The Way I See It...

Days off...

2010-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday, November 22, 2009

2009-11-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

A memorial is being held in HONOLULU, HI. Below are the details...

Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary

website

20 North Kukui Street

Honolulu, HI 96813

Memorial: 8:30am - 11:00am

Service: 11:00am - Noon

Casual dress. Light refreshements & pastries will be served.

************************

Mahalo to ALL of you that came last yesterday to Mom's services & to all of the ladies & men of Ke'ala 'O Kamailelauli'ili'i & Manawaiopuna for all of your hard work. Mom's service yesterday couldn't have been more Perfect.

A month prior to Mom's passing, she told Auntie Denice that she wanted to be cremated. Auntie Day told Dad & I, but Mom never made mention of anything else that she wanted. The day before Mom's passing, her & Dad were having a conversation....

Dad: I understand that you told your sister that you wanted to be cremated

Mom: Yes

Dad: Is there anything else you want?

Mom: I want my service to be like Uncle Val's (a good friends, husband who just passed 3mo ago) nice & simple

Dad: Ok, anything else?

Mom: 200 balloons....all green

Dad: Why balloons?

Mom: When my service is done, i want everyone to go outside & let them all go

We made it happen. One of the services that Mt. View Funeral Home offered was "release of 100 'green' biodegradable balloons," & they offered them in any color that we wanted. (the 'green' meant earth friendly, not the color lol) So last night, the first 200 people got balloons & EVERYONE went outside & we all let them go together. It was just so beautiful & just as she wanted.

We are heading to Honolulu on Tuesday...Dad, Myself, My family & some of Mom's good friends. We will be spending Thanksgiving with the family & then on Sunday, we will be having a memorial. For those in Hawaii, I really hope that you folks can join us. And please, please, please let me know who you are & how you know Mom. I've heard so many stories throughout my life of all these wonderful people that were in Mom's life at one point & I'd love to meet all of you.

Mahalo for all of the love, prayers & support....

testing 1,2,3

2009-10-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

testing testing

SRP BBQ

2008-02-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

Today I attended a bbq that I attend every year. When we FIRST did this bbq, there was only 2 rows of Subaru's & we knew almost everyone. This year....we filled the WHOLE parking lot & then some. I had a great time seeing old faces & meeting new ones!

SRP 2008 BBQ (Feb '08)

Head Shots

2008-02-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

I was hired to take head shots at Elliott Bay Mortgage company. Here is one of the many photos taken.

Elliott Bay Mortgage Photos (Feb '08)

Ka Hula Hou results...

2008-02-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

A HUGE CONGRATS to the boys of Manawaiopuna who kicked MUCH hula ass last week at Ka Hula Hou. They came in 2nd place losing to Uncle Mark Ho'omalu's halau in the final "BATTLE!"

Ka Hula Hou practice (Feb '08)

Another type of Art

2008-02-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

While out & about with Kili earlier in the week, we came across this building that had this HUUUUUGGGEEE mural on it. It was actually really nice.

Art on the building (Feb '08)

A Night In Portland

2008-02-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Marcel & I took a weekend trip to Portland to meet the boys of Project One who were down there for a car show. We left Saturday afternoon & hit the Red Lion at 5:30. When we went to check in, we found out that they had sold our rooms & offered us a paid room 8 miles Northeast of where we were. So of course we took it! It was great!!

Our room at the Phoenix Suites (Feb '08)

Happy Anniversary!

2008-02-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

Today is my parents anniversary! To celebrate their 31st anniversary, they went to Baskin Robbins - 31 Flavors. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera in tote for their anniversary ice cream night :( But I know that it would've made for an absolutely cute photog moment.

My parents at Relay for Life 2007 (May '07)

And another one...

2008-02-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

This is the subject below's little brother, who made pancakes look so yummy...even though i don't like them.

Yummy pancakes (Feb '08)

Party of 4 - cancelled

2008-02-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

On February 15th, I posted about how I would be going out with Kili again to take pics with Alaka'i, Albert, Elyze & Lilly. That had to be post-poned until further notice. But Kili & I took it upon ourselves to go out around Kent & shoot around the city. We met up with one of her students & parents who was eating breakfast at a local restaurant & they happily let us snap a few pics while they were hanging out together!

Photo taking around Kent (Feb '08)

Mom's new do...

