Kinjo {Family}

One of my goals I had when I started this business here in Okinawa, Japan was to branch out and not only cater to the military families but also appeal to the locals.  The language barrier always made me shy away from asking or promoting myself to the local community.  That was until a fellow USMC wife and local took it upon herself to share my work with her friends.  I was beyond grateful for her willingness to do that and even more pleased a friend of hers, Tomo, loved my work.  Tomo spoke english very well and we were able to set up a session for her little family of three.  The thing I love most about the locals is that they aren't cookie cutter and when I saw them get out of their car and saw the plethora of colors they were wearing I was super excited! Their little one was a joy and they were such a sweet little family.  I am glad I was able to connect with one local family before leaving island.

Sumiko {Stylized}

There is nothing more than I love than just getting a few girlfriends together, play dress up, take pictures and just have some child free, uninterrupted fun.  I have had the opportunity to photograph Sumiko in the past and partnering it up with my amazing and talented friend, Ashley of Ai Photography  is nothing new.  The moment Ashley and I stepped foot in the South East Botanical Gardens on a trip we took our boys on we knew we had to shoot there! This place just screamed photo session potential.  Before the gardens started gaining photographer traffic we had to act fast.  Sumiko had asked me a month prior about showing interest in working with me again so I took this opportunity and asked her if she wanted to get all dolled up.  Without hesitation she accepted.  She found a beautiful dress at the thrift store for a whooping 5 dollars and we did her hair and make.  Since this shoot was just for us we had to play the cards right and budget accordingly.  By doing so I think we did great with what we had and although we were a sweaty mess by the end of the day I am so thankful to have been able to capture this little hidden treasure in Okinawa with a beautiful model.  And of course, it's always fun and a pleasure working side by side Ashley!

 Yes, the garden has a field of plastic cows.  So we really couldn't resist. 

 Girls just wanna have fun! 

Winfrey {Family}

The Winfrey family.  What can I say...these boys were so much fun and there was a wonderful connection between husband and wife.  I love when a family just 'clicks'. Although we had to share our space with other families and photographers we did what could and made the areas work.  Having a family that goes with the flow, takes direction and just has fun makes my job that much easier and makes me want to keep going.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to get into the whole family photography bit but being able to meet such fun people and great kids proved to me that I can do it and I can have just as much fun with families. Thank you to the Winfrey family for providing such a fun session and thank you for letting me capture some memories for you :)

We had to throw in a few Husband and Wife pictures since he was going to be away for their anniversary.