Personal | 4th of July 2010

Shawn worked a regular day and then had to do a run on the Captain's gig later that night. Little brother and I had no other plans, so we joined him to see fireworks on the harbor. Turned out to be a really cool experience for little man on the history of Pearl Harbor, from the Captain himself. The Arizona Memorial has much more presence, integrity, and beauty at night, in its steady and strong silence.

Military Photographer | Kearney Pre-Deployment

I had the pleasure of shooting a pre-deployment session for this adorable little family on a beautiful day at Ko'Olina Resort. They were so easy to work with and how can you not love the smiles on their pretty girl Calissa's face?! Thanks Kearney family! Safe travels and take care!

Military Photographer | Pre-Deployment Session Teaser

Tell me that grin isn't the cutest!

More to come.

Personal | Panorama

My first attempt at a panorama. Done without a tripod (hence, without horizontal consistency) so there is more to be desired, but pretty cool nonetheless. Will be trying many, many more!

(click for larger image)

Military Photographer | Rebhan Homecoming

When Jennifer contacted me about photographing her husband Michael's homecoming, I was really excited! It was the second one I've experienced and I may have been just as anxious as she was! (Unlikely, but you get my drift!) It's definitely an emotional experience, seeing families waiting for their loved ones and finally being able to shower them with affection. Definitely appreciating that my husband has been on shore duty since before we got married. Jenn and Mike are a gorgeous couple and I hope they enjoy this special time back together!

Personal | Making it stick.

In today's world filled with so many different social networking sites, I have learned that some photographers are willing to share their help and some are not. From those that are willing to give someone else a shot at success, I thank you eternally. Your tips have moved me along in my photography business evolution and I continue to grow in knowledge both in my passion and in business. I recently stumbled upon book reccomendations by the husband/wife duo of Gray Photography on how to not be another business failure statistic (if you are looking for tips, definitely check out their blog). I feel like camping out beside my mailbox to wait for these books to come. Photography is a tough, competitive world. You need to have strong business tools behind you to market your skills, and I fully intend to learn that side of the biz.

If you're good at it, and you keep wanting to get better at it, and you make people like you, you'll surely set out on the right foot.

Photography makes me feel like I am alive and growing. Makes sense that it is the means for capturing the 'alive and growing' part of other people's lives as well. :)

Military Photographer | Desiree + Micah (and Zesto!)

Meet Desiree and Micah. They had me cracking up during their shoot. I hope they don't hate me for saying it, but I think they were made for kissy pictures! :) So cute. We also took their German Shephard pup Zesto to Hickam for his first time in the water, which was too funny. I think his whole coat was covered in sand by the end.