2008-02-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

So I've been un-inspired by this daily blog (which is why i haven't posted in a 1/2 month)...let's carry on, shall we?

Mom recently cut her hair, because it was finally falling out. I was a bit shocked at first, but its just hair & it WILL grow back...

Mom's new hair do (Feb '08)

I look forward to...

2008-02-15T00:42:00.000-08:00

my shoot with these 4 & Kili on Monday. We're invading Seattle yet again for some more picture taking. We lost day light last time, so we want to start earlier this time. It'll be tons of fun!!

Photo Shoot Fun (February 2, 2008)

i love you....

2008-02-14T00:36:00.000-08:00

This is a day where we celebrate love...however, I forgot until we were coming home from picking up Nyomi from school!! LOL (around 3:30pm) We agreed that our "gifts" to eachother would be this weekend in Portland & the house (if we get it!)....i think this is the first time we haven't been all mushy about this day. Dinner??? Oh! I had hula, so we went to McD's...ain't he romantic!?!?!?! :)

I took this photo at my birthday dinner in 2006 (April 15, 2006)

Good Luck Potluck!

2008-02-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a potluck at the halau to celebrate our boys going to Ka Hula Hou this weekend in Oakland, CA! It was SO much fun to see them & the songs that they're taking down. Did I mention the food??? Oh it was SO good....TOO BAD!!!

Boys Good Luck Party (February 13, 2008)

i LOVE hippos...

2008-02-12T00:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, so i've had a thing for hippos for a really long time. Like, since my sophomore year in high school. From time to time, I'll mention to Marcel that I want a pet hippo, to which he replies with..."hippos kill more humans than any other animal out there" & my comment back is "well, my hippo won't." So a few weeks ago, he told me that a friend of ours, Julie, told him to watch the Youtube vid of "Jessica the hippo".....that's MY hippo (go watch it....she's SOOOO CUTE!!) Screw a dog, i want a hippo!! **Thank you Auntie Sue for my hippo from Disneyland. I love her!**

My name-less pet hippo (February '08)

Makeup Party

2008-02-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

This morning we had a makeup party at halau. Auntie Danette was the instructor to show us girls how to apply stage makeup (aka bright bam-my makeup...ick) but it was fun to play around & to watch mom too.

Mom getting makeup done @ Halau Makeup Party (February 9, 2008)

21st Birthday Dinner

2008-02-10T00:14:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, we went to Seattle to spend the evening with friends from the car club. One of the boys turned 21, so it was only right to get him drunk. LOL It was nice to hang out with everyone, because its been awhile!!

Arrrrrmin taking pics (February '08)

The counter offer...

2008-02-08T00:09:00.000-08:00

This morning Melisa called to let me know that the people counter offered...giving us the washer & dryer as asked, but will only cover some of the closing. We signed....we'll see what they say tomorrow.

The dining room...

THEE dining room (February 8, 2008)

The offer...

2008-02-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

Today Melisa & I went to take Marcel & mom to look at the top 3 houses from yesterday. It was a hard decision for Marcel too, but after some persuasion from his brother, he went with the one i loved below. We put in an offer today...

Here's the living room...

THEE living room (February 7, 2008)

House Shopping

2008-02-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

So today was the first day that I started looking at houses. We're starting to take a step in to being "real" grown ups. This house is the one that my heart is after. I'm going to look at her again tomorrow.

The one that i want (February 6, 2008)

Ok, just one more...

2008-02-05T23:16:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to put 1 more from this weekend up. I swear no more after this...lol

Lilly & Elyze (February 2, 2008)

Fun in Seattle - Part III

2008-02-04T17:26:00.001-08:00

Another one!! LOL

Lilly & Albert (February 2, 2008)

Fun in Seattle - Part II

2008-02-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

Here's another favorite...

Alaka'i & Lilly (February 2, 2008)

Fun in Seattle!!

2008-02-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

So I went with my hula sissy, Kili to take photographs of 4 of our hula brothers & sissy's in Seattle. We were in need of people that were willing to pose however we put them, because we wanted to re-create some things that we've seen & create some ideas of our own...we just needed guinea pigs. LOL Here's one of my favorites from the day...THANKS GUYS FOR A FUN FILLED DAY!!

Elyze Ramirez (February 2, 2008)

Hula Brother!

