I loved Rebekah's post here as well as photographer friend LeeYen's recent blog entry; it instantly made me think of my son, and in particular, the following images.
notice a trend here? it's the mark of a photographer's child -- rebelling in his own unique way when the big, black box comes out. can anyone relate?
He'll grow out of this and I won't know it until I look at these pictures and remember that he used to make these funny faces that literally make me laugh out loud. So, world... this is my son as he is, in the present, right now. Mischievous and silly. I'll cherish these as much as the photos of him smiling, eyes open.
It's a shame I didn't become a fan of "Lost" until last year. I could've gone to more of these things.
I remember having a session downtown in October 2008 and "Lost" was filming a block away. I even drove through (a little too fast) where the crew was setting up, frantic because I was a little late for my shoot -- and a cop directing traffic gave me the stink eye. I didn't understand the fascination with "Lost" so I didn't pay attention, didn't gawk. In fact I was a little annoyed that they were right where I wanted to shoot. Haha.
Things changed when the hubby and I decided to pick a show to watch together (date nights don't exist for us :)) and we both agreed on "Lost." We were instantly hooked. And apparently so dedicated that instead of watching mid-season during Season 5, we both waited until the DVD release many months later so that we could catch up "properly." I asked my MIL (whom we introduced the show to -- now she's a fan) to not spoil it for us when she watched the Season 5 ending.
Alas, the final season's upon us. ABC planned an advance screening of the premiere episode (just the 1st hour) on Waikiki Beach, held yesterday in front of a massive crowd. Insane as it sounds, I decided to go -- to brave it alone with three kids (one a two-year-old who likes to run away), making sure I had enough snacks, drinks, and diapers. Planning ahead was crucial and imperative. As you'll see, I didn't plan well enough.
Arriving around noon in Waikiki to claim an area of sand to plant ourselves for the day, I frequently reconsidered my plans depending on how the kids were behaving. I realized I'd left the sunblock at home. I realized that if one of my kids needed to use the bathroom, I'd have to haul our 5 million bags and give up my little plot of sand (amazingly enough, they didn't in the 7-8 hrs we were there. thanks, kids). I wondered why I never owned a beach chair because it sure would've been 100 times better than sitting in the sand. I wished my husband was there to experience it with us. It felt like an eternity waiting for the stars to arrive and for the screening of the 1st episode of the 6th and final season, to begin.
But it was worth it! Sorry, not going to reveal anything (although I'm sure videos of it are already streaming on YouTube). Just know that it's true to form and what "Lost" is famous for. It left me confused at times, providing answers but leaving others open and of course, giving rise to new questions.
In spite of the seemingly many and minor inconveniences, it was amazing to be there with people from all over the world. Many flew in just for the premiere. I even met the head of Hawaii's LOST fan club (Hi Ryan) -- and promised I'd order a tee with the Dharma Initiative sign. Although I didn't meet any stars or even come close to taking a decent photo of them -- all were shots of the big screen, and most were of their sides and backs as they walked across stage -- I was glad to be a part of it, and am fortunate to live here when this incredible show ends.
Tune in to ABC this Tuesday 8/7c for LOST: The Final Season Premiere Event.
VIP area
surprised -- and grateful -- that my kids lasted this long. Uncrustables, Nintendo DS, shave ice, and endless sand helped.
President of ABC Stephen McPherson and Mayor Mufi
Ilana/Zuleikha Robinson
Miles/Ken Leung and Richard/Nestor Carbonell
Desmond/Henry Ian Cusick
Claire/Emilie de Ravin
Sayid/Naveen Andrews (or is that Jin?!)
Sun/Yunjin Kim
Hugo "Hurley"/Jorge Garcia
John/Terry O'Quinn and Michael/Harold Perrineau (in back)
John again and Jin/Daniel Dae Kim (in back)
Sawyer/Josh Holloway
Kate/Evangeline Lilly
Jack/Matthew Fox (his backside anyway)
the start of the show
I completely missed Ben/Michael Emerson -- he was the first star to show up.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
There once was a little boy named Gabriel who loved to throw golf balls:
and pick leaves off the ground:
and practice his new-found skill of walking (with a little help):
and learn how to fish, like his daddy:
and give expressions like this that make you want to pinch his cheeks!
most of all, he loved to just hang out with his mommy and daddy:
Happy 1st Birthday, Gabriel!
Thank you Sawa Family and Alisa for a great morning in Haleiwa!
