People. Love. Life.

Windy Blue Sea Family

2012-02-01T20:28:00.002+09:00

December had some challenging shoot scenarios this year (YES! I am still blogging about Dec clients!) It was perfect weather for parasailing...

Not so great for family beach shots...It was WINDY! But, I love how the sea still shows it's wonderful colours! And I really, really like these beach photos!

I got a LOT of exercise chasing this 2 year old around and I love this little moment, a pause in the energy!

Thank you Inkyung Family, we did it! Next up, a session in the rain!

I Heart Faces -Family Fun

2012-01-17T10:19:00.008+09:00

Family fun in the sky!

This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

The Gardens after the rain...

2012-01-13T08:27:00.001+09:00

Wow, this shoot feels like a lifetime ago...

I love shooting here, but you must, must, must wear mosquito spray! Especially if it's been raining and let's face it when isn't it LOL (we already had rescheduled this once!)
The Halligan family were a joy to shoot...

I love LOVE this one of Mum and Dad in BW...

and look at these eyes...Beautiful...

and these...(one of my fave portraits ever...soulful)

We took some fun shots of family interaction...

and fun stuff...

I'll leave you with the kids. I could share a whole lot more but this will do!

Such a fun, laid back shoot. And Mr. C could be an assistant, he was full of ideas and concepts! Thank you Marisa for trusting me to shoot your family, I hope these photos give you all great memories x

Like a rainbow...

2012-01-12T10:31:00.000+09:00

Wow Okinawa really challenged me this past busy season with it's crazy weather...but I'm a trooper and so was this family!

I met Nikki a couple of years ago now as she was part of our British group of nutters having lived in the UK for some yrs (even though she's American). I was happy she hired me to do her family session! Cheeky girl!

We got creative on the beach with the tidepools...

I love this tree!

The kids were alright!

and did a great job...

Nothing like barefoot in the park...

Some Dad and son time, love this moment...

And talking of Dads, let's give the Dad some face time here! Dads deserve it!

Thank you Turnbach Family, the weather may have been cloudy with a chance of meatballs but you brought the colour!

And we still got a decent sunset silhouette! Cheers!

I Heart Faces - Best Face of 2011

2012-01-09T08:51:00.006+09:00

Hmmmm, this is a hard one. BUT, this is the first photo that popped into my head. I absolutely love eyes and I love the soulful look on this little girl's face from a shoot last year...

This image just pulls me in. I hear Adele when I look at it! It was a 'quiet' shoot. As in, it was one of those: is it or isn't it going to rain and do I or don't I want to have my photo taken. As we went around the location, we just sat and we just chilled and as Pooh would say 'just be'. And that's when I got an image like this. Does that even make sense? LOL
OK, enough of my waffling, go over to I Heart Faces, this blog is massive, it's all faces (but also great tutorials) and it's just a great supportive community. Happy New Year I Heart Faces x

That's a great camera...

2012-01-07T13:00:00.000+09:00

I know most photographers have seen this old 'what the duck' strip...

but I thought I would do my own blog post on the whole camera thing (in fact this has been sitting in my drafts since 8/16/10!). Actually, today's cameras do take really nice pictures, but you must know some other things besides the shutter!...I am no expert, always learning. I don't have the 'best' camera on the market, but I do have a good camera and I work that thing. I certainly don't know all the post processing that goes on these days, I am a simple person, I feel overwhelmed when things get too technical and that makes me lose my inspiration and creativity for things. I am like a typical artist type. There's no shame in that.
Anyway, so here is a photo April, my daughter took with her point and shoot. I thought this was a great example of excellent composition...

It is not always about the camera but having ANY camera to get an image that might have been missed otherwise, like this one. Or photos with your iphone!
To thy own self be true. It's YOUR vision, your art. Keep it real. True to yourself!

When people or my clients say to me, you are the best photographer etc, I do take it as a compliment but it stays in my heart and doesn't EVER go to my head. I have met too many people that think this actually means they are the best photographer. Well, news for these people. Even the most beginning business photographer who has really no style, underexposed and out of focus images, etc, has clients that say, wait for it...'you are the best photographer'!!!
So, Be humble, not arrogant. There's a BIG difference between arrogance and confidence. Arrogant people look and sound like idiots. The end.

I saw a quote by Richard Bach recently about writing, but I thought it transferred to photographer: A professional photographer is an amateur who never gave up. We won't get into the whole spiel about what makes a professional photographer when it comes to money, but you get my drift, I hope? It's passion and drive and love and...and...em...marbles! I took this today as I tried to get this long overdue blog post together! I really hate having drafts, esp for years!

People who think they are better than all the rest usually have some deep seated insecurity problem and now want to let themselves shine whilst putting others lights out. You can let your light shine and let others lights shine too. It's a big world. There's enough room for us all shining our lights. And you are allowed to shine your own light! Just don't blow others candles out in the process!

I try and be nice. And most people I know do too when it comes to photography. I am quite sick and tired of the competitive nature and the crappy sheisty people that spoil this art with their 'girl dog' tactics. All over the web is this hatred going on. It never used to be like this. Or did it? I know that I have been inspired by so many helpful and loving people and especially when I got to Okinawa when my love of photography had just been re-sparked. Really, I say be honest and nice and everything is cool. But don't cross me when I am being nice or I will quote from Eminem here: 'I will tear down your balcony'...I love to share but I'm def. not a mug (look it up, British slang!). Here's my Eminem inspired shoot!!!

Style. I get the occassional email, PM, phone call asking me what lens to get, camera to use, what to do with photography, etc, etc...Half the time the person asking has better gear than I have LOL I can say that the number one thing for me to say is develop your style. If you are all over the place and wishy washy you won't be known for your style. When people can say that looks like a Pam (or insert name here) photo, that's a good thing, it means you have a style, all of your own! Even if it's with your iphone! Even if it turns out not to be your image, since some tend to have others with similar styles and that's no bad thing either (maybe you could make a friend of a likeminded soul!). At least, though, you need to have some sort of artistic style. We are unique. No one can replicate YOU! This is how I see it: Eye, Lens, Camera body, post processing. See what it starts with. EYE. YOUR eye! No one can take that away!

Locations. I would like to point out here on Okinawa, no-one owns a location. Let's take Toguchi beach as an example. No one owns that beach. In fact, you really can say in your resume back whether you go from this island, that you first realized you were a photographer when you shot a family of four in front of a funny mushroom shaped rock. Or a beautiful pregnant belly LOL.

That was the moment YOU became a 'famous' photographer on Okinawa! LOL So, I for one will say hello to my fellow photographers as we march past each other with our family of four trailing behind! You know why, because I like people and if you are a photographer, you really need to like people, even if they disappoint you once in a while! You've gotta have faith! Anyways, I absolutely love toguchi!

Mushroom rock and all!

Light. It's all about the light.
Here is a typical, maybe not the best, example...

I had this recently (now a lonngggg time ago!) on my blog showing the difference of a year in age of this little man. One of my photographer friends said the 2nd one was a fantastic image and asked me if I had changed my processing. To which I replied No! In fact I am pretty certain this was shot with the same lens and about the same aperture. Yes, I probably processed it differently since it was a different environment, but I don't majorly process and it was certainly with the same programme. The difference is the light. The first one was shot early in the morning on the beach, a great time for light, but it was June and muggy light (if there is such a thing) Very bright outside but overcast at the same time.
The 2nd one, shot again early, but no notable humidity, in the autumn and in an urban environment. The quality of the light was very different...
Love. That's what it's all about! Anyways, I've rambled through a whole bunch of topics! I'm not the best at writing, I tend to go all over the place! I just say spread love and fisheyed flowers!

Until the next post...Have a brill day!

Trees, Beach and Each Other! x

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000+09:00

Still playing catch up! The Corbin Family were so much fun to photograph! From Location...

To canvas...(iphone pic of their 16x24)

It was another is it or isn't it going to rain late afternoon session (in fact in the afternoon it was pouring!). I love the lushness of the trees! These two were such great models! I love the real smiles as they light up their eyes and capturing their connection!

Mum and Dad, looking good!

I enjoy the time I spend with my families getting to know little bits and bobs about them as we move around the location! We are all here, on this rock, together as one big family!

Before you know it, it's that time of day again. Some sunsets are fabulously tangerine orange and some are gorgeously lavender blue with lots of cloud texture. Whichever way, it's your day (fisheyed of course!) x

Thank you so much Corbin Family. I thoroughly enjoyed our session and I hope you enjoyed your canvas and prints x

Bright and High energy!

2012-01-05T09:37:00.000+09:00

Catching up with some blog posts, oh my I'm behind, but I'm so anal about it, I have to get them all out there eventually! So, here are the Luna girls next to my fave colour in the whole wide world!

Mum wanted Christmas photos! So, off we went!

Older Sis...

We went all around the local American Village with it's cool backdrops!

Here is Little Miss E...We had to come round the block 10 mins later to get this one! We almost didn't get it! She was fast!

The doors, LOVE! and I love their outfits too x

Urban. Love it! I want those boots!

I can tell you and Mum will tell you too that this shoot was a challenge, but I love a challenge and it was a lot of fun chasing these 2 high energy girls around trying to get photos, but we pulled it off! Thank you Amanda and the girls, I am so glad you loved them!

Word of the year 2012

2012-01-01T09:24:00.000+09:00

My friend Candice told me about this last year, I thought it was really cool to have a word for the year sort of like to Ommmmm out to! My word was PEACE.

I didn't really focus too much on it. I got a sanskrit peace tattooed on my inner wrist, but that's about as far as peace went with me.

I can't say 2011 was very peaceful on a personal level. There were times, good times, but I had some crazy un-peaceful times. Stressful times, like we all have them, but this year had some major rough times. Testing times. Thank you 2011, you taught me that I am STRONG! In hindsight, I think that should have been my word!

So, onwards and upwards. What's my word for 2012. Well, of course I can't bloody decide! First I was thinking BELIEVE. Believe in myself, believe in others, just believe!. Then there is HOPE, hope for the future, hope for mankind, hope for everything. Nawww. That's all too generic. What about accept? God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference...Or GO? go forward, go with all your heart. Just GO or FLY, fly high like a kite? Which brought me to FOCUS...

I'm often flitting around with ideas like a butterfly on nectary (new word!) flowers. I call it 'an artist state of mind', but sometimes I just need to stop and FOCUS. One thing at a time! FOCUS!

And then my son had a very scary asthma attack the other day, I thought he might actually die... which led me to my word for 2012 which is BREATHE. For him to breathe,to kick asthma in the face...

For me to Breathe through the struggles that life inevitably throws at us and breathe into a new day. To breathe into the laughter of the good times. YES, that's it, BREATHE!

So, here's to Breathing in 2012, Yes, I will raise my glass and drink to that! (and always remember: don't let the bastards get you down!)

Cheers!

Happy Christmas...

2011-12-24T14:32:00.008+09:00

Wishing you Peace and Dreams fulfilled...

and magical moonbeams...

and sunshine sparkles...

to light your way...

2012 here we come. You ready?

Delaney Family and the collapsible tree!

2011-12-24T08:28:00.000+09:00

Of course I was thrilled when Michelle of Mad Banana Photography wanted to hire me to take her family photos! Not only because she is super cool and a great friend of mine but also her family is too x

The girls...

Happy smiley people! God only knows what I was saying, some jibberjabber no doubt LOL

I love this in BW

Lots of laughter on the beach!

I love the 'caves'

LOL I love this one, it was so windy and the tree kept collapsing but I like the flare! I think it's bloody brilliant!