2008-02-01T23:44:00.000-08:00

This is my hula brother Jason. He's been dancing with us for almost a month I think, but he makes the effort to come to the boys competition extra practices so that he can catch up. Here he is making funny faces at me...

Jason at practice (February 1, 2008)

Heeeeeeeeeeeere Fishy Fishy

2008-01-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

So we have 3 fishies....and one of them is just getting obnoxiously huge! Not only that but she's also an attention whore! LOL I find it strange that when I walk by the tank, she swims along side as I go by & if you stop & put your finger on the tank, she comes up to it. She's my puppy-fish. LOL Here she is...

Boo the Puppy-Fish (January 31, 2008)

Tish's Save The Date Card

2008-01-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

Tish's "Save the Date" cards arrived today & i'm so excited! :)

Save the Date cards (January 30, 2008)

Cool Effects

2008-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

This is another photo of Sonda from her shoot on Sunday. I really like how she's coming out of the dark in this...

Sonda's photo shoot (January 27, 2008)

Late Christmas Present!!

2008-01-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas, mom & dad mentioned that my present was going to be late, because they ordered it & it was going to take awhile to come in. Well the other day mom tells me that it's finally in & that it shipped to Uncle's work....so instantly I think "oh!! it must be HUGE!" So last night while at halau, she said "your present's in the car, do you want it?" And I said "YES!!" So she went out & came back in with a garment bag that had 3 sweatshirts in it...1 for me, Nyomi & Marcel....

Cool Christmas Present!! (January 28, 2008)

Boudoir...2nd Time Around

2008-01-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

So today I had the opportunity to shoot another boudoir photo session!! Sonda is a friend of Melissa's (the first bourdoir shoot that I did). Sonda helped out at the first session by posing along side to help give Melissa some ideas. Well today's shoot was for Sonda's boyfriend who was relocated to Connecticut. She will be visiting him over Valentine's Day & decided to give him a book of her best photos for a gift. I had a great time today & as these shoots come along, it allows me to try different things! Thanks for a great day girls! :)

Sonda's boudoir shoot (January 27, 2008)

Another Self Photo!

2008-01-26T19:51:00.000-08:00

I took this last Saturday evening. My inlaws had Nyomi & Marcel was at work. The internet was boring me & there was no good movies on, so I decided to play hair & makeup!! LOL I decided to snap a self photo, since I don't have these days too often!

ME!! (January '08)

A Day of New Beginnings...

2008-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Today was mom's first chemo treatment. Although she was sad & scared, it wasn't a day to be down...but to be happy for it is the first day to healing.

My Mommy (September 25, 2008)

Peek A Boo I See You!

2008-01-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

I sometimes have a habit of taking self portraits in the mirror. Typically this happens because I don't have many photos of myself! This was taken one night after the boys practice while I was on my way out!

Self Photo at Halau (January '08)

Nadia - Part III

2008-01-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

Yep, another one! LOL Except there's a story with this one...I stalk a photographer out of California & she takes photos similar to this all the time & so I decided to try it out! The top is after editing & the bottom is the original! :)

Nadia Jose' (January 21, 2008)

Nadia - Part II

2008-01-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

This is another photo from my & my sister in laws day out on the town...

Nadia Jose' (January 21, 2008)

My Sister In Law

2008-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Today I took my sister in law out & about to take photos!! I had some places that I wanted to check out & I needed someone that was willing to do what I wanted & she was a great sport! :) This is my very favorite from our day out!

Nadia Jose' (January 21, 2008)

Designing Woman - Part II

2008-01-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

Not only did I design holiday cards, but I also do business cards. I was asked to think of a few ideas for kumu hula, Mokihana Marticio. This is my first mock up for her & am currently working on another idea.

The smaller photos will NOT be of our haumana, they will be of hers & the big photo of Tish will be replaced with Mokihana's photo. But this was used just to get the idea going....

Mock-up #1 for Ka Lei Mokihana No Ke Akua (Jan '08)

Designing Woman

2008-01-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

I love to design things & over the holidays I designed photo cards for quite a few different people. I did a few just to show some ideas & some ideas ended up working out & they ordered them! All of these not only included my design ideas, but they also included photos that I took! :)

Holiday Card Ideas for 2007 (Dec '07)

A Funk!

2008-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

I've been in a funk...and some of you know this, because you come here looking for photos & there's nothing! There's an explanation for this...I've been busy with mom's health & have been contemplating doing a Nymar Imagery blog. I've been doing tons of research regarding my business & have been trying my best to book some photo shoots as well. Anyhoo, that's my excuse....

