A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

Jasmyn and Aikane's Pilialoha Session

November of last year, I had the great opportunity to be flown to Kona for a sunrise engagement shoot for a very special couple, Trisha and Jayson.

I had photographed Jayson's sister, Sheri's wedding a couple years before.  Jayson wanted to shoot his engagement session with Trisha at a very special place in Kona at one of his favorite childhood stomping grounds.  They deserve they're own post of that shoot as it was truly an extremely special experience for me.  So I'll tell you all about that fun shoot later!  

Anyways, Trish and Jay tied the knot this year in January in Waimanalo. What an awesome wedding!

Not so long after Trisha and Jay's wedding,  I received a call from Jasmyn, Jayson's sister, who has asked me to photograph her wedding this September!  HOLLAH!  Hooray for me! Another fun Pereira wedding!!!

So this morning, I flew out to Kona for another wonderful sunrise engagement shoot.  This time, at another special Pereira Playground, Jasmyn's mom's hometown!

Meet our pretty bride Jasmyn:

And her handsome kane, Aikane:

They both have a beautiful six month old boy who I'll call Little K!

Look at how cute this 'ohana is!

Little K was in a FANTASTIC mood! He was totally ready for his shoot. So I made sure to take advantage of his happy window and did most of the photos of the three of them before he needed to take a break.

Well done, Little K!  Time for your break...

Now, on to mommy and daddy!

This shot is very special as this is where Jasmyn's grandfather would sit in that chair....

... looking out to the ocean.

Another quick change of clothing...

HAWAIIAN!!!

Jasmyn's mom, was our chauffeur and tour guide.  I LOVED the stories of her childhood!  Here's one of the places that she took us to. As youngsters they would sell leis at this lei stand.

 

I just love the RAWness of signs like these! You can only find them in Hawai'i!!!

 

On to more fun!

You can only shoot for a certain amount of time in the mornings in Kona before it starts to get super duper hot!!! And what's the best way to cool off local style??  SHAVE ICE, of course!!!  

We stopped over at Kalama's in nearby Napo'opo'o for some icy treats.

Okay, let's see the evidence you two!

Ummm...little apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, I see!

MAHALO, Jasmyn and Aikane, for a wonderful morning in Kona!!! You've got the romance down, you two! You'll be all set for the big day in two weeks, that's for sure!

A very special MAHALO NUI LOA goes out to Mom Pereira (and her co-pilot, Little K). Thank you for driving us around and sharing all your delightful stories of your childhood in Ke'ei.  I'm so honored to have had the chance to walk down memory lane with you.  What a special place you come from...no wonder why you're such a wonderful and caring person!

I look forward to seeing all of you in two weeks!!!

xoxo

A Spartan at Paradise Cove Beach

This evening was Audrey and Garret's Pilialoha (engagement session).  I lovingly call this post "A Spartan at Paradise Cove Beach" because Audrey is a fellow alumni from Maryknoll High School!  

I had the great opportunity to shoot her best friend's wedding a few years ago. And now, it's Audrey's (and Garret's) turn in September.  

During this photo session, I had the pleasure of working with the videographers of Studio Red Inc. Here's Kristy and Joel getting geared up for the shoot:

Let's roll, peeps!!!

It's Admissions Day in Hawai'i and I expected this beach to be crowded. However, I was delightfully surprise that we had most of the place to ourselves to play!

With Studio Red in tow we started our play time together:

I love when I have a connection not only with the bride but the groom as well. Garret totally cracks me up!  He's always making Audrey (and I) laugh!  This is why I really encourage my couples to do the Pilialoha session. Since I usually meet with just the bride initially, this is a great time for me to also get to know the groom. And vice versa.

During the shoot it was fun to do the "shooting dance" with Joel who was on a Steadicam.

Awwww...so cute, kay? Piggybacking brings out the kid in all of us! I never get tired of this shot! It's an automatic smile when the groom gets to carry his future bride around on his back.  Great to show the kids in the future, folks!

It's just plain, simple FUN!!!

I like to play well together in the sandbox with other creative artists. It's important that you choose wedding pros who will work well together and respect each other and their craft.  That way we can all bring the best to your wedding day. 

Sweet sunset on the West side....

Audrey is so beautiful! I love the way her eyes twinkle when she looks at Garret...

Speaking of twinkle...

This has got to be one of my most favorite shots of the shoot!!!

Mahalo to Audrey and Garret for a wonderful Pilialoha session!!! I am looking forward to seeing you again in about two weeks!  It's going to be a fun Labor Day Weekend, that's for sure!

