated." Today she was at Borders to meet, greet at sign her books and DVDs.

When I got there people were lined up getting their copies! So exciting!

  

  

If you haven't read her first book, "A Loving Guide to These Shifting Times" you must get it! Her recent release of "Be Happy!" is a great addition to your library.  Not to mention her great collection of Feng Shui DVDS! Keep in mind these are also wonderful holiday gifts for your loved ones (hint! hint!).

Congratulations, Alice, on another promising endeavor!  THANK YOU for always sharing your wisdom, light, and love!!!

 
 
 
 

Hello, Dylan!

Today I stopped by to visit with my dear friend Dana.  This was a very special visit as I was not only picking up goodies from her but more importantly I was meeting her son for the very first time!

I donned my Pink Furry Pimp Mama Hat (whenever I have to pick up good stuff) and made my way to town. 

Here you will find Dylan meeting his Auntie Ger for the very first time:

  

Yes, I'm actually quite used to this reaction whenever I meet a new family member.  

In fact, during this past Halloween I met my cousin's son for the first time as well at a family gathering.

Same thing!  Hey wait a minute! Why do the other kids look like they don't know me??!?!

  

  

Anyways, meeting Dylan today was a highlight for me during my travels into town!  

Your son is beautiful, Dana and Matt! I'm really looking forward to documenting his growth and watching all of you grow as a family.

Congratulations!!!

 
 
 

 
 

Master Ilchibuko

Had the opportunity to assist one of my fave mentors, Arna, today at Kaka'ako Point Panic.  I did, of course, bring Zoey along for the adventure!

It was a very windy day! However, still beautiful with the sunshine and puffy white clouds.

 
 

What an honor to meet Arna's clients Bette Mackie and Master Ilchibuko! Master Ilchibuko is the head of the Hawai'i Dahn Yoga and Tai Chi Centers.  I loved both their energies. I hope to make it to the Dahn Yoga Center soon.

  

So fun to capture one of the many faces that cruise around Kaka'ako Waterfront.

  

Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday!!!

 
 
 
 

I am really, really enjoying shooting with my new Zumi Camera!

Zoey my Zumi

I have lovingly named my new Zumi, Zoey. We've been having so much fun together!  I love that what she produces is maddeningly imperfect.  They're "comforting images" as my BSS and fellow artist, Debbie Friedrich, lovingly puts it.  It's so true as we are from the generation of 110, 120 and Polaroid Film.  Ahhhh...the good ol' days.

I call this one, "Box of Stars." 

(For those of you who don't know what this is it's Star Fruit!  My neighbor happen to give me this box of luscious lovelies during my walk with Na'u the other morning.)

  

"Stormy"

(Cause it kinda was in Kan'eohe)

  

The following are just stuff I shot along the way.

This is one of my very favorite fragrant flowers. The Tiare.

  

Even a quick visit to Barnes and Nobles turned out to be a photo opp!  My nieces and nephews (and also awesome Event Coordinator - Dianna Shitanishi) calls me, "Auntie Rhino."

  

Just fruit and veggies on a wall. I'm constantly being reminded to eat RAW!

  

Some AWESOME messages out there!! 
  

This is how I roll!!!

  

Even a busted up trucker's hat on the side of the road holds a very beautiful reminder for all of us!

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

"Unconscious"

I love to create. 

I love the underlying messages that life offers.

I love to bring the two together.

This one is entitled, "Unconscious."

 
 

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Monchichis on the Windward Side

I LOVE living in Hawai'i.  

I most of all I LOVE living on the Windward side of O'ahu!  If my clients are from the Windward side there's a good chance that they'll want to shoot in their home town. You can't go wrong with the Ko'olau Mountains as your backdrop.

Meet Michelle, Mat and their two little Monchichis.  

 

I was referred to this lovely family by my friend (and talented videographer), Reggie Dela Cruz of Heart to Heart Video. 

Here's our big brother -Maika (Monchichi #1)

  

And his little sister, Makamae (Monchichi #2)

  

With her, you guessed it, MONCHICHI!!!

 
 Awww...

  

  

Sometimes it super comical trying to get two siblings in this age range to come together. Let alone stand or sit still and SMILE!

  

Makamae and Maika did an awesome job!  After getting the sibling shots its time for the solos.

 
 

  

  

  

The best shots to me are always when the kids are allowed to just be...which normally means a lot of chasing and running around for everyone involved!

 
 

  

And sometimes, they just need to take a break!

  

 

MAHALO NUI LOA to Mat, Michelle, Maika and Makamae for a wonderful 'ohana shoot on the Windward side!

  

And to Makamae, I LOVED meeting your Monchichi.  

 
 

It brings back fond memories for me. I love the Monchichi song!

 Gotta love our island keikis!!!

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

  

An Anti-Static Home

Discovery! I finally found a home for my SATA Hard Drives which have been sitting in anti-static bags!

  

I found these anti-static storage boxes at www.meritline.com.

Whew!  I'm so happy to have found these as I was getting tired of my hard working drives sitting in bags.  At least this way they'll be secure and hopefully won't fall victim to the Kane'ohe mold!
 