So we were looking for a particular spot that Michelle had driven past many times, it had disappeared but I love this little spot, it's just so Okinawa!

Thank you Delaney family. It was so much fun. Thank you for being the rockstar you are, Michelle and thank you for valuing me and believing in my photography x I'll leave you with sunset time! I played around with some texture here! LOVE!

PS: if you want some bedroom boudoir, just contact Michelle of Mad Banana Photography, she's Okinawa's Premier Boudoir Photographer! x

Living and Loving Aloha! - Honolulu Photographer!

2011-12-23T09:46:00.002+09:00

I never actually thought I would have that as my blog title, but it was meant to be (and sometimes I really would like it to be a more permanent thing! The lack of humidity was a welcome relief that was for sure!!!)

The way this shoot happened was so crazy! I had Space A'ed over to Hawaii with the kids to see Albert who was working there (that's a whole other space available story!) in August (Yes, I know it is now December LOL I am so behind on my little blog here!). I had my camera and a couple of lenses. To be honest I wasn't even going to bring the Nikon, just the iphone, but then I thought, who knows when and if I will ever get to Hawaii again.
I have wanted to go to Hawaii since I was 10 yrs old and my neighbour who worked for British Airways brought me back a plastic lei and a velour map (so 80's!!!). It always seemed like a paradise that I would never get to. For a 10 yr old working class Brit living on a council estate, Hawaii was an unreachable dream pretty much! It was always out of reach to me. Watching Hawaii Five-O added to my Hawaii dreams! LOL

So, I met up with my lovely friend Larissa (who moved to Hawaii - Luccckkkyyyy!) and we were over at the Hale Koa hotel talking to a lovely lady called Lan who worked at the tour office (I was booking a trip to the wet n wild water park that the kids JUST HAD TO GO TO!) and somehow it came up that I was a photographer.

So Lan (who was very excited about this news!) said that she might have some clients for me for an engagement shoot but it had to be Friday and of course I'm thinking, 'I'm watching the Space A flights and I might not be here'. Anyways, to cut a long story short. It all fell into place. OMG, the light there was so lush.

I was a little nervous to shoot in a location I had no knowledge of...

but we were all so very happy with the results!!!

Love and laughter!

and a proposal x

Such a beautiful location!

It was so relaxing and just, well, ALOHA!

Of course, one cannot be in Hawaii without some kind of surfer photo!

We had so much fun! I felt really relaxed with Deb and Jeff! I hope they didn't think I was too crazy when I got the locals involved ha ha! Deb and Jeff, congratulations, I am sooo glad this all fell into place, you two rocked it x

LOVE x (When I look at these images now I can't believe I was really there!!!)

Sneak Peek {and she will be loved...}

2011-12-14T19:19:00.004+09:00

I had a fantastic shoot on Saturday. I haven't done maternity for a while so I was excitedly nervous and especially how the weather has been here in Okinawa lately. But those lavender blue skies were great...Here's the iphone one which I love...

Playing around within a (dusted off) frame...I don't think I've done a photo like this since 2009!

and one more of the gorgeous Mum-to-be Laura!

The best are coming! Thank you Laura, you ROCKED it! I can't wait to share the rest!

Gear or the Photographer?

2011-12-10T20:02:00.001+09:00

Now that is the question! (My old Nikon FM sitting in London)

I believe in the vision of a photographer first and foremost. The passion, the energy, the inspiration, the pure drive...that comes before any gear. But, IT IS a little of both. I look at how much 'better' my images are SOOC of my D300 vs my D70. So, of course, gear helps you realize that vision, however, if you don't have the vision in the first place you might just come up with a very sharp and clear snapshot with that fancy smancy super duper expensive camera (and there's nothing wrong with that if you've got the money, knock yourself out).
(Taken in NYC Late 90's with above camera! Excuse the quality, it's a photo of a photo!)

Of course if all the stars are aligned and you have your vision, your style, you equipment. Yes, absolutely, you are going to rock that gear and work it for all it's worth! But, you don't need a super duper expensive all newest camera in order to shoot and that's my point. Don't let the fact that you don't have the latest and greatest gear spoil your love of photography... (Photo by daughter April in Little India, Singapore with her point and shoot. Not bad!)

The camera companies are businesses and they will ruthlessly market their product to make you think that you NEED to have the newest upgrade, even though a few mths ago that there camera you have that you now think you should upgrade was being marketed as the next best thing since sliced bread. It's a psychological game that could leave your wallet empty and creativeness squashed in the endless pursuit of following the crowd and the keeping up with the Jones mentality that is everywhere. It's like the argument Nikon Vs Canon, photoshop vs lightroom. blah blah blah. Everyone thinks differently. You just do what is best for you and YOUR vision. Don't follow the herd if it doesn't feel right otherwise you will just look like everyone else. Follow your heart and your VISION and what I always say to myself when I feel I am swaying away from my true self 'To thy own self be true'. Brings me back to centre. (Go, April!)

The other thing to remember is: if you aren't there, you can't shoot it. So, get off the computer and get shooting LOL even if it's 'just' with your iphone!
The PhotOkinawa group on Okinawa is very active on FB, so come out and join like-minded people and shoot what you love with what you have! (Macro of Okinawa shells) “Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy

A quote that rings true for those of us 'stuck' on Okinawa:
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
Marcel Proust

One more quote that one of the group members posted. So true. Note the date!
"The fact is that relatively few photographers ever master their medium. Instead they allow the medium to master them and go on an endless squirrel cage chase from new lens to new paper to new developer to new gadget, never staying with one piece of equipment long enough to learn its full capacities, becoming lost in a maze of technical information that is of little or no use since they don't know what to do with it." - Edward Weston 1927

I Heart Faces - On Your Feet

2011-12-07T08:17:00.006+09:00

I have a diary/journal that a friend bought me with images by Elliott Erwitt. He has some wonderful black and white dog and human feet images. On a recent session at the end, I tried one out, I like this and my client did too! I kept this one colour, but I have some ideas for some black and white feet images that I will get to eventually I am hoping! Check out 'on your feet' at I Heart Faces! There are already over 400 entries!

And in through the doors...

2011-12-06T12:44:00.000+09:00

comes Ashley! Taaaa-daaaaa!

Ashley want some photos done of herself in an Okinawa environment...

to celebrate her time here in Okinawa...

Ashley is a Kindergarten teacher here, what a great and rewarding job!

I love this one!

We got some great portraits!

WOW!

Look at those eyes, smokin'!!!

Of course, I had to get an iPhone photo, it's becoming common practice these days, then I can post straight away to my photo page on FB!

Thank You Ashley, I had a wonderful time with you!

Run Jannine Run!

2011-12-02T08:59:00.000+09:00

Shame on me, for I have neglected this blog and am only just getting to stuff from AUGUST!!!
Here's good friend and local super runner, Jannine!

We met up very early on in the summer to get some shots of her running for some runner blogging stuff and what-not!

I can't find the original image for this, but you can see how early it is, look at our shadows, I love it!!! This can be a pain sometimes on early morning shoots, trying to hide from your own shadow getting in the shots! Probably why when I get home, I am usually covered in sand and you have to be VERY careful with the gear. Sand plus camera+NO BUENO!!!

The light was continuously changing. It's weird how the light is different during the summer. The humidity makes it a 'wet' sort of hazed, still light. I dunno, that's my way of describing it LOL

Jannine co-runs the WOOT and WOOP running groups on Okinawa. I was running, but emmm, well, yeah, we'll see you soon dear neglected blog!!!!

{Connection}

2011-11-18T10:49:00.000+09:00

Rain. There's been quite a bit of it this Sept/Oct/Nov in Okinawa. Last year and the year before I seemed to miss all the rescheduling hassles (I would literally get my shoot done and the heavens would open!). But this year, I've paid my dues!
I loved this (rain rescheduled) shoot because it was all about connections...

We wasn't even sure if it would work out again because the sky was turning shades of grey and we had some drizzly spots...{Hey, Mummy, is that rain?}

But we soldiered on and it was really nice just chilling in certain areas capturing that special connection between Mother and Daughter...and that's when we got the shots...Miss. A. really quite reminded me of April (my daughter when she was 9 mths old)...LOVE!

It was quite magical...

and we even got some 9 mth old smiles!...

upside down ones...

and in the air ones!

I'll leave you with this adorable face...

I think it was the time just sitting and waiting that gave us these memories. Be patient, be still and wait for the moment. Thank you Soniya and A. x

Framed Print Auction for Children of Sumatra

2011-11-07T20:26:00.003+09:00

Hello all my millions and trillions of readers (LOL)

Attn: Everyone and then some! I am auctioning off this framed print for a friend's wonderful charity called 'Children of Sumatra'

The hols are coming up, so if not for yourself, how about a friend or family member. ALL proceeds to Children of Sumatra. Bidding starts at $50. OK lets GO!!! Please share!

Bidding will end 5pm Oki time next Sunday. ALL proceeds to the charity. Please note: if print is shipped out of Okinawa, shipping and handling will be the responsibility of the winning bidder. Frame is 16.5 x 13.5". 2 x 4x6" prints. I chose the Sakura because like childhood, they are here for a short while opening up all possibilities of life and light, just like the 'Children of Sumatra' ♥

Here is a photo of the 2 images:
The new beginning...

Light and life!...

I'd like to send them as much money as poss! and you get a framed print. #win-win!!!

MORE bugs, bugs bugs!!! (and other animals!)

2011-11-03T11:21:00.000+09:00

I'm back again with some more macro/micro shots!

Last summer it was sunsets I was obsessed with and this summer it was bugs I was chasing down! This cool rainbow bug was super skittish, but I got some nice shots whilst hiking to the Tadake Falls (which I loved apart from getting chased gangsta style by horseflies)

One of my favs of the rainbow insect! He's up in lights!

Look closely and you will see the babies. Ughhhhh. I can't believe I actually get this close to spiders. I've come a long way over the years (1st San Diego and black widows and now here and all kinds of spiders!) and saved myself a ton of money in Psychotherapy flooding techniques! (Apparently this spider is known as Oxyopes macilentus!)

This blue and orange eyed guy was down by Toguchi, the same day April got stung (through diving gloves) by a fireworm that we thought was the leg of a brittlefish! (OK: it was me, I thought it was a brittlefish. Bad Mum!)

The one-eyed hermit crab. Wasssssup! Everyday he's shuffling!

Caterpillar somewhere!

The cute lizard that followed us along a fence at Ryukyu Mura.

Poser.

The giant spider (AKA Banana spider, golden orb weaver, giant wood spider). They are everywhere. In fact, this weekend, whilst geocaching I very almost walked right into one (eye level). SHUDDER!

Not a great shot, but cool coloured beetle none-the-less!

Now these dragon flies were right in the empty lot next door to my house, but they were really small and very shy so these aren't great pics. I tried!

I love the 'bug' eyes!

Here's me going bug crazy. Messed around with some textures, colours, etc!

Some more craziness! I LOVE playing with textures!

This was taken at the Fukushen Gdns, the same day as April's Sari shoot that was actually meant to be a bug hunt!

Now this dragonfly stayed still long enough for me to get a shot of it at the end of the river trekking!

Until next time...

Schedule for Winter/Spring 2012

2011-10-18T14:35:00.000+09:00

Summer flew by and now it's mid Oct! Sessions are in full swing despite this crazy weather we're having! I wanted to let past clients and future potential clients know that I am now booking for January onwards...(I MIGHT have a couple of mid Dec spots open if anyone is interested)

A couple of personal shots: My friend, Amanda and I went bug hunting in the summer, we didn't find much in the way of bugs on that particular day but we were fortunate enough to have a very-in-the-mood-to-be-photographed April with us! Funnily enough, a few days later right outside my door in an empty lot I found these 2 butterflies mating. Pretty cool...

