A Change of Plans We were supposed to be on an airplane, flying over the Pacific, engrossed in a movie with ample snacks stowed in the seat pocket. Instead, our carefully packed luggage sat by the door at home while we wandered the length of Kaiona Beach Park slightly dazed and lost. First, there were […]
Family Photographer Favorite Time of Day I stood on the sand dunes taking in the scene. Birds skimmed the surface of the water and a smattering of pink clouds painted the horizon. Sunrise was still 15 minutes away, but it promised to be exceptional. I dug my feet further into the cool sand and mentally […]
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Relaxing at the Four Seasons As much as Adrianne longs for beautiful family photos, they’ve always proven to be a struggle. Her family didn’t fit that static mold. Past attempts to stand still, follow directions and smile always proved disastrous. She reached out because she wanted something different. After all, they are a mellow family […]
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The Best Compliment As the golden sky faded to a cool blue and we walked to our respective cars, he called out in an earnest tone, “When can we see you again?” “Soon, I hope” I called out and drove away with a smile on my face. That may be the biggest compliment you can […]
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Planning the Best Day Ever on Oahu Businesses are slowly beginning to open and change feels imminent. In the meantime, however, we grow restless under persistent stay-at-home orders. To combat the repetition and isolation, we’ve started to fantasize about the future. When things re-open and we can move about Oahu freely once again, what will […]
The Reunion When you live in Minnesota and have family in Singapore, Hawaii makes the perfect reunion destination. They simply had to meet in the middle. Still, it was a big trip for all involved and one they didn’t want to forget. A family photo session was the perfect way to capture the candid moments […]
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The Beginning I opened the door to soothing music and a delicate floral scent. It was a dramatic transition from the sterile hospital corridor with buzzing overhead lights. I arrived in the middle of a dance. Mike and Amanda gently swayed back and forth as she worked through a contraction while their doula flitted about […]
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Returning Home This Oahu family has been enjoying a temporary residence in Japan. They’re having an amazing time exploring the cities and countryside and even snow, but when you have small children it’s hard to be away from family. They make regular trips home, but this particular one was special. They were celebrating a first […]
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Awkward When we chatted before her session Marianne told me she was awkward in front of the camera and preferred a more candid approach to family photos. “Me too”, I replied. In all honesty, I hate having my photo taken and scheduling photo sessions for my own family is a painful experience. But the resulting […]
A Photography Workshop We first met at the Honolulu airport many years ago. I kicked the coffee-stained carpet and shifted under the weight of my camera bag as we talked in the waiting area. We were heading to Maui for a workshop and I was nervous. It was my first family photography workshop ever and […]
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Cooler Temperatures What’s that you say? Hawaii has seasons? Well, yes. Yes, it does. Summer and Winter a.k.a hot and less hot with the latter running November to April. As I write, I am currently wearing wool socks, wool pants, two shirts, and a sweater. Despite the layers, I find myself contemplating if I can […]
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Dangerous Marine Life Spotted My go-to spot for photo sessions in the Ko olina area is Paradise Cove. However, on this particular morning, the public parking lot was roped off with a curious sign that read “Dangerous marine life spotted in this area.” Dangerous marine life? My mind reeled. What on earth could it be? […]
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