And to fellow artists, Krsity and Joel, MAHALO for your professionalism and kindness.  I can't wait to see what you put together for Audrey and Garret. And I'm certainly looking forward to working with the both of you again at their wedding!

PS Joel, remember not to pull another "Joel" during the walking-on-the-beach shots!  :)

Have a great Admissions Day weekend everyone!!!

Sweet Love on the North Shore

Natalia and Kai.

Kai and Natalia.

What a cute sweet couple! I documented their love in one of their favorite places on O'ahu - The North Shore.

We started off in the quaint, surf oriented town of Haleiwa.  

I love Haleiwa and it's laid back country like feeling. With all the little stores catering to not only the surf community but visitors from all over the world!

It was pretty obvious that Natalia and Kai fit right in!

I really love that they're so playful with one another...

Their young adventurous spirits  were so open to me dragging them all over Haleiwa Town, always chasing the beautiful light!

Awww...how perfect that this truck was parked right next to Surf n Sea!

Quick headshot of our beautiful July bride as she waits for Kai to change out of his surf shorts...

Back to business!

Mahalo, Haleiwa Town!  

Next stop is a very special one for Natalia and Kai.  This is where Kai proposed to her and is one of their favorite beach hangouts - Laniakea Beach!

Time for our sweet sunset on the North Shore. 

There is NOTHING like the sunsets on the North Shore. It always, ALWAYS gives me chicken skin (Goose Bumps)!!!

MAHALO Natalia and Kai for a fun evening on the North Shore! I promise, Cholos it is!!!

Can't wait to see you in July!!!

Lia and Andy

I'd like to share with you my first engagement (pilialoha) session for the month of May taken on one of my most favorite days of the year - May Day!

Please meet Lia.  Lia is a sister to Alika, my groom for May 2nd's wedding!

And this is her handsome fiance, Andy.

Two very sweet people.

When put together you have one SWEET couple!

Congratulations on your engagement, Lia and Andy! I am soooo honored to be photographing your wedding in September!!!

Nikol and Kevin's Pilialoha Session

This past Sunday, I had the great honor of photographing Nikol Braffith and Kevin Luoma's wedding at Moli'i Gardens.  I really, really enjoy working with this couple! 

I wanted to share with all of you their images from the Pilialoha session which took place in February of this year.  E kala mai (so sorry), so late!

As I prepped for the shoot, I found Nikol warming up by doing Jumping Jacks. Now that's my kind of bride!!!

Nikol is so warm, sweet and genuine! Kevin is kind and funny! The first time I met them I instantly fell in love with them!  

Kevin didn't need much warming up as he could always hold Nikol close to him for warmth...

 

It was a bit chilly that day, however, you can't really tell in the photos because Nikol and Kevin were having too much fun to be cold!

I wanted to change the background up a bit so we headed to the rock wall...

When I shoot, I really try to utilize my surroundings...

And keep in mind that LIGHT and the quality of it is extremely important!!! This is why I like to shoot either super early in the morning (sunrise) or late in the afternoon (closer to sunset).

I love this photo...it is so sweet how Kevin loves Nikol so much...

Now, you would think that this would be the end of our shoot, right? I thought it was until...

Ms. Nikol Braffith busted out the eco-friendly garbage bags and gloves....to pick up TRASH FROM THE BEACH!!!  

OMG!!!  Nikol had read my posts on how I like to give back to the aina by picking up trash on the beach. To my sweet surprise she came prepared to do just that!!!

This beautiful Hawaiian local girl and her soon to be husband were doing their part to help keep our aina clean for their and everyone's keiki and the generations to come!  They totally get it!!! 

Nikol and Kevin, what an amazing couple you are! Thank you for being so loving not only to each other but to everyone around you!!!  What an absolute honor to be your photographer and friend!!!

IMUA, Kamehameha!!!!!

Paki and Joanna

Later this year, in October to be exact, I will be photographing Paki and Joanna's wedding.  What a sweet and genuine couple!  I did their engagement session earlier this month and WOW!!!  They have got me sooo psyched to shoot their wedding!

I learned so much about Paki and Joanna THROUGH MY LENS during this photo session.  Their love for each other was so apparent while I was shooting them.  I love when my couples are open into displaying their affection for one another in front of me. It makes it so much easier in capturing their relationship when it's organic and real...

I'm just going to let the images speak for themselves.  All I know is that I am so honored and blessed to be documenting their special day!  

MAHALO Joanna and Paki for your kindness and love!!!

