After reviewing my blog, I hope you're getting the feel of what's important for me and my clients on my shoots - the element of comfort and FUN!!!
About two weeks ago it was time to photograph one of my most favorite 2008 couples, Ilima and Derek. Their wedding is coming up in June. So it was time to do their Pilialoha or engagement session.
Ilima and Derek brought along Derek's darling daughter, Teylie, to join in on the action. I decided to start shooting them in one of my most preferred towns - Kailua!
Kailua Town is so hip and pretty! The town features so many shopping areas and restaurants. You could spend a whole day just walking around going from shop to shop. Most of them are locally owned!
There's this cool mosaic fountain that sits by Pier One Imports and California Pizza Kitchen. I just love the colors! One of the looks I had for Ilima and Derek were some fun shots at the fountain. I was looking forward to all the running water and colors to work with. Well, during the time of their shoot it was Spring Break. Needless to say, we discovered the fountain with no running water but filled with lots of SOAP SUDS!!! Yes, thank you Spring Break pranksters!!! At first we were caught off guard but then we decided to have some fun with the situation:
It turned out that, despite the lack of water, we still kept the flow going! I couldn't have asked for a better situation!!!
Teylie did so well getting warmed up that we decided she deserved a yummy reward:
A few doors away from the fountain is Famous Amos' Chip and Cookie! How convenient is that!
After Teylie had a few mini cookies and a sip of her milk, we proceeded around the corner where there are these groovy mosaic walls. These walls have an island theme to them. The artist who did this project is brilliant!
I managed to shoot off a few frames before Ilima and I started cracking up!
I don't even remember what the heck we were laughing about but I know that it was pretty darn funny. In fact, that was the theme for the whole afternoon! Lots of laughter!!!!
Here's something cute:
Fabulosity!
During my shoots I'm always watching the light. I love to shoot with available light! I love my lighting to be like my peanut butter - ALL NATURAL, baby!!!
I noticed that the light was getting slightly dimmer which signaled to me that it was time to leave Kailua Town and proceed over to our second location, Lanikai Beach.
Upon arriving at Lanikai, Derek and Ilima did a change of clothing. Ilima's dress was soooooo marvy! Girls, like one of my earlier posts of Lehua and Kekai, this is another great example of using colors and patterns. If you're going to wear something like this, you'd want to make sure that your man complements you in some kind of solid looking shirt and pants. (Oh! And do make sure he also compliments you as well!)
Of course, you know where I started off first right? Yes, that cool yellow wood fence!!! And it totally matched Ilima and Derek's attire!!!
Okay, now here's another good example. On my shoots, whether it be a wedding, piko, etc., I shoot everything in color. However, like the above color image, you can turn any of your color images into a sepia or B/W image. In your proof catalog you will find some images converted but I will always leave the color file for you just in case you'd prefer that particular shot in color. In this particular example I think it works in both color and sepia.
Cracking up again!
After the fence shoot we headed for the beach. As you can see, everyone was having a great time!
(Ilima, I love this shot! I can totally feel your joy, girlfriend!)
Once on the soft sands of Lanikai Beach, we did another quick shot with Ilima, Derek and Teylie:
Then, Teylie was dismissed to play in the sand!
While Mother Nature kept our little one busy, I worked with the two lovers...
Oh! And here's another example or tip for you! When you receive your images you can be creative with cropping. For instance:
I love this image. I decided to crop in from the original shot to really concentrate on Ilima and Derek's affection for one another. Here is what the original image looks like:
Again, I kept the original in their Proof Catalog just in case they like this long shot. As you can see, you can get really creative with just a bit of cropping!
What I really enjoy about the Pililaoha session is the time I get to spend with my couples. During this time I get to know them better and how they are with each other through my lens.
Life is so busy. We're always rushing around moving from point A to Z as quickly as possible. We're trying to get so much accomplished in the 16 hours that we're awake! I like to remind my couples that during their engagement session that they take advantage of their time together to be a couple. To remember, why they're even here and enjoy the quiet time to just be...
I appreciate that Ilima and Derek really got it. And for a few moments, they were able to be just "Ilima & Derek..."
I dedicate this post to Ilima and Derek. MAHALO so much for sharing your joy, laughter and affection for one another! I get goose bumps just knowing how fortunate I am to be the one to document your special moments on your wedding day. I look forward to having tons more fun with you, your 'ohana and friends in June. THANK YOU for entrusting me to document your start together as husband and wife. My love and gratitude goes out to the both of you!!!
And to Ms. Teylie, you worked it like a ROCKSTAR, kiddo! Auntie G looks forward to seeing you again! Thank you for your smile!!!
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