This is another photo of Melissa, whom I did a photo shoot for last month...a sweet shoot for her hubby of 14 years!! This photo is one of my favorites from the bunch!!

Melissa's shoot for PJ (Nov '07)

Group Photo or Mugshot??

2008-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

I took this photo of the boys in hopes to get some of the lighting that came down from the garage door at halau. Instead I got this weird mugshot look!! LOL

The kane of Manawaiopuna (Jan '08)

Photos for Ka Hula Hou

2008-01-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

So last week I had to send out photos for Uncle Mark's upcoming hula competition, Ka Hula Hou. We had to submit individual photos of each boy, one of Kumu and one group shot.

Ka Hula Hou individual shots (Jan '08)

Show Season Is Coming

2008-01-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

As fast as it left, it's here again...car show season! Project One's first show will be Import Motion in Portland, OR. It is actually the same weekend as the boys competition in CA. I will not be showing at this one, but it's possible that Marcel will. We'll be spending the weekend out there & hopefully i'll get some good shopping in too...NO TAX!! YAY!

My car at Alki (Sept '07)

Tish & James - Part II

2008-01-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

So, I ended up shooting 150 photos of Tish & James yesterday & about 90 of them came out!! Which is a pretty good ratio!! I have about 10 favorites, but the one posted before this was my MOST favorite & here are the others....

Tish & James (1/13/08)

Tish & Jamesie

2008-01-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

I mentioned before that I had a photo shoot for James & Tish coming up. Well today was the day. I arrived at 11 & we started at around 11:40am. The way they truly are with eachother completely came through in their photos & I am so happy with them. They will be using one (or a few) of these photos for their Save The Date cards for their wedding.

Tish & James (1/13/08)

Bernie's Here!

2008-01-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

So my hula sissy, Bernie, arrived here in Seattle on Friday evening to attend a service of a dear friend of hers that was killed when a drunk driver was going the wrong way on Hwy 18. We got to spend the evening with Bernz at dinner at Saya & then we went to halau to watch her practice a hula that was requested by Isa's parents. She danced like she never even left....

Bernz & Kapua at EHM (Aug '07)

Boys Competition Practice

2008-01-11T23:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight I spent some time shooting at the halau. The boys have been practicing twice a week for Uncle Mark Ho'omalu's competition "Ka Hula Hou" coming up in the middle of February. Our boys will be competing against 3 other halau. It's a different competition & is judged by the audience. I wish I could go, take pictures & support, but instead I'll be in Portland with the Project One peeps at an import show, Import Motion. Maybe next time....

Kane of Manawaiopuna Practice (1/11/08)

I Only Dance to Live Music

2008-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Is this a snobby remark? Or is this just because we've had it so good? I'm not sure...but where I dance the music is ALWAYS live. There's no tapes to be used (unless practicing), no CD's...all instruments are non-electric & the music is always being sung by a person standing right there. Spoiled? Yes...we are!

The Musicians of Ke'ala 'O Kamailelauli'ili'i & Manawaiopuna (1/11/08)

Tisha & James

2008-01-10T23:16:00.000-08:00

Today, I booked a small shoot with Tish & Jamsie so that they can get a jump on their "Save the Date" cards for their wedding being held on May 24th, 2008. I'm really excited for this, because they're still in that "so in love" phase & are so lovey dovey already that it'll be so easy to get great shots of them!!

Tish & James at Folklife (May '07)

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2008-01-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here is another photo from my shoot with Auntie Baye & Jordahn. I like this one, cuz I'm a sucker for mother/daughter photos.

Jordahn & Auntie Baye (1/7/08)

Ka'ainoa

2008-01-08T00:12:00.001-08:00

This is my hula sissy, Jordahn Ka'ainoa. I was invited to her house tonight to take photos of her family who was here over the Christmas/New Year holiday. Unfortunately her daddy couldn't get the night off of work, but Auntie Bay & the 5 kids, their spouses, along with their kids were all there! Here is a sneak peek at one of the many photos taken this evening.