My First 2009 Sunset!

I have been looking forward to this engagement shoot with Michelle and Kevin!  I'm scheduled to shoot their wedding in March and I met them today for the very first time.

Paradise Cove's Beach on the west side of O'ahu is a really nice spot to catch the sunset on the west side.  It was important to Michelle and Kevin to incorporate the sunset in their engagement shots.  

I met this lovely couple in the parking lot and due to a semi-cloudless afternoon the sun was still a little too strong at 5pm.  Harsh light can be difficult to work with so we started off in a nice shady area.

After a few "warm up" shots we headed out to the beach.

One of the other reasons why we chose this particular beach was the rocky landscape.

Don't you just love those coconut trees???

At this time the light was a little more ideal to shoot in.

Before you knew it, the sun was ready to hit the horizon.

Sometimes the clouds could be gathered at the horizon therefore not allowing us to see the sunset.  But this evening, it was all clear!

And even after the sun went to sleep, we were still able to pull out some really pretty shots...

Yes, another beautiful day with a beautiful couple in Hawai'i nei!

MAHALO, Michelle and Kevin!  I'm looking forward to working and hanging with the both of you on your wedding day in March!

Peace out,

A Great December Day at Lanikai Beach!

My day started in Lanikai and fortunately ended in the same fashion.

This afternoon, like this morning's shoot with the Marin 'Ohana, I met up with married couple, Annabella and David Taylor at the Kailua Boat Ramp and led them into Lanikai.  

Annabella and David is expecting their first child.  However, although baby was made in Hawai'i she'll be born in Italy!  Yes, the Taylors are leaving our islands to work, live and play in Naples, Italy. 

Most of the time when I do a portrait shoot with families or couples,  I'll meet them for the first time on the day of the shoot.  Of course, the internet has been a helpful tool in communicating before the shoot day. You can tell a lot about a person when communicating with written words.  Even through her emails, I could tell that Annabella was fun, sweet and kind!

As soon as I got out of my car to greet them, Annabella had presented me with a beautiful makana (gift). A homemade mini banana cake!  The first sign of domesticity!  Soooo sweet!

To our delight and surprise, as soon we set foot on the open beach, we were greeted by this beautiful gift from the heavens!

WOW!!!  In my years of shooting at Lanikai Beach this was the first time that my clients and I have ever encountered such a beautiful sight!

Our timing was extremely perfect as the double rainbows didn't last very long!

I really loved the way Annabella and David were with each other during the shoot.  So romantically happy!

Our original idea of shooting this lovely couple sailing in Kane'ohe Bay didn't pan out as the weather was uncooperative.  Annabella and David had just recently taken up sailing and loves it!

It did work out that there were sailboats on land to compliment their new hobby.

Then there was baby...

Before it got too dark I decided to return back to the Boat Ramp to tie up the shoot...

Again, I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone how important it is that WE TAKE CARE OF OUR TRASH RESPONSIBLY!!!!

It just kills me when I find our beautiful beaches just littered with trash, glass and just plain ICKY STUFF!  (Please visit www.kanuhawaii.org and take part in preserving our islands!!!)

Okay, back to the romance of Annabella and David....

Even after the shoot I was so tickled by their sweetness! I discovered that they had packed a picnic cooler to enjoy in the park after their time in front of my lens.

I truly enjoyed meeting and photographing this wonderful couple!  They are so filled with ALOHA! Their little girl is so lucky to have such loving people as her parents.  

MAHALO, Annabella and David for our time together!  I wish you much love, joy and adventure in the years to come.  Spread that ALOHA SPIRIT all over Europe, okay?

Hope you both had a fun time at the park...

Lisa, George and Kona Girl

Next month (I can't believe DECEMBER is NEXT month!) I will be photographing Lisa and George's wedding at Luana Hills!  It was so nice to do an engagement session with them because they were able to have their beautiful dog, Kona, be a part of the shoot!

Despite her owie leg from a previous injury, Kona did extremely well during the shoot.

I think she was so stoked to be a part of the session.

Okay, time for just mommy and daddy.

It was nice to see Lisa and George again!  Since June 2008, which was the last time I saw her, Lisa has been working hard on getting fit and healthy for her wedding!  She has lost 40 pounds and continues to get slim and trim!!!

She looks INCREDIBLE!!!!

Mahalo for a fun shoot Lisa, George and Kona Girl!!!

I look forward to seeing you next month!!!

Cotton Candy Sky

In two weeks, Allison and Kepa will be celebrating their nuptials.  This afternoon, I had the opportunity to preview their love at Ko'olina.