It was def. my summer for macro bugs! There's this posting here and one more coming!
There will also be a session fee increase, this will go into affect Jan 2012 and will not effect currently booked clients even if the website reflects the new prices! Thank you for your support x
(or is it effect then affect or both affect or both effect, agghhh, I struggle with this one!)

Rockin' bod by Shelly

2011-10-17T11:19:00.000+09:00

Shelly was off to Las Vegas back in the summer to enter the massive Physique competition. She contacted me to do the shoot for her pre-show, showing off all the hard work in a beautiful natural setting...So off we went to the beach!

There was a typhoon in the area so the waves were up and when I saw them splashing against the rocks I had to get that shot! And, of course, Shelly is up for anything! She's built tough!

I know she also likes B&W...

I love the 'mood' of this one!

Hanging in the caves on a weekend morning and we were the only ones there, which is amazing, this is a popular photographer spot! I think being that the weather was saying pre-typhoon, it put people off. Yay, the caves all to ourselves!

We had a great time! Shelly is a great person inside and out!

Thank you Shelly for the shoot and the laughs during it! We should play shuffleboard again one of these days! I hope you had a fantastic time in the USA!

I Heart Faces - Pink

2011-10-17T09:57:00.003+09:00

and purple and blue! I love this pic of friend and fellow photographer, Amanda and daughter from their session. To see more pink head on over to I heart faces!
The tickled pink theme is in honour of Breast cancer awareness. To all those that are in the fight or know someone in the fight or have lost someone, I wish you strength, hope, peace. and LOVE.

Laughs? Yeah, we had a few!

2011-10-16T05:12:00.004+09:00

Just another day of work in Okinawa!

This was such a cool shoot, I love it when we can just have a laugh and get some more traditional shots...and just relax!

Amanda (My heroes are my parents for all they do for me) and Nathan (I enjoy computer games and making digital animated videos) were in Okinawa visiting Dad for the summer...They are eighth grade and ninth grade (respectively) students at Bowie Middle School, Austin, TX.

After a while of shooting and getting comfortable you get all kinds of magic happening!

Amanda's fav food is "without a doubt, spagetti and meatballs!", Whilst Bruv Nathan "is a vegetarian and willing to try almost anything once" He also plays the tuba in the school marching band!

The Stuart kids were great subjects!

Showing some sibling love!

Had to share this portrait of Amanda...such a gorgeous young lady! She has her head screwed on right too...The best thing in the world to me is people. I love being with friends and family. Her most desired place to go is Italy, "because it sounds so beautiful and I just love the food!"
(I'll come with you Amanda!)

I asked the Stuart Family what their fav part about the shoot was:
Amanda: "My fav thing about the shoot was being in the spotlight and feeling super pretty! I love to be the center of attention!"
Nathan: "Taking nice formal pictures as a family with my Dad. We had never been to toguchi beach before and we came back to snorkel!"
Scott: "being with the kids and taking these priceless family pictures. Thank you, Pam!"

Scott and kids, it was a pleasure to 'shoot' you!

I Heart Faces - Raise your hands

2011-10-10T15:03:00.008+09:00

This was the first photo I thought of when thinking of hands. This was back on my first Space A trip to Singapore. I see these hands as pensive hands, lived in hands, working hands, praying hands, loving hands! Shot with the nifty fifty. Love it!
This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

On top of the {Okinawa} world!

2011-09-26T13:57:00.000+09:00

Another fun family session...

In a popular Okinawa spot. Loving the colour combos! POP!

I never thought I would use the fisheye so much for client sessions but I love it and the clients love to see themselves on top of the world!

Sisters.

They were perfect models...Taken with the 50mm lens, don't underestimate this workhorse! It's sharp!

As were Mum and Dad enjoying a quiet moment!

Until they all started hanging out like rock stars!

Nothing like saying Okinawa than a fisherman perched on a fence! Again, the fisheye. It's so sharp. I love it!

And as the sun goes down...

you get some lush light...

I love how sessions are kind of like a stroll with friends and each session is different. Thank you Webb Family and Thank You Michelle of Mad Banana Photography for the referral and, of course, your friendship x

I Heart Faces - Best face of the summer

2011-09-26T10:08:00.002+09:00

This week on I Heart Faces is a people's choice for the best face of the summer.

This pic of April, my daughter, is my fav. One of the only times I actually brought my Nikon out with me apart from client shoots, I am stuck on the iphone and hipstamatic these days! April started middle school this year. A friend and I went out to chase bugs with our macros and April came along in her Sari. I'm glad she did. She is determined, strong, caring and walks to the beat of her own drum. She's brilliant and I love her so even though we can butt heads every so often LOL

Semper Fi Family

2011-09-19T16:11:00.000+09:00

This shoot almost didn't happen due to the crazy weather. But, we went ahead and I'm glad we did because it all worked out! Aren't they gorgeous!

This was a vow renewal/family shoot...

Matt and Mary, proud parents x

C'mon Dad tickle me!

Awwwwwwww...

I like this one in both colour...

and dramatic BW...

Thank You Mary, Matt and the kids, it was a pleasure and I am glad you loved the photos. You did great! We beat the Okinawa weather!

Yeah!

I Heart Faces - A touch of sun

2011-09-19T11:55:00.001+09:00

This was taken on a recent shoot I had in Hawaii. I didn't have a shoot planned there, but a very nice lady at the Hale Koa tour place found out I was a photographer and she knew a couple looking for a photographer, it all worked out so great! I really like this image as it was such a fun and spontaneous moment pulling the surfer (when in Hawaii right?!) into the shot and the 'touch of sun' makes it for me! Surf's up, dude! Oh, I miss Hawaii!
I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other entries of this wildly popular blog. There's already about 500 images uploaded!

Everyday I'm shufflin'

2011-09-12T15:07:00.002+09:00

So back in June there was a Flash mob by some of my crazy-cool-beautiful friends in Okinawa. It was really cool. I might even have joined in myself had I learnt (isn't that a word? Spell check says no!) the dance moves LOL but I was in London when the practices were going on! But, I took some cool photos of the shufflin' and that's cool with me!

And she came out of nowhere. Let's get this party started, Natsumi!

Don't mess with these too, they will annihilate you! Much respect to Mina and Michelle!

Here goes the super cool Jess!

Oki all day!

Hey, there's one of the Zumba queens, Erna!

How low can you go?

Put your hands up!

Hey, I know you three! The 3 degrees of Oki!

I love her hair!

Some BW action! C'mon!

Fly like a G6!

It's like a rave!

Sunglasses fun!

Colours everywhere, it was like a rainbow x

I Heart Faces - Pets

2011-08-22T18:25:00.006+09:00

Who knew?...

That flies blew bubbles?...I certainly didn't until I saw this geezer early in the summer. I know it's not a pet, who in their right mind would keep a fly as a pet, even a cool bubble blowing one, but it is an animal! I was going to post a pic of my dog, but he was in 'pets' a while back and this fly is pretty cool with his super bug eyes too! More happy pet photos at I Heart Faces!

I LOVE my new camera and lenses

2011-08-18T15:01:00.004+09:00

...it takes really nice pictures!
I never thought I would say this, but I LOVE not having my DSLR with me when I go out (and agonizing about which lens to bring!). Until now, I wanted to say it but didn't want to admit or believe it because I am a member of 'Hello, my name is Pam and I am a PHOTOHOLIC!', but it can sometimes be a right pain in the arse! There I said it. Weight lifted off shoulders. I liken it to when you have a small child and you have to lug everything with you: diaper bag, snacks, change of clothes, sippy cup, toys, blah, blah, blah, the list is endless...then there comes that day when the toddler becomes more independent and gradually your bag becomes lighter and there's room for you again and you still love that child of yours, but now they can carry their own stuff and you can be freeeeeee!!! This is what happened to me when I got the iphone. I swear my husband regrets buying it for me now, I resisted and resisted and now I sleep with the damn thing ha ha ha. I live for visuals, but sometimes I want to experience the moment and not be strapped to DSLRs. I feel quite liberated just going around with the iphone and even better, I now have some iphone lenses I got from Photojojo. Yep, you heard me right: IPHONE LENSES! The fisheye is def. my fav. as you will see. These gadgets have given me room to photograph and to live the moment too....Here are a couple taken with the macro attachment, which I will admit, I don't use too much...a fallen Sakura...

Some dreamy flower petal...

On a recent trip to London I had some fun snapping the old icons like the phone boxes. Whenever I go back to my hometown I still love the red phone boxes, postboxes and buses! You can take the Londoner out of London but you can't take London out of the Londoner! <- So true!

The lenses created quite some interest. Here's My Dad and I (me with a deep concentration frown, it's not easy doing this LOL) at Big Ben (being tourists in our own city. LOVE) and a nosy bloke wondering what that thing is on my phone no doubt!

Even the police got involved...

I called this 'ello, 'ello, 'ello, wot's goin' on 'ere then?!!! These police were particularly interested in the lens. I love this photo and I just sold my first 2 iphoneography images, this being one of them! YEAH!
Here's some 'drive-by shooting' on the District line...entitled 'smiley happy people!' LOL!

The Westfield Mall in Shepherd's Bush. I went here quite a lot 'cause it was the only place I could get free wifi! Plus, Marks and Sparks had a cafe!

Another Iconic scene. Fountains at Trafalger Sq.

Going Underground (of course!) The second print I sold! Yeah!

Moving on to Tokyo...You can tell I'm from a city, I really miss subway trains!

The kids were knackered after a hard day at the Disney Sea resort and took refuge on the BUSY subway floor!

Shibuya Crossing, this was so much fun to see and yeah we sat in the packed Starbucks too and watched the crossing unfold!

On to the wide angle attachment: Back to Okinawa. This was winter at the north of the island, I LOVE how the sea is electric luminous blue!

Docked boats...

More sea. Apparently I can't get enough of it!

The golf course lake where Mark Twain (if it was him which apparently it wasn't...) would have stated 'a good walk spoiled'!

American Village at night in the middle of Okinawa. Grunge textured.

I used the lens attachments on my iphone 4 and the images are edited with Camera Plus (another fav that the hubby downloaded LOL) And one more fisheye of the sea. The 'wassup wave!'

I have lots more, I wish I could share them all but this is already weighed down! I have some others in my Flickr (I think). I shall leave with a quote I like: Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field. - Peter Adams. Thanks I love your stuff and especially like the dinosaur ;oP

I Heart Faces - Beautiful eyes

2011-08-16T10:16:00.003+09:00

Sometimes when out and about on my little adventures I come across someone with a face and eyes so captivating that I simply HAVE to take their picture. I already have the portrait image in my head. I get over any 'shyness' or nervousness and ask them if I can take their photo because I know if I didn't ask I would have their image in my head for the rest of the day LOL. No joke!
This lovely lady was one of those faces. She was in a temple in Kyoto and her face just lit up the room and as you can see her eyes have a lightness about them....life is literally dancing out of her eyes! I love her face! I asked her if I could take her photo and I took just 2 within the space of a couple of seconds! I love how it came out, just like the visuals I saw in my brain!
There are nearly 1,000 uploaded 'beautiful eyes' photos at 'I heart faces' go check some out! Cheers!

Bugs, bugs, bugs!

2011-08-10T14:39:00.000+09:00

The micro madness all started in Feb when I got my Nikon Micro 105 VR lens (Macro)...