Friday the 13th!

I love Friday the 13ths!  Nothing ominous about it to me except another wonderful day of discovery and opportunity to create!

Today, I chose to take my latest little love from Photojojo (one of my very fave sites!), the Digital Harinezumi, out and about this morning during my walk with Na'u.  Oh the fun we had!

 
 These images are pretty much straight out of the camera. No tweaking with Photoshop Actions.  Just a whole lot of wholesome goodness that reminds me of the 110 style of photos from my childhood. 

 
 

   

I shot this one with my Abalone sisters in mind...

  

Cinco de Mayo Crocs with my Zumi!

  

Hillary the hen posed for me even!

  

I love this shot as it totally contradicts what all the weather reports have been. No thunderstorms to me!!!

  

I am thoroughly in love and smitten with my latest Toy Camera and can't wait to take her out on more of my adventures!  Wait til' you see the video...Super 8 relived!!!

Hope you all had an awesome Friday the 13th! Make every day the best it can be!!!

 
 
 
 

 
 

 

Maile's Mano

 

I am blessed to be surrounded by such creative people. Most of them I can call my close friends. One such artist is my dear friend, Maile Ka'ai.  

I have admired her work for many, many years.  I was so elated to see this beautiful piece which is a black and white graphite drawing of a shark.  I love the detail...like the reflection of the water on it's topside! 

Maile is blessed with a very special talent, using her hands and eyes,  to reproduce life on paper and canvas. Not an easy task however, she does it so easily and so well!

I'm hoping to get this shark (and many of her other pieces) as wearable art! If you're interested in also wearing Maile's art please contact me. I will be posting more of her images from time to time so please check back. 

Remember, the holidays are here and artwork is always a great and unique gift to give your loved ones!!!

 

11/11: Part 2

The next stop on my 11/11 journey, takes me to a special bamboo forest with three special little kids.  

Yes, it was time for the annual holiday photo with Carlene and Ian's keikis!

  

Last year's shoot was at Diamond Head Beach.  The kids have grown quite a bit and are as cute as ever!

I was sooo impressed with Flora's climbing skills!

  

Here's Ben, Flora's twin brother:

  

And like his sister is a great climber!

  

And then there's our little Matilda...she always makes me smile!!!

 
Again, so glad that they're canine siblings could make it this year to join in on the fun!

  

Despite the rain we were able to capture everyone's smiles and had a great time together.

MAHALO to Carlene, Ian, Bertha and the entire clan for another fun shoot!!!

See you again next year, gang!
  

 
 
 
 

11/11: Part 1

11/11. One of my very favorite dates!!! So what's a girl to do on Veteran's Day, November 11, in addition to acknowledging our Veterans who fight and have fought for our freedom? Have a photo shoot, of course! In fact, two photo shoots to be exact!

According to various weather reports, we were all told that there would be thunderstorms.  I rely on these reports to plan for my day especially when I'm shooting. I really expected that we would have a downpour but for most of today it looked like this:

  

Whew!!!  Thank you!  

So I spent my morning with my very dear friends, The Wangs.  

  

I am proud to say that I have known Pat and Rose for over 20 years now. It is such a joy to photograph them with their two beautiful daughters who I will name in this post Fighting Irish One and Fighting Irish Two.

Yes, daddy is a HUGE Notre Dame fan!!! And yes, he's also alumni.  See what I mean???

  

Okay, anyways, here are my two Fighting Irishes:

  

Loving sisters.  Sooo cute!

Let's not forget where it all began...

  

Happy 11 + years Pat and Rose!!!

  

 Fun! Fun! Fun!!!

  

MAHALO, Pat, Rose, Fighting Irish One and Two for making one of my favorite dates very memorable!!!

Next time, I'll be sure to join you for the loco moco and kim chee!!!

Love you guys!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Temporary

Back in September I photographed Jasmyn and Aikane's spectacular wedding in Kona on the Big Island. Fortunately, while I was there, I was able to take some personal time to explore this part of the Big Island which I've grown to really love.  

There is something extremely special about the Big Island...the energy there is so magical to me.  It is the youngest of our island chain and yet so ancient in it's history and ways.  It's really hard for me to describe. I do know, though, that the "mana" (divine power) is dominant there. 

One of my favorite discoveries were these beautiful tide pools at Honaunau Bay which is located right next to Pu'u Honua O Honaunau or The City of Refuge.  I enjoyed sitting on the lava boulders in the crystal clear ocean water while watching the evening sunset.  It was so beautiful!

  

I decided to visit the same tide pool two days later to enjoy the same experience again before leaving for O'ahu.  I discovered that it was low tide and most of the tide pools were empty.

   

As I sat there, in the same tide pool that I recently happily soaked in, I thought to myself that this was a great reminder how temporary things can be.  We shouldn't assume that life will always be the same. 

People, places, things change.  

The reminder here is to really take in and enjoy every single moment, every single person and every place that you are experiencing. Be mindful and treasure it.