Thanks to Kepa, who works at Ko'olina, we were able to shoot at the waterfall at the entrance into Ko'olina.

I've driven by this beautifully landscaped falls so many times and never realized what a picturesque area it really is!

Right near the waterfalls is the railroad tracks that goes from Ewa Beach to Ko'olina. 

You know I was all over that, right???

After quickly shooting at the tracks, we jumped into Kepa's handy dandy golf cart and headed over to the beach to catch the sunset.

That was a fun ride!  

I also wanted to pay tribute to baby who is on her way!  

And here it is....that beautiful Cotton Candy Sky!!!  

So lucky we live, Hawai'i, yeah???

MAHALO Allison and Kepa for a fun afternoon!  I look forward to seeing both of you again in two weeks!

Nitey-nite Shoot

I love when my clients think out-of-the-box! Today's engagement shoot with Shannon and Keith actually took place this evening.   

We started off at Hokua on the terrace.  Normally I'm ending my pilialoha shoots with a sunset shot but not tonight!

I love that terrace at Hokua!  You're like in your own little world...

I LOVE this painting in the elevator lobby area.  

It really complimented what Shannon and Keith were wearing.

Pau with Hokua, let's tackle the Ward area!  

Shannon and Keith, mahalo for requesting to do a night shoot!  Thank you for your patience and for keeping still during the long exposures.  Daisy and I had a great time with you!  Can't wait to shoot your wedding in November!!!

Alyson, Alika and Akila

Two weeks ago from today, I followed my February 2009 couple down an unmarked dirt road in Kahuku to one of their most favorite hangouts.  

Alyson and Alika wanted to shoot their engagement session with their canine kid, Akila, at a beach that they frequent when time permits.

As a photographer, you would think that I have seen and photograph most of our island's beaches. I'm proud to say that I have NOT and every new place that I'm introduced to is like Christmas morning - surprising, fun and joyful!!!

It was a bit windy that day, but we did our best to make it work to our advantage!

Akila was sooooo happy to be a part of the shoot!

Kimi and Jared

After my excursion at Whole Foods this past Wednesday, I had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Kimi and Jared.  

Today's  Pilialoha (engagement) session took place at one of Kimi's most favorite and memorable beaches - Lanikai.

Kimi shared with me the nostalgic connection she has to one of O'ahu's beloved beaches.  Her grandparents used to live in Lanikai, right on the beach, facing toward the world famous Mokuluas.

She recalled many wonderful childhood memories of playing on this beach and visiting with her grandparents who have since retired to Oregon.  

Even when looking out toward Kane'ohe Marine Corp Base, she happily remembered watching her grandfather being saluted at the guard shack (he was a high ranking officer) and great times at the Officer's Club.  

It was quite apparent that the love and respect she shares with her grandparents have helped to mold her into the beautiful and kind young woman she is today....

Kimi and Jared enjoyed each other's company this afternoon....basking in memories and contagious laughter!

Jared, an 'Iolani Graduate, met his future wife in college on the mainland.  I could tell that these two were totally meant for each other!

Kimi and Jared, mahalo so much for an awesome pilialoha session and for sharing your memories with me!  I'm looking forward to working with you again in August of 2009!!!

Karina and Blair at Makapuu Beach Park

This upcoming Saturday, I get to shoot my talented friend, Arvin Lucio's (aka Rocket Scientist) younger sister's wedding.

I met Karina and Blair at Makapu'u today for their pilialoha (engagement) session.  OMG!  They are so cute!  

I love the way they laugh together...

And the way Blair just loves on her...

After so many years of being together, they still have that look of love!

I'm looking forward to documenting this sweet couple's wedding on Saturday.  

MAHALO, Karina and Blair, for a wonderful time at Makapu'u!!!

Meet Bacchus!

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of working with Bacchus the Bull Mastiff and his parents Lauren and Russell.  Today's shoot was actually an engagement session but as you can imagine, this handsome canine took over the show!!!

Early Morning Pilialoha Session at the Kailua Boat Ramp

Rise and shine everyone!!! Another early morning shoot in Kailua. So early that not even my faithful Na'u joined me since she was still fast asleep

Ku'ulei and Brandon's Engagement session had been rescheduled so many times due to the ever changing weather conditions.  But let me tell you!  It was worth the wait!!!

Ku'ulei was raised on the Windward side of O'ahu so it was important for her that we also captured the reknown twin islands - the Mokuluas in their engagement photos.  

