A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

Jumping for Joy!

This is my niece Joy.

She is a dancer.

She is pretty awesome!

Congratulations, Josh!

Sending out a big congratulations out to Josh, one of the young men who recently graduated from Damien High School in Honolulu!!!

A big congratulations also to the Asuncion 'Ohana who has done tremendous job raising this young man!

Congrats to the Class of 2009!!!

Happy 2009 Graduate - Chelsea!

As I made my way into Kailua this afternoon, I noticed all the VOG hovering in our island air:

I kind of wondered if it would cause any kind of issues during my two shoots this afternoon.  

The first one being with Chelsea, a graduating senior!

Chelsea's mom found out about me through Kanani Herring's mom.  And what a treat it was to photograph this young woman!!!

These images were taken at the Kailua Boat Ramp and Kailua Beach Park.

Fortunately the VOG and cloud cover were very advantageous as it diffused the afternoon sunlight for us.  I love working in diffused light!

You can really see the VOG in this image. The Mokulua islands would usually be "popping" more on an afternoon like this however, they're still majestic!

It's kind of a good thing sometimes when you have VOG while you're shooting at the beach. There's not much tradewinds so my gals with longer hair have an easier time managing their mane.

Chelsea brought three changes of clothing. All of them being Manuheali'i, a well loved local clothing line here in our islands!

I love learning about these young adults. Their dreams, ambitions...Chelsea has this beautiful energy.  I could tell that she wants to do so much in life!  

She's smart, fun-loving and is extremely sweet and kind! 

With these kind of qualities I know that Chelsea is going to go very far in life!!!

Mahalo nui loa to Loreen and Kevin for raising such a phenomenal young woman!  

Chelsea, MAHALO to you, for your smiles and sweetness! It was a blast photographing you, local girl.  Remember to ALWAYS keep it REAL!!!

Peace out...

Welcome Home Cabana 'Ohana!!!

Kanani's 'Ohana

Mahalo to Kanani's 'Ohana, the Pangs,  for a fun-filled photo shoot at Kakaako Waterfront Park this afternoon!!!

Waianae Spartans in Da HOUSE!!!!

As you all know by now, I'm a Maryknoll Graduate.  A SPARTAN!!!  When I received a call to photograph Javen and Maika's grad photos, 2008 Maryknoll Seniors, I was totally stoked!!!

These two calabash brothers grew up together in Waianae. They've been inseparable and soon they will be receiving their diplomas together! 

I could tell these boyz were super close and that they constantly watch each other's backs!!!

Friendships, filled with trust, are truly hard to come by...

Another admirable and sweet high school gal pal came along for moral support and to be an audience for these two hams!  I was so glad Chelsea was there so I wasn't the only one cracking up during the shoot!

Maika and Javen's 'ohana, Waianae and Maryknoll High School should be extremely PROUD of these two young Hawaiian men!!! They are both respectful, grateful and kind.  Traits I know will take them very far in life!!!  

I agree with you, Auntie B, if I had sons I would want them to be like these two young men!

MAHALO NUI LOA, Maika and Javen, for having me photograph this milestone in your lives.  It is a pleasure meeting and working with the both of you!

Miss Chelsea, you are an absolute joy and I can't wait to document your senior self as well!!!  I hope you had a great time meeting Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai.  Remember to keep exploring O'ahu!!!

Mahalo to the three of you for the laughs and great conversations!!!  Have a safe and awesome summer!!! 

Late Afternoon Family Shoot at Kualoa Beach Park

Another long awaited shoot!  I really enjoy my time with the Stoebners. This entire family is sooooo loving!!!

I love to watch (and document) the interaction between the siblings.  All girls, including their delightful little brother, are so great with each other!

They all know how to make each other smile....

MAHALO Nui Loa, Stoebners!  I can't wait to see you all again!!!

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.

2008 Buff 'N Blue Grad - Ms. Kalei K.

Another voggy day in Hawai'i nei!!!  But that didn't stop a really fun senior/grad shoot at Nu'uanu Valley Park with Kalei, a 2008 Punahou Graduate!

My talented bro-in-law, Jonathan, did Kalei's makeup right there in the parking lot.  

After, her beauty session was pau we started our photo shoot!

As May Day Queen for her school and not to mention representative for one of Hawai'i's hottest line of clothing, Kealoha Clothing Company, I was not surprised to see the ensemble of attire Kalei had picked out for her graduation portraits. First off we started out with an original Kealoha Clothing Company laua'e print white dress which would actually be great as a wedding dress as well!!!

  

Next up:

Then we proceeded on to another print (which wasn't a Kealoha print) but another local designer:

And then back to Kealoha's orange print.  Okay, I'd just like to reiterate AGAIN how important lighting is in this profession!  Here we find that beautiful soft gold afternoon light.  Totally dramatic!!!

Sometimes I incorporate a little bit of fashion style shooting....

Throughout this shoot, my nephew, little Mr. Mokulele Boy and Na'u were hanging out together.  During my little breaks, while Kalei changed clothing, it was fun to watch Mokulele playing with Na'u Girl. 

I just want to mention that I met Kalei back in 2006 while documenting Kumu Kaleo Trinidad's halau at Merrie Monarch.  She was such a beautiful girl then...

And a beautiful woman now!!!

2008 Mililani Grad - JUSTIN

It seems like it was only yesterday when Justin was filling up his father's Nissan Pulsar with water from a hose. A five year old's attempt to help wash the car! And here he is, practically a grown man!

It took just a little bit for Justin to get warmed up.

After several clicks of my shutter, he was ready to roll!!!

Brenden, thank you for making your big brother smile!!! And MAHALO for assisting me during this shoot. In no time, you'll be on the opposite end of my lens.

