Noguchi {Family}

As I promised you last week I would be blogging about this amazing little family.  Last week I wrote about Jena's session which can be seen here and if that session had any indication as to how her last minute family session would go Ashley from Ai Photography and I were in for a treat.  This family was so natural and together it was amazing to capture ever piece of it.  Their son was a little ham and enjoyed every minute in front of the camera.  And as husband and wife they just were perfect.  Sessions that don't really have a plan tend to be the best.  I love the lifestyle feel of this particular session and although this didn't take place in their home you could tell the beach was a close second.  The ocean is where they belong.

Beach Escape {Stylized}

I love the beach.  I love vintage.  Put them together with a gorgeous model and you have one fantastic photo session.  I met Jena a while back and had the privilege of photographing which can be viewed here.  She took direction well, had a natural look and just overall a beautiful person.  After photographing her I had to run to my friend Ashley of Ai Photography and start brain storming what kind of session to do next with Jena.  I asked if she had a vintage styled swim suit, she said yes.  So that was a wrap....session was picked out.  Jena had a spot in mind and the rest is history.  This by far was one of my favorite sessions to date because everything just flowed.  Jena was in her element, the weather was perfect and the waters were amazing.  Besides loosing my iPhone to the ocean (always check your back pockets before entering the ocean LOL) the day couldn't have been more perfect.  We really didn't want to leave so we ended up doing an improv family shoot with Jena, her husband and son (another fantastic shoot) but you will just have to wait til next week for that blog post ;) Enjoy and if you want to view more of Jena's beautiful model portfolio you can see it here.

Beaches and Tattoos {Stylized}

Not to long ago I had the pleasure of shooting alongside Pamela Oliveras Photography and Lighted Path Photography on a concept shoot featuring two derby girls on the streets of Okinawa which can be seen here.  Everything about that shoot just clicked.  We all flowed together and the visions we had just ran perfectly together.  Well we were at it again!  We all wanted to do something that involved the ocean.  The waters were a little choppy so we couldn't do everything we had wanted but those ideas will just have to wait for another day.  Both models had some new ink to show off and weren't afraid to bare it all.  It's shoots like this that make me fall in love with photography all over again.  Just being able to let the creative juices flow,  working with amazing photographers and models,  and trying new things.  So please, let yourself go every once in while.  Don't be afraid to try new things.  And defiantly don't be afraid to ask fellow photog friends to join in on the fun because I guarantee you will have a great time!

Reflections {Rock the Shot}

I haven't been on top of http://www.rocktheshotforum.com monthly challenges but here's to starting new. Starting fresh and trying to keep up with the challenges :)  This month's challenge is 'Reflections'. This photo is one of my favorites so far from this summer. I took this right after it had been raining all day. This reflection is actually a puddle on the sidewalk and taken with my wide angle. Love the colors, reflection, and silhouette of the trees. 

Jackie {Teens}

This girl doesn't get enough action in front of the camera. Jackie is the older sister of Desie who can be viewed here and together they can be viewed here.  Jackie had a big birthday coming up...her 15th or quinceanera.  Since she spends her big day back in the states with her dad her mom, Alex wanted to do something special and that's where I come in.  She wanted some updated pictures of her baby :) Location played a big part in this because everything that was suggested Jackie really didn't sound too excited and we all know if a teen isn't excited it's going to show thru in the pictures and we didn't want that. Finally I suggested the 'Haunted Hotel'. I have shot there numerous of times as it's one of my favorite locations not only for photo shoots but just in general.  Jackie is big on 'scary' things and I figured this was the last chance for me to get her excited about getting her pictures done. Boy was I right! When I asked if she wanted to go there her eyes lit up and Jackie was beyond stoked. This in turn made me excited. Once the wardrobe was chosen and school was officially out for summer we packed up the kids (little ones and all) and headed out for a fun little photo shoot and a little exploring. I am glad I have friends and clients who are willing to explore and venture out with me.  I am glad I got to photograph Jackie one on one as I have got to seen her grow into a beautiful woman theses past couple of years.  And who knows...if Alex and her family get stationed where we are next (Marine Corps is a small small world) I will get the chance to photograph her in her senior year.  Here's hoping but until then, Happy 15th Birthday, Jackie!!