Ka'ainoa (1/7/08)

New Years Games

2008-01-06T22:30:00.000-08:00

Mom was in charge of games as usual & this one was so funny to watch. You put a potato in one side of the nylons & then you use the rest to wrap around your waist...making it look like you have a very long pee-pee with an unusual growth at the end. An orange is then placed on the floor in front of you & you have to rock back & forth to get your "friend" to swing & hit the orange across the finish line. The boys went first....Gregory, Marcel, Uncle & Uncle Ruben...and then the ladies went next....me, Auntie Jos & Auntie Leona. I couldn't let Auntie Jos win, so I ran up & kicked her orange across the room. LOL

New Years Games (1/1/08)

Lani's First Basketball Game

2008-01-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today was Lani's first basketball jamboree held at Fife HS. It was hillarious to watch all these little girls run around & try to follow the game...& also watching the coach run along side of them telling them all what to do. Hillarious times....

Nyomi's First Game (1/5/07)

Alaka'i & Elyze

2008-01-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

are not a couple, just hula brother & sisters. I've been thinking of a project lately that involves doing a photoshoot 1 day on the weekend for my hula ohana. Not as a gift, but more as a way of practice for me. I just know that majority of them are up for anything & are willing to do different things & I think it would help me from a business perspective. I've also been thinking for awhile that these 2 would be 1 of my first ones, because I know these 2 are down for anything no matter if it makes them look silly or not & that's what I need. Someone that isn't afraid to put themselves out there for a day. :) *leave me a message if you want to be one of my guinea pigs...LOL)

Alaka'i & Elyze at Uncle Hui's Birthday Dinner (12/29/07)

Kani-ka-way-o

2008-01-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

This is Kaleo, actually if you want his whole name...

Kanikaleoikumakanimekeki'eki'ekeakamainawai'ihalamenaiwi. (how come the bold part looks questionable Kapua??) Anyhoo, he's getting so big so fast & now he even says his name which sounds more like "Kani-ka-way-o," but at least he knows that its his name & that's all that matters. LOL

Mom's Surgery

2008-01-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

Mom's surgery is over & all is ok for now. And i'm thankful for that.

Mom & I - Happy New Years (1/1/08)

Hears to a great New Year!

2008-01-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today was spent mostly of sleep from being up til the wee hours of the morning, waking up, cleaning house & laying around. I look forward to being a stay at home mommy, taking care of my mom (and dad, when necessary), spending time with friends & family, getting my photography business situated, getting my finances together so that I can get in to a house, getting pregnant and taking another vacation with my family....maybe (depends on the baby thing).

Marcel & I - New Years!! (1/1/08)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2007-12-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight I will be spending the evening with my mom, dad & some of the hula ohana!

Happy New Year (12/31/07)

Sisters

2007-12-30T23:52:00.000-08:00

What's funny is that these 2 often get confused for being twins. Auntie Jos was a twin, but not to mom. If you put them next to eachother while dancing hula...its like watching them dance in to a mirror. They've known each other forever & while we don't see Auntie too often, I know that she continues to love mom as if she was her sister.

Mom & Auntie Jos at Todai (12/29/07)

Happy Birthday Uncle!!

2007-12-29T23:50:00.000-08:00

This evening we had a reservation at Todai in Redmond for 48 of us. I believe we actually ended up with about 35, but who's counting!? LOL We had a great time spending time together, catching up on stuff & eating whatever our hearts desired. HAUOLI LA HANAU UNCLE!!

Uncle Hui & Makana at Todai (12/29/07)

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

2007-12-28T23:47:00.000-08:00

Today, mom, dad & I went to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to seek a 2nd opinion on mom's health care. We had a great appointment & they made us & her especially, feel comfortable. I hope to work with them in the future.....

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Oncology Department (12/28/07)

Seattle Premium Outlets

2007-12-27T23:43:00.000-08:00

Today, Hoku picked me up & we headed out to Marysville to the outlets. She made good money with her tips from the restaurant & wanted to spoil herself with a new Coach. However, she ended up not getting the Coach, but instead got some shoes from Sketchers & a REALLY REALLY cute dress-shirt from Michael Kors & it was a size LARGE & she was SO stoked!

Seattle Premium Outlet mall in Marysville (12/27/07)

A Few Cool Prints....FRAMED!

2007-12-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

So I got the opportunity to frame 2 of my photos for 2 lucky folks. When I came back from Hawaii, I was showing Auntie Sue some of my photos from there & she came across 1 that she really liked & wanted framed for Uncle Pete for Christmas. She wanted a 24x20 print & have that framed. I named it "Pete's Place" added a sticker to the back with its name, who its named after, location of where it was photographed & then I signed it. Here is Uncle Pete's photo...