Not only is it a fantastic portrait lens, but it has allowed my to further open my eyes in a different kind of way when looking for things to photograph. So, if you see me crouching down, staring into a bush, I haven't gone crazy, I am looking for bugs! This tiny butterfly was up at Ryukyu Mura. They are very flitty, so I was lucky to capture him! I Love the striped antennae!

I never imagined I would find so many cool creatures to capture photographically out here. It's a new passion (along with the sunsets, the people and oh, just about anything!!!)...One of my fav's so far, the bubble blowing fly...

This wet butterfly was actually in this position all night and I got the image in the morning up at Okuma. This was Feb.

Here's another of the rained on butterfly...

Oi, what's all that noise out there. Yep, summer is here in Okinawa when the cicada's start singing! It's loud, but I kind of like it!

Punk Rocker Caterpillar...This guy was on the move! My neighbour brought me another (bigger) one over in a jar, but before I could photograph it, it had made a cocoon! Texture courtesy of the brilliant Skeletel Mess!

These guys are really cool. They are black and white polka dots. It was funny because the day I took this photo (at the start of summer), I had bumped into a friend and said I want to take some bug pics, and this thing landed right on the wall as we were coming up the stairs to the house. April kept watch on it as I instructed her to 'not let it fly away' as I ran in the house to get the camera!!! I just found out it is called an 'Asian longhorn beetle' Thanks to PhotOkinawa! Come on in if you are in Okinawa!

This next one was at Okuma too. The kids found him for me. I think this was the first macro use of my new lens! Sometimes I feel like I've walked into an Eric Carle book!

Front view! Wassssup!

More bugs coming in a later post. I am super behind on all the blogs I want to get done! The Nikon 105 isn't cheap. Before this I was using my 55-200 VR zoom (about $200 but IMHO a decent lens) with a nikon 'close up lens' attachment (about $20). I have gotten some great images with that combo too, especially of sakura. So, even if you can't fork out $800 plus for a lens right now (trust me, it took me a while to save and DECIDE) you can still go macro/micro for less and if you have a passion for macro you can finally get a dedicated macro! These are all handheld in good light and zoomed to 200% on the computer for sharpness in the eyes. Trust me I got lots of blurry shots! Thank God for digital! One day I will go out with the tripod!

Snow Monkeys

2011-07-28T07:37:00.002+09:00

I love monkeys, they are so fascinating to me (well, I like people and they are quite similar, oh what the hell, I just love ALL animals!).

When I first got to Okinawa, I remember picking up one of Chris Willson's business cards and it was of the Japanese snow monkeys, that card went on my fridge and is actually still there. When I met Chris (also a fellow Brit) he told me he goes up there quite a lot and that it's just on mainland. Then, I was watching my BBC iplayer with the kids and we were watching David Attenborough's life series and there they were, the snow monkeys! I grew up watching David's nature shows on a Sunday eve in London, I love his documentaries...

In early 2010 I took a space A flight to Yokota and I saw the base had a tour going to see these monkeys. It was sold out, but the seed that was so firmly planted in my head had begun to sprout. 'What!' I thought. 'I can actually do this, it's not in some unreachable place, it's right here in Japan. I'm coming back.' And true to my word, I went just last week (well, aren't I the procrastinator, this blog post was drafted in Feb, it's now July LOL) with the whole family. My kids certainly needed to see this! And some snow!

It was a little rushed once we got there (4 hr drive there, 30 min walk to monkeys, 1 hr hanging with monkeys, 30 mins walk back, 4 hr drive back). If I went again, I would like to go on my own time. BUT, OH SO WORTH IT! Even just to see some snow!

But, the monkeys...Brilliant!

It was just so amazing to me to be up so close to the monkeys! One actually jumped on April's leg as we entered! I have a pic of it somewhere, but can't find it...maybe on hubby's card?...

Hello!

They like to bath in these onsen in the cold winter...

Amazing...

They must have guts of steal, there was quite a bit on monkey poo in the water!

Chillin'

walking on water...

sitting on water!

So cute, there weren't too many Mums and babies out for the time we were there.

But, lots of portraits to be taken with the 105 (which is a fantastic portrait lens)...

In BW

A young one...

Here are some 'outtakes' from the monkey park...
April by the onsen...

Loubie 'what's up with all these monkey paparazzi, eh?'

Rope walker...

Ha ha, you can't see me on the live cam!

Yeah, I know I'm famous, snap away with your big lenses!

And here's me!

Thank you Chris and David for the inspiration. Thank you Amanda for hooking me up with your friend Christy in Yokota to get me the tickets. Thank you Albert and the kids for coming with me! And thank you snow monkeys for making a dream become reality!
Peace!

Gear: I took my D300 and I had the 105 Micro 2.8 VR lens (great for portraits). I also had the 55-200 VR in case I needed some further reach. And the 50mm 1.8, just in case, but none of these are with the 50mm, even though it's my most used lens normally. All of these are the 105, except the one with the Mum and baby, that was taken with the 55-200 at 200). I also had my iphone LOL

Here's some info on the monkeys (from Google):
Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑 Jigokudani Yaen Kōen) is in Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan at 36°43′58″N 138°27′46″E / 36.732799°N 138.4627°ECoordinates: 36°43′58″N 138°27′46″E / 36.732799°N 138.4627°E. It is part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park (locally known as Shigakogen), and is located in the valley of the Yokoyu-River, in the northern part of the prefecture. The name Jigokudani, meaning "Hell's Valley", is due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and formidably cold and hostile forests.

The heavy snowfalls (snow covers the ground for 4 months a year), an elevation of 850 meters, and being only accessible via a narrow two kilometer footpath through the forest, keep it uncrowded despite being relatively well-known.

It is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata), more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that go to the valley during the winter, foraging elsewhere in the national park during the warmer months. Starting in 1963, the monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm waters of the onsen (hotsprings), and return to the security of the forests in the evenings.

Here is a link to the monkey park. Wikipedia also has a link to the live cam at the park and to Chris Willson's article about the monkeys.

And here is a link to Zeno's snow monkey guide and the facebook page, go and 'like' and show some love!

Mother and daughter love

2011-07-27T14:35:00.000+09:00

Originally, this was meant to be a generational shoot but by the time we managed to actually do the shoot, Yoko's extended family had left. Now, apparently, it isn't common practice to have on location photo shoots in Japanese culture, so I was honoured to have done this for Yoko and her daughter. The images do not really get shared so thank you Yoko for giving me permission to share a few. I think you both look great!

Yoko just wanted a simple portrait session in their new home and we found some nice light in the main bedroom...

Of course on the way to their house, I saw some grungy blue store shutters and made a mental note in my head to ask Yoko if she would follow me there at the end of the shoot to get something a bit different too. She was definitely up for the task and I love them!

So vibrant!

Thank you Yoko and Rian, you did a great job. It was a pleasure x I hope one day I can photograph your extended family from mainland! Also, thank you, Greg, for the referral!

It's the simple things...

2011-06-25T09:42:00.001+09:00

The sea, some trees and a blue boat...a quiet morning...

To hang out with your family...

Give kisses and thanks...

Look at this face. Don't you want to squeeze those cheeks...

As usual on a shoot we had some laughs...

Getting the natural family portrait in the trees!

It's always nice to get one of Mum and Dad...

Whilst the little one chases the camera lens!...

Which is when you can get lovely natural portraits like this...

and this...

This one is my fave...

Thank you Arcina Family, it was a bright and hot morning but we did it! Yeah!

I Heart Faces - Bright and Vivid

2011-06-14T08:36:00.007+09:00

From one of mine and April's spontaneous dress up shoots LOL Bindis, Scarves and Colour. Oh My! Click on the I Heart Faces logo above to see some fantastic face photos. There's well over 300 uploads so far! Get inspired! Yeah!
On a side note, April graduated from 5th grade today. They sang this song
and it brought tears to many parents eyes.
April Oliveras, I hope you still feel small when you stand besides the ocean and I hope you DANCE! ♥ ♥ ♥ Congrats to all the 5th graders of EC KILLIN and beyond! xxxxxxxx

I Heart Faces - May face photo

2011-05-31T17:58:00.006+09:00

I've been let loose in London with my iphone and fisheye attachment. My MAY photo of choice is not a cute baby or kid, but some reather funny policemen in Trafalger Sq who were very interested in the lens, except the sneering one in the middle it seems LOL
Title: 'ello, 'ello, 'ello, wot's goin' on 'ere then?'

Sandy has a ticket to ride...

2011-05-25T18:13:00.000+09:00

This session is out of the archives, with Sandy PCSing it took a while to finalize so I thought I would dust of the blog finally!

They wanted an urban shoot with the Harley so that's what we did, it was so much fun!

Haters in the background!

OMG, I just love this image of Sandy!

She is one happy beautiful soul sister! Miss you Sandy!

Yeah, Sandy has a ticket to ride...and she's alright!

Toguchi for three

2011-05-21T12:07:00.001+09:00

Back at Toguchi (see told you it's popular, nothing wrong with that!) with another photogenic family...An early morning...it's so peaceful...

Up, up and away! Pure joy...in the early morning sun...

Meet three month old baby A...Cutepie...

All you need is love...

Love is all you need! I'm singing the Beatles now!

Gotta make sure to get some of the parents alone too...just for a min!

Taking in the scenery for this family portrait. Love all the colours of this place and their clothes are great for the shoot...

Even though it's a shoot, it's also a moment to spend some time and I hope when my clients look at their images, they remember these little moments: the sounds, the smell and the time...that's what it's all about!

Hey Daddy, you're so funny!

Dad and son spending a moment listening to the sea...I love these kind of spontaneous images...

Love this...

Thank you Schrager Family, it was a great shoot :o)

Location, Location, Location!

2011-05-18T11:46:00.000+09:00

Mr. J was bright eyed & bushy tailed for this early morning shoot...What a happy fellow!

Toguchi is one of the most popular spots for clients since it has a bit of everything there: Beach, grass, caves, steps...It's gorgeous...

It is funny because there are all these cartoony robot videos circulating about the whole photography scene worldwide. The other day another photographer had posted one that is specific to Okinawa and Toguchi is mentioned in it. I have no idea who made it but it's quite funny! Here's the link. No sillouette shots in this blog post today though ha ha. You have to love toguchi though and you can see why clients and photographers love it! I mean look at it...

Some Oki family time...What a good looking family!

The infamous steps! They make for a great backdrop!

I had a great morning with you three...Thank you Tetreault Family!

Speak to you soon blog!

Fun times with the Grandparents...

2011-05-15T11:59:00.004+09:00

This is the shoot that came after this one. I haven't done a shoot here since the Hong Kong engagement session in 2009, so I was excited to go back there. Grandad wanted some red buildings to represent their time in Okinawa so that's how we came to be here!

And it turned out to be a great photoshoot!

We found some great little corners and I wish I could share all the photos but the blog would topple over from photo heaviness...It's already on the brink LOL

The girls showing how it's done fish eye style. I love me some rainbow flares too!

Grandma and the girls. She was wonderful to talk to, we had a real laugh!

Grandad was pretty cool too, here getting some grand-daughter love!

Cindy reminds me of Rosie the Riveter!

With a deployed husband and a newborn and 2 older girls, oh and a full time job, she's quite an inspiration! Here's Cindy and her girls.

Little Miss. Z. slept the whole shoot, which was fine and it helped me to easily get one of my fave newborn shots!

Cindy and her Dad...

and with Mum!

Grandparent LOVE...It's special and there's nothing quite like it.

Let's have some laughs!

They are so cute!