M. Rey & M. Lita, thank you for being wonderful, hardworking parents. You both deserve a couple of Mai-Tais!!!

My godson, Justin, I think I can speak for the entire clan when I say, we are so dang proud of you!!!

Senior Shoot with Ms. Chelsea B.

Na'u Takes a Break

There in a stream bed, Na'u decides to take a break during this afternoon's photo shoot. Isn't she so smart??

Na Ali'i's Kanekoa

Today, I ventured out to photograph another 2008 graduate. This happens to be a special senior as he is the son of my hanabata dayz calabash cousin. Elvie was like an older sister to my sister and I. We lived next door to each other along with her baby sister Emmie. I used to enjoy going over to their house! Elvie made the best hot dogs with baked onions on top in a bun! Do you remember that, El???? I tried many times in my life time to duplicate that hot dog but could never get it to taste exactly the way you made it!!!
Unfortunately, we've lost touched through the years so I was so happy to receive her call asking to see if I could shoot her son's senior portraits!

The last time I saw Kanekoa he must've been about five or six. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw him today! Just as good looking as his parents....

When the heck do these boys become men!?!?!?!

We started our shoot off in Waimanalo Town:

Then took a short drive over to Waimanalo Beach Park:

Then finally ended up at Makapu'u:

One of the things that I really wanted to accentuate was Kanekoa's tattoos. Eh! You don't go through all that pain and not be able to show it off, you know what I mean???

Kanekoa did an awesome job picking out his clothing and posing it up for me in front of my camera! He's a natural!!!

Elvie and Kamaka, mahalo for entrusting me to photograph your son's senior photos! All of your sons are handsome and sweet!

And MAHALO, Kaulana and Haku for doing such a great job of watching Na'u Girl! I hope she gets to see you all again in the near future!!!

Kamehameha's Kanani!

I had the great pleasure to meet and photograph one of Hawai'i's star high school athletes, Kanani Herring.

I enjoy working out and staying fit. But that's about as close as I get to the world of sports!!! I was one of those kids growing up where I'd be casually walking across the grade school playground, minding my own business and BAM!!! Out of no where a ball would hit me on my head! Is that traumatizing or what??!?!? So sports and I have never really gotten along.

Then it would be no surprise to you that I had no clue how talented Kanani is! When I first met her, I thought to myself how sweet, friendly and polite she was.

During our shoot I found out that she enjoyed playing volleyball and was very close to her volleyball 'ohana. I hadn't a clue that she is one of Hawai'i's most incredible and very talented volleyball players! Because of her humble nature, I sincerely thought that she was a senior who is really passionate about her sport. Thanks to my sports-loving sister, Daisy, I was finally clued in on Kanani's many accomplishments.

WOW!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!

Kanani's mom came along for support and I could tell that the apple doesn't fall from the tree! They're both beautiful and gracious! I could tell that they have a strong mother and daughter relationship. It's always so wonderful to witness something so respectful and loving.

MAHALO to her supportive 'ohana and friends who have raised such a strong, respectful, and talented young woman!!!

Go fo' broke, Kanani! Like Casey Kasem says, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!!!"

IMUA! KAMEHAMEHA!!!

Express YOUrself!!!

Kim, another graduate of the Class of 2008! She's smart...

beautiful...

and a DANCER!!!

May your dreams and goals take you up and above your expectations, Kim! Congratulations!!!

Aahhh, Graduation Memories....

It seems like it was only yesterday that I was marching across the stage at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall accepting an important token of what represented my four years at Maryknoll High School. During those four years it seemed like time was passing by way too slowly for me. Nevertheless, I did make my time at my old alma mater very memorable. Friendships, song contests in Roger's Hall, grabbing lunch at the vending machines across the street at Kapi'olani Medical Center, hanging out at Tilt...geez! You'd think that I'd find some time to study during my very busy daily agenda!

I'm sure you can tell by the neon pink rim lighting and slightly feathered hair the era I graduated! Besides my yearbooks, class ring, and faded gold tassel, this photo (along with several other tragically at-the-time hip poses) are what I have left of my senior year.

Now, if I had been advised, I would have gladly NOT settled on indoor studio shots. But back then and even today, I'm finding out that most students and parents don't realize that they needn't settle on the mandatory yearbook photos to pass out to their 'ohana and friends! Sure you need that shot for the Annual however, when it comes to sharing your images with others you can totally step out of the studio confines and have professional shots done of your graduating self in an outdoor environment!

We live in such a beautiful place. And if you happily spend your life outdoors then why not memorialize yourself at this age by being photographed in an outdoor setting?

You may think that it's too late for your senior/graduation photos. Au contraire! There's still a lot of time! I did several senior shoots in the past week.

Here's one done at the Kailua Boat Ramp:

Another at Makapu'u:

And Kaka'ako Park:

Keep in mind too, that you and your parents have full copyrights to your images! Which means you don't need to pay the extravagant amount of purchasing an 8x10 from me. You receive your high resolution CD as part of your package and you can go fo' broke from there!

My job is to document who you are during this time in your life. Express yourself and be who you are in your photos!!!! Make this important milestone a cool and memorable one!

Now where was I....

So much has happened since my last post! Busy, busy, busy with all kinds of shoots! Let's see...there was
Tisha, Brent and Brooklyn's early Monday morning shoot at the Kailua Boat Ramp:

Erika's senior shoot (in the PM):

Kailua is one of my most favorite towns on O'ahu. It's so versatile! The beaches, including Lanikai, are not as crowded as Waikiki which makes it so ideal for shooting.

Senior Photos - Island Style!

Attention SENIORS (and parents)!!! It's not to late to have your senior photos done in time for graduation. I do all my shots outdoors and it's a fun photo session expressing the REAL you!

Please contact www.hokuliiimages.com for more information.

Peace out, baby!!!