For my brother in law's girlfriend, Melisa, I had the opportunity to photograph her, her sister & her mom while her sister was visiting for their mom's bday. Melisa arranged a shoot with me because they hadn't had pictures together in forever & her mom still had photos up from when they were in grade school. The photo shoot was in July & whenever I talked with Melisa, she always told me that she hadn't had anything printed or framed, but she knew she wanted to get something done. So instead, I gave her a framed 11x14 of what I thought was the best photo from their shoot & it ended up to the photo that she would've chosen also. She loved it. Here's Melisa's photo....

Christmas presents for Uncle Pete & Melisa (December 2007)

Christmas with the Menza's

2007-12-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

So on Christmas morning, we go to breakfast with my parents & then go our seperate ways for the afternoon & then meet back up at my hula sissy & bff, Kapua's place (or Sean's...lol) This year I had fun taking pics of the kids (and some adults), who had NO PROBLEM being hams for me!!

My Christmas Evening (12/25/07)

Christmas Eve with the Inlaws!

2007-12-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

Every year we split Christmas.....Christmas Eve is spent with my inlaws & then Christmas Day is spent with my parents. We had yummy dinner & followed it up with opening presents. It doesn't get any better!

Nyomi taking time out to cheese for me (12/24/07)

Photo shoot at the Wylie's

2007-12-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

Today I got the opportunity to spend the day with Auntie Sue & Uncle Pete & all of their ohana. Yes....ALL of their ohana. The 4 kids with their spouses & kiddos....& even Tammy's parents from Vegas. At one point there was 19 people in the house. It was a fun day full of laughter & lotsa pics!

Auntie Sue, Uncle Pete & their 8 grandbabies! (12/23/07)

Kahanu's Christmas Photos

2007-12-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

This evening I took photos of Candace's youngest boy, Kahanu. He & his daddy met me over at Saghalie Jr High here in Federal Way & I let him just go where ever he wanted to & I followed with my camera. We shot about 75 frames & I got great shots from it. Here's my favorite from the shoot.

Kahanu in the tree (12/22/07)

A New Body for Me!!

2007-12-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

So you've probably heard me talk about how I've been wanting a new camera body. It didn't have to be for x-mas, but it did have to be before May, which is when my first wedding shoot is. It is advised that if you're shooting a wedding, you should get another camera JUST IN CASE. People pay you money & you need to deliver. So yesterday a package came for me & Marcel instantly went in the room, examined it & wrapped it up. Well this morning when I woke up there was a note telling me that I could open it if i wanted to. I chose not to, because I wanted to wait until he woke up....so when he did, he brought it over & I opened it. It was MY NEW BODY!! A Nikon D80....the differences between my D50 & this D80....mine has 6.1 megapixels, this one has 10....mine has only 4-5 ISO settings, this one has about 8-10....the body is noticably smaller....and there's SO much more. You can tell just by looking at it. I'm STOKED!

My new Nikon D80...shot with the D80 (12/21/07)

Santa Baby

2007-12-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

This was taken during the photo shoot with Kaha'i & Lehua. I love this photo & she was being so photogenic for me...it was GREAT! She kept looking at me & then when the flash would go off, she'd give that infamous Stephens scowl, blink a few times & then continue on....

Lehua Stephens (12/18/07)

Kaha'i & Lehua Stephens

2007-12-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the opportunity to photograph Aloha's babies, Kaha'i & Lehua. The idea was to get a few photos of them together, but I realized soon in the evening that it wasn't going to happen to easily, but that's ok, because I was happy with the photos that did make it!!

Kaha'i pondering over taking pictures (12/18/07)

New Assignment...

2007-12-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

So the assignment of the shallow depth of field is over & there are SO many great photographers that surround the Subaru community...its ridiculous. You think my good friend, Armin, is great?? He didn't even place...which baffles me...but whatever! LOL The new assignment from now til the end of the month is textures. So here is 1 of my entries thus far...

La'i from competition in.....2004??? (12/18/07)

Submission #2

2007-12-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

Here is another thought for submission on the texture project. Rocks off of the bottom of Marcel's 125 gal fishy tank.