The girls were great, I got some great individual portraits too which they were more than happy to pose for, but again don't want to overload the blog, so here's one of the 2 of them!

Did we get enough red stuff Grandad?

Thanks again, Cindy and the gang, it was such a fun shoot and I am so happy you liked the results...xxxxxxxx

7 days new. awww.

2011-04-29T08:11:00.002+09:00

OK, I am wayyyyyy behind blogging. I lost my blogging flow. I'm trying to get it back. No excuses, just life. 2011 is throwing me a few curve-balls...must be the super moon or something!
Let's get the ball rolling with Cindy's shoot for her beautiful newborn...and her gorgeous self. Looking great for a Mum with a newborn for sure. Fresh faced and bushy tailed!

I've known Cindy for a couple of years now. I am glad she called me for a shoot! Cindy is a trooper. She has 2 older girls and a newborn and a deployed husband. WOW. Mum and Dad were in town for the birth, so I got them in a shot, we were really pushing it with the light, it was a rainy grey day, but we did OK! I utilized the best window in the house! Cindy's parents were so nice and delightful to talk to. It was just like chilling out with family really. It helped too that Mum is dutch so we had that European connection going on! I am glad to say that Cindy booked 2 shoots and the next blog post will be the family session. But here is one that I grabbed a the end of the baby sesh!

My fave part about faces. The eyes! Look at those eyes! This is the face of determination! Little Miss Z. is the double of Daddy. And I am glad to say he is now safely home!

Some portraits...

Hanging out!

One of my faves too!

I had just got my micro (macro) 105 2.8 lens when I did this shoot, so I figured I would give it a run for it's money. Here's some shots I like! It's a great lens for Macro and for portraits too...

In BW too...

Pudgy baby hand! Notice the creamy background of Z's face? That's the mark of a great lens shot wide open at 2.8 (which I needed for the light that day!)

One more 'straight outta camera' to show that whole shoots aren't always rainbows and butterflies...'Mummy, I'm hungry, feed me nowwwwwwww!'

But, I tell you what, they are always real and babies run the show that's for sure. And that's how it should be! I enjoy these baby shoots (including the crying offshoots) even though I am nervous before every shoot! No peeing on me today. Success! Thank you Reiter Family, It was a pleasure for sure!

3 years ago today!...

2011-03-12T11:56:00.001+09:00

(or was it tomorrow?!!!) We touched down on this little island...April was 7, Loubie was 4...

Today starts another 3 years! Yep, we extended. We went back and forth. We both like it here. We both wanted to stay and other times go LOL. The kids like it, but they are kids: naturally adapting. Some days I think 'yikes' others I think 'Brilliant' It's like Dr. Suess' 'My Many Coloured Days!' I have had highs and lows, time has flown and time has stood still. I have made some wonderful lifelong friends, met a few tools, and made many acquaintances too. I always think you meet everyone for a reason. So I compiled a very quick random list of what I love about Oki and what I don't. I think it's very balanced. Like it should be. Yin yang!

Things I love about Okinawa:
The beaches/sea - we live across the street from the sea
The Okinawan people
The food
Okuma
shells
Shisa and Taiko
I have met more Brits/NZers/Aussies/Internationals than anywhere else!
The great friends I have made (all world nations!) and the inspiration that comes from true friendships.
The sunsets. They just don't get old for me!
Space A (when it goes according to plan!)
Photography and being able to grow in it, plus the biz I started here is going great and meeting all the clients!
Geocaching (took nearly 3 yrs to start it but love it!)
Exploring (never stop!)
COLA...we need it and we should get more!
It's safe for kids, well that is the belief.

Things that annoy me about living on Okinawa:
The mosquitoes (this is kinda raw in my mind after a recent ER visit LOL)
The small town feel sometimes gets on my nerves, but can be comforting too.
The price to travel off the island is very often horrifying. I want to be closer to family.
The motorbikes in the middle of the night, kind of used to it now (I may even have reverse annoyance with the lack of this noise when I eventually move!)
The rank wearing wives (get over yourself, it's not your job! Thank God I've made some great like-minded friends!)
AFN and their stupid ads and that we don't get Nat Geo out in town.
The humidity...it's too bloody much sometimes!
The traffic lights and the drivers!
The yen rate. Aggghhhhh.

The positives definitely outweigh the negatives! Sometimes I ask myself (a bad day) why on earth did we extend. Well, to be honest, the main reason for me leaving would be to be close to my family as in 2 hr flight close. If we went back to the States, I am still not home. Yes, probably closer in flying time, maybe cheaper (not even sure of that these days). We would be closer to my hubby's family in NYC, of course. But a whole new set of probs would occur with the elimination of the COLA (overseas cost of living money), I would need to work A LOT more, most likely I would go back to work FT, therefore, not much leave, therefore, I can't travel home or anywhere willynilly. Do you get my thinking? I also realize I am not writing in correct sentences, but that's OK! I'm not here to impress anyone! Also, I have noticed, when living near friends/relatives (I am talking a 30 min car drive away, etc) you won't see each other for months. Life is so busy!

So, on another note: Yesterday Mainland Japan had a MASSIVE (biggest ever) 8.9 Earthquake followed by a Tsunami that sent Tsunami warnings throughout the 'ring of fire'. I sit here and I ponder the thought, what can I do, what can I do that is more than a donation to the Red Cross and suchlike? Thinking...
I read a Deepak Chopra quote and he said:
"Compassion is feeling the suffering of others and the desire and action to alleviate it. Compassion heals."
I was only in Tokyo a week ago, enjoying the many sights and sounds of the city. I can't even imagine being there, it was so great there and, of course, the people that we came across were so helpful and nice. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic event of Mother Nature.
May some peace and zen come over onto this world for a while. I recently took this zen monkey image in Nagano, Japan. Will write a blog post about it all soon!

Speak to you soon!

POEM Album Shoot 3

2011-03-08T11:34:00.000+09:00

For Poem's third and last album shoot, we really played around with the light. It was a case of Lights. Camera. Tripod! Oh and this road, that is normally not so busy, decided (or course) to be very busy on this night! Typical! But it was fun, very improvised and not your normal (for me) type shoot!

He really liked the ghost effect that we were creating as we experimented! You should have seen us out there! LOL

Hanif, again, I thank you for your creative input too. I hope you and your family have a fantastic time in Germany!

I Heart Faces: Best Face Photo - FEB 2011

2011-03-08T09:04:00.000+09:00

This is my best face photo for FEB 2011.

This man is like a living legend here in Okinawa. Seen everywhere on his motorbike from the South of the Island to the North. Always with the flower hat. He was kind enough to let me take his photo a few weeks ago! Here's a link to an article about him on Okinawa Hai!

POEM Album Shoot 2

2011-03-06T11:33:00.000+09:00

Part 2: American Village...

Poem wanted to display his body art and what better place than early morning in American Village! I told you he was a nice guy, look at all the peace and love references in all kinds of languages...

We walked around and just stopped where we saw a good light spot that matched the concept he wanted...

Originally we wanted to go to Naha to get lots of traffic action, but time constraints put a stop to that...so we worked the roads with no traffic!

Poem: the American (village) dream!

Part 3 on the way!

POEM - Album shoot 1

2011-02-23T20:28:00.004+09:00

I am so glad I got to do this shoot for Hanif AKA POEM. His vision and mine were so in line with one another that it made the whole shoot very smooth sailing (apart from all the weather reschedules of course, oh and a few less kids than expected!!!)

Hanif was doing this shoot for his 3rd album cover (In the Moment) and he wanted some graffiti walls and some kids. Well, sometimes plans don't work out and instead of the scheduled 5 kids you get one (if I had known I would have rallied my own and friends kids as back up LOL)

Here's a BW one! Reminds me of an album cover from the early 90's or something, maybe a Nas album cover!

Hanif knew I loved graffiti and urban style shoots and had read that I used to do freelance for some Hip Hop magazines back in my NYC days, so that's what drew him to my work!

And what a great guy he is. All about the community and love and peace of Hip Hop culture... Have a listen...POEM = Prepared. Oracle. to. Elevate. Mics.
I thought I would add a cross process effect to this one and I quite like it...

Thank you, Hanif. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and partaking again in my love of urban hiphop shooting. We should collaborate in NYC one day! Have a great time in Germany with your family and don't forget little old me when you hit the BIG big time!
Part 2 of this 3 part shoot coming soon!

I Heart Faces - iphone photography

2011-02-23T09:40:00.004+09:00

Taken with hipstamatic (my fave app). I have other face ones I actually prefer - somewhere - but this one was on hand and still a face and I love orange! OK, that's all running out the door now, gotta make sure I don't forget the iphone! LOL

No entry...

2011-02-17T23:19:00.001+09:00

Of course I'm there!

I am wayyyy behind on blogging, but this was part of the Santa hats shoot before Christmas with my good friend Jen and family...Relaxing after a long teacher work week...

April's BFF...and partner in crime!...

Son Nick looking handsome at the sun sets in front of him...(and behind he he)

and sweet M...

My family has so much fun with this family (and Jen and I do pretty much on our own too). This session was just like a fun walk along the Araha area at sunset with friends! This image went on a 20x30 gallery wrap (the bigger the better for preserving memories I say!)

See ya soon!

I Heart Faces - Red

2011-02-14T23:39:00.004+09:00

I just love this recent session image and it's RED!

...and it's LOVE! Happy Valentine's day to all the life lovers, groovers, shakers and music makers (Yeah, I just finished watching the Grammys!). And it's also red because this week's challenge is in support of Go Red for Women. Love and take care of your heart, it works hard for you!

There's nothing like family...

2011-02-07T11:20:00.001+09:00

I'm a bit behind on the old blog, but better late than never! Right before Christmas, Yes, I do realize it's Feb, I did another shoot with Mary and Family...

Some urban feel shots this time...

Hanging with Dad...

I first did their maternity and then newborn...and now nearly a year and a half later is the handsome Mr. D. who now looks like a little boy! Amazing how time operates!

He was a great little model then and a great little model now...I had to capture those eyes again, just like his baby shots!

A quick one of the lovely Mum and Dad before we left...

Thank you again Mary and Don and baby D, hope 2011 started off great for you...xxxxxxxx

Castle in the Sky - Part 2

2011-01-31T21:19:00.000+09:00

Part 1 HERE! So, back with part 2 of the castle ruins shoot. One of the first photos...a nice 'classic' family portrait!

Little Miss. M here exploring...What's in that hole?

Running from the light...makes for a nice shot!

The 'let her run free' part of the shoot...

She is so photogenic...HERE is one of my fave child portraits in 2010...in BW

Love these too!

Peek-a-boo...

Some family time again...

It was getting to be winter in Oki!!! {and it hasn't stopped!}

A quick one of Mum and Dad before we chase M down a field!

And saying goodbye to the ruins and Okinawa for this family. I hope you love your new life...

Thank you Anderson Family and I want to thank you again to my long distance pal Shelia Stone (who I wish was still here) for sending them my way in the first place. Thank you!

I Heart Faces - Best Face Photo of Jan 2011

2011-01-31T17:32:00.006+09:00

I completely forgot about the challenge this week and just happened to stumble upon the post on facebook just now. The first photo I thought of is this one of the gorgeous Feven. Myself and fellow photographer/friend Katey decided to do an exotic inspired shoot a couple of weeks ago and I really like how this one came out. It's so mysterious and well, exotic LOL. Our friend Glamoureyes Kim did the make up which was just perfect for the shoot...I dug out my scarves and bindis and bam! we were ready to rock 'n roll!

