Emotions: Captivating

As soon as the lights dimmed, the music filled the air, and the curtain began to open, I thought to myself “There is no place else I’d rather be than RIGHT HERE…” I sat at the edge of my seat, ready and waiting for my niece to come out on stage to do her thing.

What photography is to me now, is what dance was to me in my youth. It was my life and it started as far back as I can remember. I had dreams and aspirations to grow up and DANCE, as I chasse'd throughout the house, daydreaming about doing hundreds of chaine turns into the perfect russian.

To see Robriana up on stage, beautiful, graceful, and doing what I yearned to do most of my life, my heart was filled with joy as tears continued to stream down my cheeks. I had my camera with me during the entire performance, but no pictures. Neither videography nor photography were allowed and (I never thought I would say this) I can appreciate that. Had multiple flashes been going off throughout the show or any bright lcd screens distracted my full view of the stage, I wouldn't have been able to take it all in and fully experience the amazing performance by this TALENTED group of young people. They danced from their hearts and it touched my soul, just as true artists do.

For the sake of recording this special night, I made sure to have my camera in hand when we met her outside of the venue after the show. So here’s my girl…

Love you so much and I’m really, REALLY proud of you.

Ohana

There is no greater compliment than wrapping up a session, then being asked by the same client for my availablity for another shoot. I'm blessed to be able to do what I love, and it's the icing on the cake to know that I've made someone happy with my (or their) images!

Recently I photographed this beauty for her senior pics. A week later, I met with Bonnie's family at the same spot for family portraits.

Thank you again, Bonnie for coming out to meet with me. You have such a beautiful and sweet family.

Here he is

And he's two months old. Already?

Here is proof that time passes way too fast. It seems like yesterday that I was on my way to meet with Itsy for her maternity portraits... All of a sudden Maikel's here and he's already two months old! :)

Check out this cute lil man in his Baby Jordan gear...

LOVE the big brown eyes and sweet little pout.

Dream.

Only as high as I reach can I grow,

Only as far as I seek can I go,

Only as deep as I look can I see,

Only as much as I dream can I be.

-Karen Ravn

aloha

There was pouring rain the day before and the day after, and somehow, we were lucky enough to get sunny and warm weather for Cienna's senior portraits. It was perfect.

Cienna's mother had beautiful flowers sent from her family all the way in Hawaii for Cienna to wear. It was important for them to incorporate a piece of their heritage in the photos. LOVE IT.

Cienna, Bonnie, and Carl... Mahalo Nui Loa :)

I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the family when you have your fam portraits taken!

EVERY SINGLE DAY...

... I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU.

The ocean. The sand. The beach.

I could see it in her big blue eyes. She wanted to go straight to the water. It was Ella's first visit to the beach and she was excited.

Thanks for finding me, Amanda and Carl! Now you have beach family portraits "in your backyard" in Monterey. I promise it's not always this cold around here;)