Pinky needed some updated shots for her site and blog so she came up with this idea that turned out more than just a headshot (I like it when that happens). The inspiration for this shoot came from several places, primarily a Rolling Stones spread of Britney Spears circa 2003(?) in which she is wearing a white/off-white dress in a forest. So Pinky went with it and bought a similar-looking dress, had make-up done (thank you, Val!), and chose a heavily wooded location that could be transformed into someplace dark and moody (below).
Thanks for the fun time, Pink! Already planning the next shoot :)
My entry is a candid taken in late December. I walked into my daughter's room and saw her reading, and right next to her was my son -- in the exact same pose, book in hand (it's Matilda! Definitely not his reading level but he likes looking at the letters and page numbers). I grabbed my camera, came back, and got his attention:
After a brief hiatus from photo-taking, I had my first session of 2010, and nothing was more appropriate than a couple in love to ring in the new year. Sarah and Kevin are getting married on 10/10/10 (impossible to forget that date, guys!). We met bright and early at Bellows Beach, which is fast becoming one of my fave places to shoot -- the scenery and light is unbelievable, and a nearly empty shoreline cannot be beat. I've only done a handful of couples sessions so was a bit nervous, but these two were fantastic for the camera and totally great sports (you'd have to be to walk barefoot on craggy rocks and lay down in damp grass!). So thanks Sarah and Kevin, you two make a beautiful couple. Here are a few (if you can call 15 a few) of my faves...
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a spectacular end to 2009, and an even better beginning to 2010. I'm looking forward to this year for many reasons. I'm excited to be branching out with my photography with plans for a couple of personal projects in the works. And at least one trip overseas is going to happen in twenty-ten!
Here are more pictures from my friend Lori's session in December!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Fashions from Valerie Joseph. These were taken at the show at the Royal Hawaiian Level 4 nightclub on 12/5/09. I have some images from the Indashio show as well and will add them on to this post when they're finished.
Sharing more images from the vintage glamour swimsuit shoot from a couple of weeks ago. I loved the attention to detail; note the variety of fun props used by the girls, not to mention the incredible hair and make-up done by the talented artists on-site. The photoshoot was coordinated by Karine Matsumoto of Seasons of Life Wedding and Event Planning and showcased vintage and retro-inspired swimwear and clothing from 1979. Stay tuned in January when Model Search TV will air a segment that will include behind the scenes footage and interviews.
Aimee
Kassandra/Sandy
Adria, Aimee
Alicia
Alicia, Sheryl
Alicia, Valerie
Sheryl
Kassandra/Sandy
Sheryl, Kassandra
Kassandra
Valerie
Models (above): Aimee French, Valerie Mason, May Caneso, Sheryl Wolfe, Kassandra Meaders, Alicia Dove, Adria Libby Make-up: Laura Aguon, Gemina Chong, Valerie Bancroft, Corvette Dela Cruz Hair: Corvette Dela Cruz, Oona Rodriguez
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Last weekend was busy! I enjoyed shooting two of my favorite people and their families on Friday and Saturday, then on Sunday had a blast getting together with other photographers, models, make-up artists and hairstylists at a 'Vintage Glam' shoot to promote a retro-inspired swimwear line. Interviews and clips from the day will be aired on Model Search TV here in Hawaii.
Although I didn't participate, Help Portrait occurred on Saturday 12/12 locally and nationwide to provide individuals and families who could not otherwise afford photography services, a chance to get their picture taken for the holidays. Here is a segment about Help Portrait on CNN. Mahalo to those who came out and reached out to the community!
This is my good friend Alisa and her ohana. Alisa told me about this sweet location where the views are gorgeous and it's virtually empty of tourists. I was so there. Blue water: check. Blue sky: check. Mountains in the background: check. Super good-looking family: check!
see... pretty babies.
and, a couple of outtakes. alisa, you crack me up sometimes.
Thank you so much for the fun times that day, guys. It was totally my pleasure to capture your ohana at one of your favorite spots on the island!
I attended my first fashion show on Saturday and LOVED it. It was an electric event with lots of colorful characters and clothes. This was the Hawaii premiere of Indashio's Jet Set collection (more on him later), and also featured were local boutique owner Valerie Joseph and ZhanVi Designs by Zhanneta Sharov.
I photographed the showcase of ZhanVi's Victoria Collection 2010. It was simply visual candy. My personal favorites were modeled by Zhanneta's daughter, Victoria, in the first collage (she's the 1st and 3rd photo), as well as the gold ruffley gown, 1st picture of the fourth collage.
All shot with the Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR II, most at 800 ISO, f/2.8, 200mm, varying ss.
A family shoot (my good friend Alisa & her beautiful ohana):
and a fashion show:
It was the perfect end to a nice week, and possibly even the start to a great week ahead.