I Heart Faces - Innocent wonder

2011-01-24T15:36:00.004+09:00

I chose this photo from a recent session because, well, first I thought the theme was 'soft and sweet' LOL. I think innocent wonder works just as well because, for me, it's all about the eyes. Little M's eyes just show so much soul and wonder for the world. This is my fave portrait from the session and I just love the silence, peacefulness and the connectedness of the image. She is in the moment of 'innocent wonder'.
Have fun checking out all the inspiring entries xxxxxxxx
PS: Thank you I Heart Faces for making my winter wonderland entry last week one of the winners. My daughter was so chuffed too. I think that is her 2nd or 3rd win for themes! Next, I'll have to get her uploading her own entries! On a side note: It's 48 here tonight but has a wind chill so pretty cold for Okinawa!

In an Okinawan state of mind!

2011-01-22T07:34:00.001+09:00

Back to blogging oh procrastination central that I can be!

Noraida, also known to me, as the Space A Queen, is one of those people that has the purest hearts: so happy and joyful and full of life energy, in a non-condescending way - just very humble and true and real. I just love her! She knew EXACTLY where she wanted to shoot and it wasn't the beach and the usual spots. She wanted the back streets of Okinawa and took me down the winding roads...

and past many an interesting concrete building (with mirrors of course) to get there.

It was a great shoot! Thirsty work!

We first met through a mutual friend of my husbands way back in 2008 when we first got here. Noraida is the sweetest person and invited our whole family over for a Puerto Rican dinner and that is without even really knowing up for more that 5 mins. You know us Puerto Ricans have to stick together (you see since I am married to a Puerto Rican I am therefore Puerto Rican by default LOL). Noraida is just gorgeous. Lucky me, I get to take pics!

I just LOVE this one of Noraida and hubby...

And Mummy and daughter...

Here are the kids...first S. So fun and beautiful...

Then E...sweet and quiet...

and H...So mature and such a great young man...

Anyone for another drink break? Not hard to find a vending machine here!

Thank you Noraida and Fam. You are all wonderful!

Have you ever...

2011-01-17T14:05:00.000+09:00

thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?

Loubie loved it...

So did April!...

This photo idea came to mind after listening to the pink song, actually while in zumba: the endorphins must have given me a burst of inspiration! Of course, it was weeks before I actually took the pics! The kids enjoyed this immensely, as you can see! Fun and creativity all around: I get my photo fix and they get their kid fix!

I Heart Faces - Winter Wonderland

2011-01-17T14:02:00.005+09:00

OK, so it's not snow, it's glitter! But, I thought it looked kind of wintery and I do supposedly live on a sub tropical island (although you wouldn't think so lately, it's been freezing -Oki freezing 48 at night Brrrrr, I know some people will read this and want to drop kick me right now!) It is taken in January though! It's hard to get that winter wonderland effect unless you go to the one fake snow place on the island or the ice skating rink! And, honestly, I am too cold to go! LOL

Out of the darkness, came the light!

2011-01-17T10:43:00.001+09:00

I don't even know where to start with the Crow Family! I had shot this family before helping Annya out with her family shoot in Naha almost 2 yrs ago (wow, time flies, miss you Annya!). They are a wonderfully photogenic family and so laid back, just like most of my clients I am happy to get! Early Dec had some crazy rain...It was like out of the darkness came the light!

I don't remember a crazier season full of rain and trying to shoot in it! But, the sun came out for this shoot!

So much so that we actually scheduled earlier than usual because the weather had been so cloudy, so of course, we get to the location and it is SO bright!

So, what did we do?

We took the session slllooowwwwww and we got some great shots...

and llloooonnnngggg shadows! Luckily as well, the kids are older. I know for younger kids there is a time limit and when they are done, they are DONE!

and we shot in the shade! Good looking parents...(If you're on Oki, you might recognize Jeannette as she is a boot camp instructor and fitness class teacher (a very good one I hear, I need to try a class one of these days!)

and three good looking kids...

Beautiful pensive moment...

Love the eyes...I LOVE eyes!

We did that until the sun went behind a cloud...

or two (When I saw this on the LCD, Jeannette and I knew it was a fave!)

They ordered this on a 16x24 standout which looks great and is a nice and light alternative to gallery wraps! Here's an iphone pic of it!

Finally the sun actually went down for sunset readiness!

Fisheyed of course! It was a glorious night!

I'll leave you with this image which I love in colour and also LOVE in BW x

The weather is a big part of the shooting story and it's actually fun to play with it. In fact, I will eventually blog about the full torrential downpour that I helped shoot for Mad Banana! Now, that was something else!

Castle in the Sky

2011-01-08T12:01:00.001+09:00

The kids and I watched the movie Castle in the Sky recently. I love all of Hayao Miyazaki 's films, I think my fave is spirited away. Ponyo was great too and Howl's Moving Castle. OK, OK, I love them all! Well, there is a castle in the sky here in Okinawa (sort of!).

This was the 2nd shoot featuring Little Miss. M. She was just ONE then! Now look at her!

Had to get a quick couple shot with the beautiful surroundings!

This family are were so great to shoot. Plus, we got lucky with a fantastic sunset that night!

This is the first part of the family shoot I recently did there...I was so happy this is where they wanted to shoot because I haven't shot there for ages. It was great to go back! Part 2 coming next...Great memories of Okinawa. Safe travels :o)

The Cheeky Plane Flyer!

2011-01-07T15:37:00.000+09:00

I LOVE my clients. What a great session with little Mr. J and his plane!

They made this so easy for me. It helped that I knew Michelle (another fellow Brit!) already!

And their eyes, Wow!

And wow again! This one's for the hubby! Beautiful!

I love the capture a strong portrait and to capture (without sounding like some sort of arrogant so and so) the soul of a person in their eyes! That sounds just. so. ostentatious and that's so not how I am. But, it's how I feel and I mean it! Especially kids, you can really see their innocence and open minds in their gorgeous faces! I love people!

We had a fun morning! Jumping...

Posing...

Mum too!...

Being silly...

And being together...

It can be hard when hubby gets deployed, been there and done that a few times, but Michelle you are a trooper and a great Mum and soon you will be together again and England bound (I'm Jealous!) before you know it! Thanks you so much Michelle for choosing me to take your photos. Big Hugs to your little man! Oh, gosh, this is going to be a hard PCS season for me, all my Brits are leaving. It's so nice having fellow Brits here. BOOOOOOO!

Happy New Year...

2011-01-04T12:04:00.001+09:00

...from the land of the rising sun (and flowers and bees and skies and leaves!)
4 days late, but better late than never, eh...just some recent images I wanted to share...

I hear this when I look at this bee pic!

Oki sunsets, never get old for me. Inspire me.

Life.

May you all get what you wish for in 2011 and especially what you need! I do not normally make resolutions, but since I mentioned it (!) this year I aim to spend more time writing letters on cool paper. More time playing and drawing and blowing bubbles with my kids. To travel. To see my Mum and Dad. To laugh more. To enjoy the moments. To be happy and grateful. That's all I can think of for now!

I Heart Faces - Best face 2010

2011-01-04T11:20:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year. This is my best face photo of 2010, adding it to the IHF's weekly contest...

I spotted this little Indian girl with her parents in a temple in the Indian area of Singapore. It was taken in Feb last year (Wow, I said it, last year! Feels weird!) She was like a little ray of light, fluttering around the place like a butterfly. I HAD to ask her parents if I could photograph her. I LOVE portraits and I love eyes, so this is my 2010 fav image, it just makes me happy! Her eyes are reflections of the innocence and beauty of children. Taken with a D300 and the 50mm 1.8. Here are some of my Singapore images if you want to check them out. One. Two. Three.

Adams Family at Araha!

2010-12-27T17:34:00.001+09:00

Caroline's family is back, this time with Dad in tow. Caroline loved her spring pics so much (Thank You!) that she came back for a full family session just in time for Christmas! Love this!

You can Tell they have been in Oki for a while with J's hand gesture! Last time we got some great one's of Cazza and the kids, now it was Dad's turn...

In BW (I still love my BWs!)

Awww, kisses for Dad...Love this!

Look at these two, such a gorgeous shot of the pair of them...Beautiful!

Now, moving on to the beach, they wanted a fisheye shot of the 'beach world of Oki'.

Here's a slightly different edit that I like...more gritty...

Onwards for some more portraits...The Sunny Adams Family!

Brother and sister...They were such great and patient models...

Mr. J...He wanted to turn his collar up! Ha ha rock n roll!

And of course, little Miss. N. The hardest child in the world to photograph!

We will end this photo heavy post with a sunset Mum and Dad moment. 5 secs of peace!

I love when clients become friends and also when friends become clients because I already know them and they know me and my crazy sense of humour and it get's worse once I go into photographer mode! I can be me! Not so hard, since Caroline being a fellow Brit knows how mad we all are! It's a labour of love really, it's still work, but it is enjoyable, that's great! Thanks so much, Adams Family, it was a BLAST! I will really miss you when you leave this island. Let's go for tea and scones soon! Can't wait to see these on your wall!

Daddy's home!

2010-12-24T09:47:00.000+09:00

Can you feel the love and the joy?

This was very emotional for me to photograph...

I thought I might cry!

But, I held it down and went into my photographer zone...it was HOT, it was 1pm bright crazy light, it was spontaneous, but this is when Daddy came home, so we worked it!

Happy couple! Pure Joy for the appropriately named Joy and Hubby!

Thank you Cote Family for choosing me to photograph this very special moment in your life...

Happy day!

Love and Peace...

2010-12-20T09:49:00.000+09:00

Let the fun begin, kids are off school, so much to be done: parks to play in, lights to inspire, wrapping, cooking, shopping and still have lots of editing to do, late at night I am guessing. Of course, April get's a cough and Loubie's asthma has flared just in time for the holidays. But, that's life. You live it, whatever it throws your way. It's all good. In the wise words of Bob Marley: Every little thing gonna be alright! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...

Carrot juice stained face and all! A king must have his carrots!

Often times people strive to have the perfect life, to show their face to the world as perfection. I especially notice this in this society, it's all about keeping up appearances. I have felt this infiltrate my life and I don't like it. So, I challenge everyone to be real, life isn't perfect, it wasn't meant to be. It's just meant to be lived. So live your life! Yeah!

"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light get's in" Leonard Cohen.

Love that quote. Very photography too! I hope 2011 can bring more peace and love and hope worldwide for all. For the children. For us all. Like Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world" (Loving my quotes today!!!) Bye!

A year ago...

2010-12-16T17:31:00.002+09:00

Aiko and Justin: Preparing for the wedding...WOW, this was a year ago. Yes, a year ago, Annya and I second shot a wedding with Suwanee. I was just going through my unpublished drafts (tidying up!) and realized I forgot all about this post and then realized it was a year ago. Time, it flies.

It seems like yesterday and at the same time a very long time ago. What a great day we all had though! The three of us worked so well together, it was great. Happy ONE year anniversary Aiko and Justin!

Timeless BW

Painted lips...

Pensive...

The hubby to be!

Now, that was a flashback! Maybe I will actually dig up some of the actual wedding that I didn't blog either LOL

Tie Dye

2010-12-15T14:45:00.001+09:00

Here a few of April, my *sort of* willing model (daughter, April, in case anyone is reading that doesn't know!) for a product shoot for the wonderful Lora of Sun and Moon Tie Dye...I have more, just behind in everything!

Love all the colours, there are some great tie dyes!