The rocks have a grainy almost slimey texture.... (12/18/07)

Park Photos

2007-12-17T23:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a photo shoot with Jack & Liana Shanes. I've known Liana longer than I've known Jack, but I attended their wedding back in the day & that automatically gives me the right to say that i've known them for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time. :) I had a great time shooting them & laughing with them. Thanks!! :)

Loverbird picture on the bench at the park (12/16/07)

Permission

2007-12-16T00:08:00.000-08:00

I was granted permission to use 14 photos for my boudoir photo shoot to show off. So I totally forgot about, so here's another submission from that shoot. (don't worry Liana, your photos are uploading!!)

Melisa Dutra for her hubby, PJ on their 14 year anniversary! (Nov '07)

Mokihana & Makana

2007-12-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

I did a photo shoot for Mokihana Marticio & her ohana today. We caught up on some stuff & had a great time!! Here is a good pic of her & her daughter Makana.

Mokihana & Makana (12/15/07)

Umeke & Drums

2007-12-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

This was another submission, but I decided not to go with it. I'm not sure why...maybe because it didn't have enough color. Not sure...but I still like the photo!

Umeke with the Drum in the background (12/12/07)

Whose slipper is this??

2007-12-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is my bff's slipper at halau & Albert is holding it for me. I was again trying out the shallow depth of field thing...this photo didn't make it in the batch.

Cute Ladybug Slippers (12/12/07)

Submission for Depth of Field

2007-12-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

I chose the photo below with Marcel's stein collection, the one with his stein in the front & also this picture below. I took this at halau the other night. Kinda a transition from summer to winter feel to it...

I don't like winter....BOO (12/11/07)

Halau Babies!

2007-12-11T23:06:00.001-08:00

Yep, here they are...not all of them, but most of them!! All anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus at the halau Christmas party!!

Halau Babies (12/8/07)

Happy Birthday To You!

2007-12-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

So I can post this photo because I did indeed take it of myself & Marcel!! HA! Today Marcel celebrates his 29th year of life...man, he's old!! hahaha jk! It'll be a night of video games, going out to dinner & that's about it. Hope you had a great day daddy! Love you!

Happy Birthday Daddy!! (04/15/06)

The Secret Society

2007-12-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

Don't tell anyone, but they are a secret society. Made up of the aunties that are in the halau who meet often for girly-womens only-luncheons & shopping dates. Here they are at the halau Christmas party posing with Santa!!

The ladies of the Secret Society & Santa (12/8/07)

To submit or not submit - Take II

2007-12-08T22:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, so here's another photo that I pondered on for this project. Another photo of Marcel's stein collection, featuring the one from Germany with his name on it....hmmmm....

Marcel's Stein - Take 2 (12/8/07)

Hmmm, to submit or not submit Part I

2007-12-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

So I explained that there was a photo contest deal on a local Subaru forum that I frequently check & participat on. Well I've been going crazy trying to figure out what I want to submit. I only have 3 days left & I still have yet to put something in. UGH! Here's one photo that I've thought about. (subject: shallow depth of field - a.k.a focusing on something close up with the burry-ness in the back)

Marcel's Stein Collection - Take 1 (12/7/07)

Lani's Playing Basketball!!

2007-12-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if i'm as excited as she is. I watch her run & it scares me, because she runs the way I used to (i may still run like this, but my ass doesn't run anymore). It was this horsey-trot along kind of run. An "i've got a heavy-ass" run. I can't explain it. Anyhoo, she can shoo though. She shot her first 4 baskets at her first practice of the season. This should be fun to watch!

My NuNu at her first basketball practice! (12/4/07)

Yep! Its That Time!!

2007-12-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Every year halau has a Christmas party & every year for the past 2-3 years, I've put together a slideshow, going through all of the things we've done together. Its funny to go through all of the pictures & think "OH MY GOD...I REMEMBER THAT!" Well I've been having fun digging through photos, uploading music & putting it all together for our party this Saturday. Remember this??

The gang bringing in the New Year (1/1/07)

Another Project Challenge

2007-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone knows, but I've been a member of a Subaru Forum called NASIOC. It stands for North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club. I've been a member since May of 2003. I've made many great friends on there (Pat, Armin, Erik, Erich, Russell, Jen, etc....which in turn leads me to meet more cool peeps). So there's a new thread on there that puts the local photogs, wanna-be photogs, and anyone that has an interest in photography to the test. Its a photography challenge where someone gives an assignment of what to shoot & anyone is allowed to enter up to 3 submissions of that particular assignment. The one who gives the assignment is the judge & whomever wins that challenge gets to pick the next challenge & becomes the judge. As if I don't have enough crap going on, huh? LOL Anyhoo, this go round is Shallow Depth of Field & this was going to be my submission, but it wasn't shot in the stated time frame (1st of the month thru 15th)....damn!

