As soon as I saw that little plus sign on that little stick that confirmed we had indeed been blessed with a fifth child I told myself that I was finally going to bite the bullet and get some professional maternity pictures done. However, when my belly started to grow and grow, and then my rear decided it would be fun to go into competition with my belly I started to change my mind. Combined with the fact that the camera adds ten pound I decided the last place I needed to be found was in front of it. Yes people always tell me I have an excuse because I am pregnant, but it does not make you feel any better when you squeeze into a pair of maternity pants and then have to give up your right to breath for the rest of the day. So I told my good friend Irene of Irene Frankhouse Photography that maternity photos were out of the question and she pinned me to the ground and started twisting my arm until I screamed uncle. I was wincing in pain from all the twisting and finally raised my white towel and gave in. You would think I would be upset with her for being so rough on the fat girl but all I can do is thank her because the pictures turned out better then I could have imagined. I thought that she may have used a magic wand but I think she is just the fabulous at what she does! Here are my favorites!
Last week I spent a great evening at Ko Olina beach with the Ganiko Ohana. The sunset was gorgeous and the waves were huge! Terry works with my husband so kudos to Ben for booking this session and allowing me to spend a wonderful evening getting to know Terry and his ohana. I loved watching the dynamics of this family. The kids are all 5 years apart but they shared a bond that you do not get the pleasure of witnessing allot these days. Big brother is going off to college next year so his younger sister made sure she got some pics of just the two of them. It made my heart smile. Thanks so much for being such great sports. I hope you enjoy your pictures! Here is a sneak peek of what’s yet to come!
Last night I shot my first new born shoot in a very long time. Little Evan Kai is only 12 days old and I was more then excited to get my hands and my camera on this little one. I knew it was going to be a fun shoot because Even’s mommy and daddy just happen to ROCK! I actually met them for the first time in 2006 when I did a beach photo shoot with them. They were one of my first clients when I was just starting out. So when Peggy called me and told me the fantastic news about Evan’s birth I was so honored to be the one to do his first photo session! This new family of three are getting ready to trade in their surf boards for snow shoes so we made sure to get some pictures at their favorite beach. Apparently the beach has that same relaxing affect on Evan as it does on me as this was the only time he fell asleep during the whole session. When we got back to the house for a few more shots he proceeded to poop, pee and spit up on all my props which gave all of us the giggles. That’s what babies do! Evan we just doing his job! I am going to get some more time with Evan on Tuesday during the day, which is when he likes to take his long naps. I can’t wait to do it again but in the mean time here are some of my faves from last nights session.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our second photo shoot. This little guy just keeps getting cuter and cuter!
I first met the Cole ohana at the Army Ball I shot a few months ago. They booked a family photo shoot that night and a few weeks later we met up at Ko Olina for a sunset photo shoot. The Cole’s had just successfully gotten another 15 month deployment under their belt and were reunited as a family of four. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all the sacrifices the military personnel makes in order for us to live free. There are no words great enough to show my appreciation. I felt honored to capture this moment in time for them. Their two little girls could not be any more precious. The Cole’s are also getting ready to end their time on this beautiful island. I must say that I am a little jealous as their next tour will be in Europe! So I’d like to shout out a big ALOHA to the Cole ohana and wish them all the blessings on their next adventure. Check out some of my favorite pics from their session.
As the Terrana family walked into the lobby of the Turtle Bay Resort where they were spending their family vacation, the youngest Terrana was very timid, and hiding behind his mother’s skirt. When this little boy dreamed of a family vacation in Hawaii a family photo shoot is not on his “to do” list. The parents reassured me that they had bribed all the kids, and things should run smoothly. Turns out a new baseball bat can bring a huge smile to a once shy face. The youngest of three children I don’t think he was shy at all, he was just pretending to be shy. We were not five minutes in when we were making jokes and laughing and he forgot he was even getting his picture taken. I just love it when you are taking family pictures and you feel like a long lost family member by the time it is all over. Mom was kind and gorgeous, the kids were a blast, and even dad was one of the best sports I have had the pleasure of working with. Their oldest daughter is 12 and sadly we had so much in common. We gushed over Brody Jenner from the Hills who happened to be filming his new show Bromance at the resort. We gabbed about the Twilight book that we both happened to be reading. I suppose part of me will always be a twelve year old girl.
Here is a sneak peek Terrana’s! I had so much fun getting to know you all and thank you for a funtastic evening!
I can hardly believe that my sweet little Camryn turned eight last week. I know what your all thinking, I look way to young to be the mother of an 8 year old. I completely agree, but low and behold it is true! Out of my four children Camryn is the most different from myself. While I love to demand attention and have a deep need to be surrounded by people, she is perfectly happy to blend into the background and be by herself. She is quite, independent, and has the heart of Mother Teressa. It is these qualities that I admire most in Camryn. Her laid back attitude can be a breath of fresh air in our little house of chaos.
To celebrate being the sweetest little eight year old ever, we decided to go horseback riding at Turtle Bay Resort. We took a 45 minute ride along the beaches of the North Shore. We could not have asked for a more perfect day. If you are going to go horseback riding it should be done on a beach in Hawaii. I think that should just be a rule.
After our ride we took a little hike and came across some amazing trees. My little monkey was in her glory! The girl can shimmy up a tree like there is no tomorrow. As I watched her in awe I thought she might be the love child of myself and Tarzan; and I would have to get my name legally changed to Jane. Check her out!
Happy Birthday my sweet little monkey girl!
The Mennuti Family
Here is the first family to take advantage of my October special and get a free 10×10 album of their entire session! These fellow vacationers had a great time exploring the beaches of Ko Olina. I love it when a family starts off really camera shy and end up like this:
- only a few more weeks to take advantage of the October special. Book your session today!
Well in a few short hours I will be hopping on a plain to go visit my best friend in Georgia. Normally the days fly by, but when you are brimming with anticipation the minutes seem to just barley tick by. Although I will miss waking up in the morning and seeing Londyn’s baby blues, Corben’s bed head, Addison’s nonstop chatter that begins the moment her eyes open, and Camryn’s toothless grin, I am quite excited to be able to slip away to the bathroom without anyone needing me or barging in. 8 days of having no one to look out for but myself and my shopping bags. 8 days of late night chats, good food and good shopping! I am sure the time will fly by and before you know it I will be brimming with antisipation to come home to Londyn’s baby blues, Corben’s bed head, Addison’s nonstop chatter, and Camryn’s toothless grin. Huge kudos goes out to my husband Ben for being the awesome guy that he is and letting me go while I leave my precious cargo in very capable hands.
You would have thought I’d spent my last night home busy packing, but when I got a last minute call I decided to squeeze in one more photo shoot. I am so glad I did because I got to spend the evening with this amazing family. They are visiting from California and enjoying each other’s company on the North Shore. I would say that they are relaxing but I am not sure there is much relaxing going on while chasing after twin 16 month olds. I can’t think of a better place for those little feet to run then on the beach of the North Shore, can you? Here are some of my favorite shots from the evening.