I Heart Faces - Pets

2010-12-14T08:04:00.001+09:00

OK, I know this is not a pet. But, if I had a net and caught it and brought it home to fly around my apt. then it would be ha ha. I am calling this 'The Galloping Butterfly'!
I took this last week while on a city photo walk about with my photography group. Right at the end we came across an overgrown lot and found these butterflies. They were really pretty tame. And they were really pretty! My friend had lent me her macro (Nikon speak=micro) for the day. Earlier on the walk, I mentioned I needed some butterflies to photograph and BOOM, I got my butterflies! Love it, and loved chasing these! There was also this HUGE bee that was so laden down with pollen that it looked like it might drop from the sky, but I didn't get a good shot as it was pretty far away!

Sleigh bells ring...

2010-12-11T20:36:00.004+09:00

are you listening?...

In the lanes snow is glistening (screeeecchh..NOT!)...It's a beautiful night, we're happy tonight...

Walking along a tropical island beach!
I finally had it, a shoot where the Christmas hats came out LOL and it couldn't have been more fun with friend Jen and her great family. More coming soon!

I Heart Faces - Self Portrait!

2010-12-06T15:42:00.004+09:00

OK, over at I Heart Faces it is self portrait week. Hmmmm, I am always up for a challenge and not one to take myself too seriously, I thought I could use some help in the photo!
My face says it all, 'grin and bear it and then run, these heads are freaking me out' LOL I am still working on my photographic use for them!
I used my Hipstamatic application, which I LOVE. I don't bring my 'real' camera out all the time now and I have gotten some fab shots with my new iphone (that I resisted for a long time, thanks for persisting Hubby!)

When NO means NO!

2010-11-29T22:15:00.001+09:00

And how it became YES! Sneak Peek Here!
Photographing children is sometimes a challenge, but it's one I love. I just love kids eyes, they are so open and expressive. Well, Mr. M, he wasn't having any of me, even my silly dances and the singing. (oh no, NOT my singing). My Mum is tone deaf and tells me I am tone deaf. So, that's pretty bad! Ha ha! NO was the word of the day. I must say I love this shot of him!

Ha ha, he is so not having it, but looks so, so cute! So, when NO means NO, I just will observe with the camera and still get a shot that I love eventually. It's all OK, because kids are really only in this NO moment for a while and they will come out of it with some high energy and psychological tactics! Don't worry no child was harmed! LOL

Your own kids are always going to make you more frustrated. You want your child with their best face forward. But, for me, it's not my child, so I don't really get frustrated, I just see the challenge, it's no biggie. That's my job! (Now, if it was my kids that would be a different story, I would be majorly frustrated!) I mean, he is 2.5 yrs old! I couldn't expect anything more or anything less! That great thing about 2.5 year olds is that they are also inquisitive little things! Here are some 'outtakes' to prove the point as we were transitioning from the 'NO' to the 'YES'!

And Yes! That inquisitive nature of childhood is when magic seems to happen!

Right back attcha!

That leaves mum and Dad as happy parents!

And me as a happy photographer!
Thank you Jenn, Mike and Mr. M. for the great morning!!!

I Heart Faces - Scenic BW

2010-11-29T21:25:00.000+09:00

This was from an engagement session just before the summer. The weather looked a bit iffy (was it or wasn't it going to rain?) but it was great! You can't see the blues in the sea here with it being BW but even when it is cloudy those tropical blue Okinawa sea hues can still shine through!

Happy Thanksgiving World!

2010-11-26T00:21:00.004+09:00

About as Autumn-y as it gets around here! I love the red leaves and the busyness of this photo!

Remember, if you are in Okinawa, just a few more days for my photos at Cactus Eatrip. I know I am going to be heading there sometimes this week for warm bagels and a pot of hot Earl Grey tea!

And baby makes...

2010-11-23T10:00:00.000+09:00

Four!

Remember this maternity shoot. Baby M came into the world on Oct 9th. Here's a little card I compiled...

Mum and Baby had a rough start. But they are strong. He's a fighter. Baby M was in NICU for 10 days...

He is doing great now. getting some love from his family, including kisses from Big bruv!...

You wouldn't believe it looking at these photos because although Mr. M likes to sleep, he chose this morning to be the day that he was going to stay awake pretty much the whole time! Dad here giving some love and comfort...

AND, to add to it, there was a routine fire alarm right in the middle of the session and it was SO LOUD! 'There is a fire, evacuate now' over and over on a loud speaker inside the apartment followed by sirens that could quite easily give someone a heart attack (no joke!)...so off we went downstairs to get a fire brief!...Finally, we got some sleeping ones!...

Love some BW...

So snugly!

Goodnight moon!...

Welcome to the world Baby M. May the good times roll! Thank you Brittany, John and Bruv for your patience.

I Heart Faces - Paper

2010-11-23T08:52:00.004+09:00

Paper Plane Flyer. This was such a fun shoot and Mr. J. brought along his paper plane and it had to be incorporated into the shoot. I will be posting more from this cool shoot ASAP!
Go check out more great 'paper' at I Heart Faces

The Firecracker! Part 2

2010-11-16T15:02:00.000+09:00

I am officially what you call a VERY BAD BLOGGER! Remember Part 1? Well, I definitely wanted to share some more...A still moment...to start!

I am trying to catch up. I have about 6 shoots to blog about and since I like to do a little bit of writing, unless I am in the writing mood I am afraid they don't get done! Plus, time. Time, oh my, where are you going? It's flying and I have been super busy lately...Not quite as busy as Miss. A. I might add. Because she is a very very busy person!

A cute busy person, I might add!...

A cute one of Mum and Dad getting, errrr, busy. Awwwww...

Amanda has some gorgeous eyes and I love this shot of her...

Feet, gotta love some feet! Especially cool and trendy ones!

Some Mum and Dad time...

And some family time - which is summed up by the spirit of the 'leaning tower of the Webb family'!!!

Guess who called the shots of this shoot? Yep, that's right, that little girl in the gorgeous purple dress! Hey, where did your shoes go?!!!

OK, I did it, I did a blog post, hooray! Thank you Amanda, again, for choosing me to be the taker of your cool popping family photos 2010! It was a blast!

I Heart Faces - Silhouette

2010-11-16T08:33:00.004+09:00

Often, when I see the weekly title a specific image comes to mind (even out of the hundreds, one will just pop up!). This week was no exception. This is pretty different to my usual edit style, but this just called out for some wild editing and texture, almost like a painting! I wish I had one like this of me and hubby! It was funny, because we were there for a while as I wanted the splashes and one of the others I edited 'regularly' had an either bigger splash coming up (that is big for Okinawa!). Oh, the things we do for art!
Pop on over to the I Heart Faces site and see some great shots. Photographers, this is a really cool site. I have been participating for just over a year and a half and it's great!

What a difference...

2010-11-08T09:34:00.004+09:00

...just over a year makes!
Then (beach session)...

Now (urban session)...

Mr. M. still has those beautiful (swim in them) eyes. More to come, I have been a procrastinating blogger, been busy shooting and living life, but will get in the blog groove again asap!

I Heart Faces - Orange

2010-11-07T08:41:00.001+09:00

Orange!

This is my favourite colour this year, it just makes me happy!

'Tis that time of year!

2010-11-02T16:49:00.004+09:00

Holiday shoots are in full swing. I want to thank everyone who has booked a shoot this year and this autumn season. I can probably squeeze one more mini shoot in Dec. if anyone is interested. I am now taking clients for January 2011 and beyond!

A couple of my clients have asked about cards. I can order custom cards for clients and I just wanted to show some examples. These are quick drafts of some designs...

Basic sizes are 4x6 and 5x7...Of course I can customize with a name and message like the example above...I just wanted to get this post out asap...

This one below is a 6x6...again, I can customize...

I can make cards for existing and past clients. Orders take about a week to get here, so you need to order soon to get the cards out here and then out to whether you want to send them! I think the last post from Okinawa to the States is very early Dec. Last year I sent my cards via email...saved time and of course the environment as well as my sanity, so that's an option too. Also, you can always send New Year cards, another way to ease the stressful holiday to do list so you can live your life in relatively calmness!

On another note, my photos are UP at Cactus Eatrip, please go check them out - find and sign the guest book for a chance to win a matted 11x14 art print.
Speak to you later!

Okinawa Loves Bagels!

2010-10-13T10:31:00.004+09:00

I am excited to have some of my photos up at the Bagel Store for the month of Nov.

Please come check out some of my photography at Cactus Eatrip, one of Okinawa's BEST cafes. My family loves that place! It has such an eclectic, chilled vibe, you just don't want to leave and the bagels are delish! Remember parking is at a premium there so carpool if poss!

The Firecracker! Part 1

2010-10-09T10:40:00.001+09:00

Wow. Energy. That is the one word to describe Miss. A. It was hard for me and my camera to keep up! Like a serious morning work out ha ha. Such a fun shoot! A collage of outtakes!

Amanda, who is a fellow photographer on island, contacted me to take her family photos. We chose the new American Village for the bright walls and the cool urban feel...

There are colours everywhere, it's like candyland!

Miss. A. was such a funny little girl, she seriously did not stop moving, I think I have spinning photos that look like a tornado flying through town. Ha ha! But, I did get her still for a few...

Put that tongue away!

I felt bad for her, because I was singing. That's hard to listen to! I love this simple shot! Look at those eyes!

I took a three hour nap after this session, LOL. More soon!

Autumn in Okinawa...

2010-09-28T08:33:00.006+09:00

Quite a silly title, since we are on Okinawa and it's still so HOT. However, the weather has been so great lately. So, San Diego-ish (almost!). I can actually walk the dog without him looking like he is going to die with the next step. I have actually had the AC off a few times and . Shock. Horror. Even opened my windows for a few! Anyway, here are a few photos from my morning walks...

Gorgeous Araha...

The sea was pretty choppy so it was fun photographing water splashes, even if they were tiny. This was a fav pastime of mine back in La Jolla, San Diego!

I even did a shoot without coming back covered in sweat. Yay!

New beginnings, it's a beautiful thing!

2010-09-20T11:08:00.000+09:00

Here are some more from the recent Miller Family sneak peek. I haven't shot in this location for quite a while. Such a gorgeous foursome.

Yes, I did say 4!

Incorporating beautiful Okinawa into the shot!

Some Mum love...Mr. I. was cracking me up, he was so funny!

Dad and son...Love...

Look at Mr. I's eyes, such a photographer's dream face!

...and everyday the sun goes away but Mum is always there...

I didn't even realize we were having a funky reggae party shoot! Red, gold and green, colours are like my dreams! Ha ha!

Some individual one's of Mummy-to-be. Got to have the belly shot. Because Motherhood is amazing!

Brittany is gorgeous...

in BW too, I love my BWs!

Thank you so much for the fun shoot Miller Family and again, thanks Trish for coming and helping :o)

Drive by shooting...

2010-09-14T08:45:00.004+09:00

Kyoto style! *The title is coined by Larissa, more on that later!

I just had a fantastic trip to Kyoto, Japan with my friend, Larissa. This trip was actually planned and replanned many times with various friends but I could never do it what with husband being gone all the time and the kids, etc. It's actually the first time I have ever traveled without the kids and/or hubby. I am so glad I made this trip with such a fun travel companion. La La Larissa! We started out on Friday afternoon. By the time we had navigated our way from the airport to our hotel it was about 5:30pm. We threw our stuff in the room and hit the ground running (as we did for the next 3 days!). Our first stop was the Gion district of Kyoto because I wanted to photograph a Geisha. Well, it's not quite as easy as you think as the establishments that the Geiko frequent (as they are actually known thanks to a lovely Japanese couple we met whist philosophizing on Philosophers walk explained to us) are actually rather exclusive and pretty much the Geiko comes out of the place and gets straight in a waiting car. I like the BW too...

