A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

Hokuli'i Tips and Trix - #1

Okay, so like I have been meaning to write this post for FOREVER!!!! I wanted to create a Category called "Tips and Trix (tricks)" to help those being photographed or those of you taking photos. So this is like a "stir fry" of all kinds of tips and tricks I've learned through my wonderful 11 +  years of shooting to help create a successful photo session or photo event.

So here is the launch to the Tips and Trix Category!!!

Tip #1: Do not eat or drink anything that will discolor your mouth or your child's mouth BEFORE a photo session!!!

   

Strawberry Slurpees, Fritos, a Ring Pop are all great and dandy when you're just hanging out having fun with friends however, it really isn't advised BEFORE your photo shoot!  

These are items that could come in handy for bribing your five year old during the shoot -  a reward AFTER my camera is put away! Frankly, I myself, do not believe in processed extremely sugary snacks for children or adults however, I do believe that we should all be rewarded with something we enjoy at the end of a shoot!

I hope that this tip helps you during your next photo session! Please feel free to come back as I will be posting more valuable information like this in the near future!!!  :)

Now, time for me to snack on a bag of raw almonds....

 

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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wainani Hansen

I'd like to introduce to you, Ms. Wainani Hansen.

She is smart and beautiful - inside and out.

She loves life and lives it to the fullest!

I met Wainani through one of my brides, Shanelle Sanborn Nakanishi.   

Shanelle and Wainani are close friends (Wainani was her Maid of Honor) and are both Kamehameha graduates.

Then recently, at Amy Gamble's wedding

I discovered that she is Amy's Pilates instructor!  What a small world!!!

When I first met Wainani at Shanelle's wedding, I thought she was so kind and beautiful.  What an honor it was to photograph her today!

She loves  yoga, pilates...

and dance!!!

I could tell by today's shoot how grounded, artistic and creative she is.  Her spirit is as beautiful as her movements.  

I am proud to share with you that Wainani is running for Miss Hawai'i 2009.  I strongly feel that she would be a wonderful representative for our state!  

She defines grace, kindness, beauty and strength all with a gentle confidence and quiet humility...

Mahalo, Wainani, for a fun and inspiring shoot!