Friday, December 4, 2009
This morning the kids and I ventured out to Wahiawa to Helemano Farms to pick out our Christmas tree. I wanted to surprise the kids, who had never been to a real tree farm before in their lives (come to think of it, I hadn't either). The trees are locally grown and range from 5 to 20 feet tall. It was especially appealing to find out that these Norfolk pine were not going to mess up my house by leaving annoying trails of needles everywhere. The best part was letting the kids choose their own tree. Not an easy task as you'd think, made even tougher since the youngest was a blur the entire time and had to be chased around the farm. We finally managed to pick our tree, an unassuming but pretty 6' pine that didn't look like it'd give me much trouble going up the stairs at home. The nice gentleman with us cut it down, wrapped it, and tied it down onto the roof of our car. Awesome service!
there are big gaps between branches so decorating was a challenge. I'd love to see how others decorated theirs... maybe I'm missing something. :)
Some of the pictures have a glow to them because they were taken with a 38mm Diana lens attached to my camera. Dianas are plastic cameras and lenses that produce almost surreal, low-saturated, soft focus pictures. Those who know me know I typically like saturated and sharp photos but... it's fun to change it up a bit. Through the invention of an adapter (available here), you can transform your DSLR into a digital toy camera too!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I had my first holiday mini-shoot a couple of days ago with the fabulous Windham ohana. We met at Bellows on a pretty much perfect morning...
I couldn't help but sigh and smile when I saw Miss Chloe decked out in her holiday dress, complete with snowflake tights and fur boots (I sighed because I used to dress my daughter like that, and I miss it. Little girls have the cutest clothes)
one of many 'Chloe sandwiches' :)
Thank you Kat, Jon & Chloe for a fun and easy session!
When I read the challenge for the I ♥ Faces was sunflare and Becker is the guest judge this week, I knew I had to enter. One of my favorite photographers and just a master of backlighting and sunflare is Dee, from whom I sought all I could about creative lighting early on in my photography journey. I practiced a lot.
My entry is from a session with the niece of a friend's friend. This was a shoot we did for fun -- which typically means no pressure, be creative (more than usual, anyway!), experiment with the light.
I like Lena's expression here. She's showing a bit of attitude in her pose, and her black top and bike in the background add to the scene. I was going for flare but didn't expect this. I love surprises :)
Check out the other sunflare entries at:
Thanks to a fellow photo-blogger (Hi Christine!), here's a blast from the past of some of my fave images of sunflare and backlighting. I really need to get out and practice again -- they are some of my favorite techniques and effects, and what I started out learning since I was all about natural light. I feel fortunate to live in Hawaii where there is never a shortage of beautiful light year-round.
Sunflare, etc isn't for everyone so I try not to get too creative during client sessions :) All the photos below are from personal shoots (i.e. hanging out with the fam) or tagging along with another photographer.
the next 4 are all from shoots I tagged along with Pinky
Ok, I lied. Here's one from a real session yesterday, but the flare was accidental (I've found that happens a lot when shooting in the sun's direction)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Someone's ready for the holidays around here.
I love this time of year.
Is anyone else starting the "Elf on a Shelf" tradition? I saw this fellow gracing a few blogs last year and thought it'd be interesting to start for our family.
In a nutshell, each day the elf is placed somewhere different around the house (this is where you can get creative!). The idea is that he keeps an eye on children to see if they're naughty or nice :) Kids can't touch him but are welcome to talk to him. Granted, I have two kids who are on the verge of not believing that Santa exists. I'm quite sure one is 99.9% certain of it, but I guarantee he'll still join us on Christmas Eve and watch Santa cross the globe on NORAD.
Day 1: the elf is in place! (ignore the dust!)
He can be found at any bookseller. I got ours at Borders and with a 30% coupon, it's a good deal considering you can keep the tradition going for a long time.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Images from Day 3 of Amy Wenzel's workshop. Love seniors!
I thought this was great for a vintage treatment, but couldn't decide between vintage black and white or vintage gold.
All three had incredibly striking eyes. To go with their other gorgeous facial features...
Just putting this out there to see if anyone would be interested in attending a multi-day workshop given by Ali Hohn of Rock that OCF! My friend and fellow photographer Pinky would host the workshop, here on Oahu. We are looking for at least 10-15 attendees (enough to make it worth Ali's trip here!) with a possible workshop date in February 2010 if there's enough (serious) interest. Comment here or email me or contact Pinky through her blog. Thanks!
eta: not sure what the cost will be but on Ali's site, she quotes $700 for a 3-day workshop.