There was A LOT of laughter throughout this shoot!

And many sweet, tender moments as well...

And then, back to more smiles & laughter!!!!

Ku'ulei and Brandon, you must know by now how excited I am for your big day!!! MAHALO for a really fun morning!!!

SIDE ACTION NOTE:  

Like I promised in my previous post, I stuck to my commitment of picking up harmful objects on our beaches before or after my shoot.  So after I had wrapped it up with Ku'ulei and Brandon, I took out my handy dandy Tupperware container and spent a good 15-20 minutes picking up trash glass, tetanus bottle caps and the occasional sharp fishbones from the sandy shore.

And here's what I ended up with...

I'm adding this to my collection of Glass Trash!!!

Spahk you all later!

F.A.Q. - So what do we get???

A frequently asked question I get is, "So what do we get after our fun photo shoot is pau (done)????"

Whether it be a Senior/Graduate, Keiki, 'Ohana, or Engagement, the end result is a magnificent Proof Catalog!!!

The images are laid out, 10 images per page.

The JPG number under the image corresponds to the HIGH RESOLUTION images on the DVD or CD that you receive.

Along with the Proof Catalog and CD/DVD, you receive a Copy Right Transfer Form to help make reprinting at your local lab easy.

I would HIGHLY ADVISE that you do make your reprints and enlargements at a Professional Lab like
Hawai'i Pacific Photo. A professional lab, like HPP, would know how to correctly print your images for you. Therefore, making the images I've shot for you look presentable and professional.

Pilialoha with Kacie and Chip

Pilialoha Part I: Dead Grass

Last week Tuesday, it was one of those very cloudy and tradewindy day all over the island. I was going back and forth on whether or not to shoot my engagement session at Cromwell's because of the weather conditions. I called my bride, Tricia and we both decided to just give it a try.

After meeting Tricia and Ross at Triangle Park, I assessed the weather situation and the beach wasn't looking all too hot. However, I asked them if they were open to ideas and this intrepid couple enthusiastically said, "Yes!" I told them there was some "dead grass" that I wanted to shoot them at. It was right around the corner from Triangle Park. But before that there was a cool wall! You know me and rock walls...

At first Tricia and Ross didn't know what I saw but then they saw this image and they got really excited!!!

Dead grass here we come!!!

So off we went walking against the flow of evening joggers and walkers (I love that people are so active in Hawai'i!). When we finally got to the destination I looked at Tricia and Ross and said, "here we are!" And true to my word they encountered not only dead grass but a dead tree as well!

I love that Tricia and Ross are not only wonderful people but so much fun and flexible!!! I know that come rain, sleet or snow on their wedding day, they'll just roll with it and know how to have a great time! MAHALO, Tricia and Ross for your adventurous spirit and contagious laughter!!!

Stay tuned, peeps to Part II of Tricia and Ross' Pilialoha session!!!

Cinco de Mayo with Natalie and Neal at Kailua

During the early evening of Cinco de Mayo my sore quads, hamstrings and I spent my time with yet another lovely couple, Natalie and Neal.

Natalie had her trial run with one of Hawa'i'i's premier stylists Leslie Gallagher. Girls, this is a GREAT time to "test" your makeup before your wedding!!! This way, you and your stylist can be sure you're on the same page for your wedding day. Natalie looked beautiful!!!

It's paddling season once again, so it's a good thing to keep in mind that Kailua Beach Park is crazy busy! Fortunately, we ended up with primo parking and awesome light!

I love that Neal makes Natalie smile and laugh....

and vice versa....

We hung out for just a bit in Kailua Beach Park...

Then proceeded over to Lanikai!

Where more laughter and love continued...

This couple is sooooo sweet!

In fact, sweeter than the bag of awesome shortbread cookies they gave me for Cinco de Mayo!!! MAHALO, Natalie and Neal! Can't wait to see the both of you soon!

And mahalo, Leslie G, for enhancing Natalie's natural beauty!!!

The Power of "Word-of-Mouth" in our Islands!!!

This past Sunday, I finally got to meet and work with Jennine and Alan. What a wonderful couple!!! We had a fun time together at Makapu'u Beach. I really admired the way they are so considerate and kind to one another. They're such a cute couple!!!

Jennine is good friends with Jenna, who is one of my most favorite brides from 2006.

Jenna is cousins with another one of my all time favorite brides, Amy. I photographed Amy's wedding back in 2002.

Thanks to these two beautiful women, I now have the honor of working with another kind-hearted bride, Jennine and her sweet fiance, Alan.