So, back to Larissa's term. A lot of the time whilst walking I would just shoot from the hip anything interesting I saw, some of the images would come out really gritty and that's cool! That's when Larissa said I was 'drive by shooting' LOL Back in the day, my Dad and I would go to Portobello Market in London. He would have a waist level finder attached to his camera to shoot street scenes inconspicuously. Because, seriously, people have had their cameras taken and destroyed or been beaten up getting street photography in London! So, here is a selection of my 'drive by shootings Kyoto style!...

Old man walking...

Bicyclist under a bridge, I really quite like this one, very raw...

An old lady walking along the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Toriis)

Mother and child walking the 10,000 Toriis...

Sumimasen!

Passing Maiko, I really like this image...This was night 2. We were more lucky and I was able to photograph some Maiko (apprentice Geiko) while they were waiting for their car to come. Here they are when I first saw them. More photos coming...

At the airport...

Here is a great article explaining what a 'Geisha' is!
And here we are, near the top of the 10,000 Torii's!

I will post some more from the Kyoto trip soon!

I Heart Faces - Vroom, Vroom

2010-09-14T08:25:00.004+09:00

I took this photo a week and a half ago on a weekend trip to Kyoto. We had just arrived in Kyoto, dumped the bags and headed straight to the Gion District to see if we could photograph a Geisha. This was the only one we saw. She literally was out of the establishment and in a car in seconds. I like the photo though, kind of reminds me of photos my Dad took of the Queen passing by in Dorset, UK in the 1980's!
See more entries, lots of them, over at I Heart Faces!

Sneak Peek and what's new!

2010-09-12T21:35:00.010+09:00

Hello people, just one sneak peek from a recent session, look at this cute little boy, he was great to photograph and just look at those eyes. Love. Thank you Trish for joining me too.

So, it's fall (or Autumn from a UK point of view). In Okinawa, it's really neither since it is still so flipping hot! But, let's just pretend it is for arguments sake! Here is April and I during the recent Typhoon Kompasu...

Anyways, That means my kids are back at school and people are booking sessions for the holidays or just because. I already have some sessions booked for Sept/Oct/Nov but am available for more dates. If you are in Okinawa, I am working on a special, similar to my spring special so watch this space or email me, maybe it will give me the kick up the bum I need!

I am also trying to write up some photography blog posts, I have been getting a lot of emails this year about how to do this, that and the other, what camera to use, lenses, etc, etc. I claim to be no expert, but I am drafting some fun posts about photography. I am a bit of a procrastinator, that's for sure!

Also, again Okinawa photo peeps, don't forget about PhotOkinawa. Here's a recent pic that Shannon of www.sme-photography.com took last week at her starbucks meeting. 9am first Thurs of the mth. See you there! Camera not required, but can come in handy for spontaneous moments like this!
My fellow Brit friend/photographer Chris Willson, shows us how to strike a pose! He's as nuts as I am LOL. Must be a Brit thang!

Yeah, we have a few laughs that's for sure! So, please come along! I'll end with my fav colour: Rainbow!

See ya!

I Love New York

2010-09-11T09:11:00.001+09:00

Always remember, never forget. NYC will always have a place in my heart. To all my family and friends in NYC, Big it up!

It's funny, when I got married, I knew nothing about the Marines. Or of the life it brings. Little did I know what a massive impact those buildings behind me would have on my/our life! My Mum and Dad loved NYC too!

Dario and Miriam, two very cool friends!

The lights will inspire you. LOVE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiryjGi6wZQ&feature=related

One Kyoto Quickie!

2010-09-10T09:08:00.003+09:00

Maiko. Gion District. Kyoto, Japan.

More soon!

She's a {belly} Dancer!

2010-08-24T10:31:00.001+09:00

I just love spontaneous shoots like these...

Angie is a Belly Dancer and a yoga teacher living in Tokyo. She came over to visit for a few days 2 weeks ago and we got to do a shoot, Yeah!

We went over to the new 'Island Depot' in American Village, which has some wonderful textured walls and colours, like this!...

After, the Urban-y shots, we went off to the beach to catch yet another fantastic sunset on Okinawa!...

That's where the dancing started!

Thank you to Michelle for setting up the shoot. Michelle and Jess for being 'Creative Directors'. April and Meela for assisting and fanning the model!

And, of course, Angie for being such a great model and dealing with the humidity! No doubt part 2 will come some time soon!

See some more on my Facebook Page.

I Heart Faces - Beach Fun

2010-08-24T08:29:00.000+09:00

This was definitely some beach fun! Angie, Belly Dancer extraordinaire over from Tokyo!
Hop on over to I heart Faces for LOTS of great beach shots, I think I am about #500, so when I say lots I mean lots! Enjoy!

Ruby makes three!

2010-08-20T08:38:00.000+09:00

Jocelyn and Larry wanted photos on their favourite beach. Memories for a time on Okinawa before PCSing back to the States soon...

Here's Ruby on her own!

She was such a good girl on the shoot and must have wondered what was going on: there's a big black square thing in front of a crazy lady making some odd sounds, oh well, I'm a dog, I'll just go with it!

Jocelyn definitely wanted to get some of the green mossy stuff on her backyard.

The sunset was hazy, but lovely colours...

As everyone knows, you can't keep a good dog down!

Then, we had an intruder into the shoot!

Oh no, that's just Barry, Jocelyn's brother who had literally just got off a plane to visit!
So, the boys were done with being photographed, let's get one of Jocelyn. I love her cheeky expression!

Beautiful! Thank you for the fun shoot!
After Jocelyn's shoot, I stayed behind, cracked open the tripod and took some long exposure shots for fun...

I created a collage to show the different editing effects from one shot. I like the way the sea was so calm and looks like a silky blanket. Next time, I will get some crazy waves long exposure.

Sunsets oh how I love thee!

2010-08-10T12:23:00.001+09:00

When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator - Mahatma Gandhi

I still have a one more client blog I am getting ready to post. In the meantime I just thought I would add some personal stuff too. I have been photographing quite a -ahem- few sunsets lately, they have been amazing out here this summer and there's not a better day to post than this week since we are under a tropical depression. Grey skies, wind and rain.

See what I mean? Everyday has been a different canvas. It's great! Very relaxing to walk along and photograph the sunset every night. Here's a close up of a cloud one night. BAM!

Oh sing of summer and a sunset
And sing for us, so that we may remember
The day writes the words right across the sky
They all go all the way up to the top of the night
Kate Bush (Remember her!!!)

April has also been coming with me and using my old camera and asking me loads of questions about depth of field and how to get this look, that effect, etc! Here's April behind the camera...She's a chip off the old block!

and then in front - spinning in her new spinney dress!

I have also made 'friends' with the local fisherman, who has taken a liking to my dog and likes to hold his leash when I am taking photos of the setting sun! I have also found my new favourite thing to do when taking photos of local people: give them a photo, they seem to really appreciate and enjoy it and I for sure do appreciate them letting me take their pic and giving it to them! Win-Win!

This is a typical daily scene on this jetty. It's so Okinawa - the fishing rods and the bike!

Not to be taking myself and my sunset quotes too seriously, I end with another quote I found that was appropriate for my dry, sarky sense of humour - it is genetically ingrained in me, I'm a Brit, I can't help it!
"Is there anything more beautiful than a beautiful, beautiful flamingo, flying across in front of a beautiful sunset? And he's carrying a beautiful rose in his beak, and also he's carrying a very beautiful painting with his feet. And also, you're drunk.” - Jack Handy
Heee heeee.

Run for the sun!

2010-08-09T11:56:00.001+09:00

Another PCSing {cute} family in June!

It was a gorgeous evening to walk and reflect out by Araha...

D was all about running and jumping...

He was so cute hanging out with his sister...

Who was also gorgeous and made for a great model!

Dad and Son in the grass...how cute!

No grass for Mum so we photographed the girls by the blue house...

Notice anything about this one, heee heee, I am now part of the family! This would normally be a crop/clone for a final print, nobody wants me in the photo!!! LOL

We got some couple time...

Loving some fisheye...

more!

and some family time...Goodnight sun!

Thank you Dawn, Derrick and the kids! Big thanks to the lovely Jyll for the referral. Gotta love my fellow photographer friends out here!

I Heart Faces - Purple

2010-07-26T14:16:00.007+09:00

For this weeks I Heart Faces theme I added a purple tint to the original edited photo that was kind of borderline pink/purple, more of a reality coloured cleaner edit.
This was taken during Cherry Blossom season here on Okinawa. My fellow photographer friend, Annya (who is Russian) and I (a Brit) did a 'for-fun' model shoot with Aya (who is Israeli) with Hair and make up by Michelle (who is from New Zealand). An international affair indeed!

Aya had just gotten this tattoo, in fact this is just the outline, it was cool to juxtapose it against some real cherry blossoms AKA Sakura!

It's a wrap!

2010-07-24T11:33:00.001+09:00

What I mean is I have pretty much finished up client shoots for the summer (This blog post is 4 weeks late!). I will have limited shoot availability for the odd shoot here and there or a mini shoot, please email me and hopefully we can arrange something. If you can't wait until the autumn, then I can recommend another photographer or two for you!
Talking of wraps. Here is another great product...

These are metal prints. They are really clean and modern and the colour just POPS!

Larissa's one is a 16x24. They have a back mounting block so are ready to go straight on your wall! Yippee!
There are so many things you can do with your photos from big gallery wraps to simple postcards like this...

I recently got 20 of these and sent them to far off family and friends. You can just pop them in the post and not feel guilty for not writing! I used to love to write letters but life is so fast, I need to take the time to do that. But in the meantime...you know!
It has been a really busy year photographically for me, THANK YOU so much to all my clients for making word of mouth the best advertising medium in the world! I really appreciate you all :o) And don't forget I have a referral plan :o) I have a couple more client shoots to post about, but other than that will be posting some personal stuff so keep reading!

Happy 1st Birthday!

2010-07-20T21:24:00.001+09:00

Here is Miss L. having a grand old time for her 1st birthday last month...we sang to her and that made her laugh quite a bit!

L's Mum Nikki is a fellow Brit. I think I have met more Brits here in Okinawa than I have in my entire time in the USA! It's great! We can natter on about chocolate and crisps and the lack of sunny weather in Okinawa (at that time) and say how much it reminds us of home! We even had to find our sun on the walls! These are wide angle shots that look great but I made them into a collage to show the activity that was going on!

and L was always on the move...seriously, I am surprised these photos aren't moving!

Non-stop with a pause here and there to contemplate the world around her!

Shine on you crazy diamond!

'cause the world, it's yours!
PS: Nikki and I almost got attacked by a crazy lady, which was rather scary at the the time but we can laugh about it now. We literally had to run into a restaurant and ask the man to tell her to go away (in Japanese!)

I Heart Faces - Over Your Head

2010-07-19T09:26:00.009+09:00

I am hoping this photo will count since the girl's face is semi-silhouette with the sun being behind her. I took this last week and I really like how such a spontaneous moment made for one of my favourite photos this year. You can def. see she is loving her kite flying with a big smile!

I heard Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' when I first uploaded this (Life is a mystery...). Also, Pink Floyd songs come to mind! Shine on you crazy diamond. (Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun). I often get a song stuck in my head to certain images. I am sure it is quite a common thing? My friend said it has a real film feel to it and I agree, so maybe that's it. But, for me, personally, there is something about this photo that makes me feel nostalgic! It's Happiness! And Peace! And Childhood! Hope you like it!