So what is a Proof Catalog???

Now here's a really good question. I get asked this a lot! Along with, "Is your dog a Labrador???"

If you look at my packages, you'll find that your photo session also comes with what's called the Proof Catalog. As you can see here, it's basically your images laid out like a "contact sheet." Below each image is the file number that corresponds to the HIGH RESOLUTION image files on your DVD or CDs.

It's easy to show off your photos to your family and friends this way. All the "contact sheets" are placed in acid-free sheet protectors which go in an archival binder.

The best thing? You have full copyrights to your images! Of course, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have your images reprinted or enlarged at aprofessional lab like my all time favorite lab:

Hawai'i Pacific Photo

HPP (as we pros lovingly call it) has been handling all my photo lab needs since I started back in da day. They are the bestest in da Westest!!!

Adventures with Ilima, Derek & Teylie!

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!!!

Lehua & Kekai - Pilialoha Session

I'm happy to say that I've been very fortunate to be busy this past few weeks. On the weekends I'm usually shooting weddings or events. On the week days my schedule is open to shooting everything from 'Ohana, Keiki, Graduates, to Pilialoha Sessions.

Pilialoha in Hawaiian means "close friendship" or "beloved companionship." These sessions are usually done several months before my bride and groom ties the knot.

It's a really fun, casual photo session usually taken at a beach, botanical or urban setting. It's a good time for me to get to know my couple's a little more but more importantly for my couple's to "practice" what it feels like to be in front of my camera. It's important to me that my bride and groom are comfortable in front of my lens on their wedding day. The Pilialoha session helps with that. Sort of like "priming" them for their special day.

It's natural to be nervous for a photo session especially if it's your first time doing a professional shoot. With Lehua and Kekai they warmed up very easily and the next thing you know, we were on a roll!

We started out at Kailua Boat Ramp's Beach Park. Our tradewinds have picked up lately. So I decided to take them into the park first:

I noticed that Kekai was really getting into it!!! What a ham! Which of course makes my job so much easier and he helped Lehua's nervousness melt away...

They've been together for many years...I could see the adoration and fun they have for each other.

After shooting for a bit at the park I decided to take them into Lanikai.

I LOVE the color and texture of this fence! They both looked so good against it!

Even though it was super windy on the beach, the wind worked to our advantage.

I want to send a big MAHALO out to Lehua and Kekai for hiring me to photograph their Pilialoha session and their wedding day.

A SPECIAL MAHALO goes out to Shanelle and Julian Nakanishi for referring this lovely couple to Hokuli'i Images!!!!

IMUA - KAMEHAMEHA!!!

Makapu'u Beach - The Pilialoha Session

One of my most frequently asked questions is, "Where do you like to shoot your engagement sessions?"

I lovingly call my engagement sessions the "Pilialoha Session."
"Pilialoha" in Hawaiian means, "close friendship and beloved companionship."

You and your beloved companion can be photograph at some of Hawai'i's most beautiful outdoor locations. Throughout my blog I will share with you some of these beautiful spots I enjoy taking photos at.

Yesterday's Pilialoha session with Carolyn and Brett took place at Makapu'u Beach Park which is located on the East side of Honolulu next to O'ahu's popular Waimanalo Beach.

I enjoy shooting at Makapu'u because of it's diversity in backgrounds.

There's the lava and ocean...

Manana Island in the background...

Coconut trees...

Sand/Beach...

Roaring ocean...

And maybe, if you're lucky, a cute not-so-little black Lab will pop into your photo!

The Pilialoha Session is a really great time for you and I to get to know each other. It really helps my couples to get comfortable in front of my camera and get to know how I shoot. It's a fun earmark which starts to get you really excited for your wedding day.

Congratulations again to Carolyn and Brett! We'll see you both again in MAY 2008!!!

San Diego in da House!!!!

The weather lately has been a bit challenging here in our islands. Rain, rain and more rain! Today we had a bit of a much needed break from the dark, overcast Seattle-like conditions.

I photographed Kristin and Mike this afternoon at one of my most fave spots - Makapu'u Beach Park. A beautiful couple from San Diego who's wedding is on June 14, '08 at the Sheraton Moana. One minute there was a gorgeous rainbow...

Next thing you know it's storming!

Fortunately, before the ominous gray clouds parked right above us, we were able to capture some lovely moments of the two of them.

Needless to say, they were troopers including our favorite assistant, Na'u Girl who watched over us during the photo session. (Yes, that's Na'u with a double chin! I know, I know...I'm working on her to work out!!!)