Dancing to the beat of the Uncle Earl's guitar (11/27/07)

Cycle World Motorcycle Show

2007-12-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

We've gone to this show every year for I don't know how long now. It seems to always be close to Marcel's birthday, so we call it the Marcel birthday motorcycle show. Every year we go & paroose around the newest & greatest....and every year I get the same "I want this one.." "This is the one honey..." "I REALLY like this one..." LOL So this year it seemed more than a reality, because I think he's finally going to get his bike this coming summer. And I'm ok with that. I have a few guy friends that ride (and 2 girls) & they all ride relatively safely. Here's our adventure around the Qwest Field Convention Center...

Cycle World Motorcycle Show (12/1/07)

I HATE thieves

2007-12-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

So this evening we again got together with a couple of old friends. We met up with some old friends, Melissa & PJ (& their son, Dominic) from the old car club that we used to belong to. Marcel wanted to take his car, so that PJ could see it in person finally. We met them at the motorcycle show in Seattle, walked around, then headed to Ocean City in Chinatown. We parked down in the parking garage where we normally do & let PJ oogle at the car for a bit, then we headed up to eat. When we came back to the cars, this is what we saw.....

Suck ass! (12/1/07)

Good Times with Old Friends

2007-12-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went to dinner with 2 of Marcel's long lost buddies, Chad & Robbie (along with Robbie's gf, Jessica & their new 4 month old baby boy, Tristan). We recently reunited with them after attending their friend, Bev's (and her husband, Brian) services. Chad got in touch with Marcel & Robbie & we all went to Olive Garden & caught up on what we've missed out on. It was a great night!

The boys from left to right at our wedding (2nd round, 2002) Gregory, Robbie, Marcel, Shaun, Miguel, and Chad

Hillarious Times Will Continue

2007-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

So yesterday, November 29th, 2o07, I put in my 2 weeks notice with Firstech LLC (aka Compustar). My last day will be Friday, December 14th. Even though working sometimes sucked ass, I will always have the fun times to look back on & think of the great friends that I've made in 3 1/2 years!

Steven (who was a temp with us for almost 6-7 months), his baby mama & gf, Se Vue and Nic. Don't let those red cups fool you, we were really drinking "juice" LOL (March '07)

Bryan Park (my used to be assistant) & Darth TJ (March '07)

My sweet Lee & her 2 boys, Junior & Brian John (this is my boss, Ray's wife & 2 boys)

Lee again with their baby girl, Raylyn

Me & Berto (he does tech support & also built my Nymar Imagery website) (March '07)

Ray acting like he's working (this is my boss)

What a difference

2007-11-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

So lets back track to January of 2006, to when I first got my camera. Here is a photo that I found of Miss Malia in the folder marked "Best Photos so Far"....February 2006. WOW!

Miss Malia (Jan '06)

How cute!

2007-11-28T23:13:00.000-08:00

I took this photo at halau last night of Nyomi & Kaimana & the realized that I hadn't gotten a photo of them together since they were smaller. Crazy how fast they grow!

Kaimana Huff & Nyomi Jose over the years! (11/27/07)

Look who's movin up!

2007-11-27T22:35:00.000-08:00

Its Miss LILLY!! I caught her in the front row in the Tuesday night beginner class...in "my" spot. AWWW!

Lilly reppin the front right corner...YEA!! (11/27/07)

My cousins!

2007-11-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

I have quite a few photos that are not posted yet, due to my wireless connection not working here at home & my photos are on my laptop. But tonight, I found a few photos that were hidden on my memory stick!! This was taken on my last night in Honolulu at Nyomi's birthday party. These are my cousins Keahi (behind me) & Kaia. They made fun of me all night long, because I'm the haole cousin! MEAN! LOL

Kaia, Me & Ahi at Chuck E Cheese - Honolulu, HI (11/11/07)

Nyomi's new sanctuary!

2007-11-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

So I spent the day with my sister in law, Nadia today...completely cleaning out Nyomi's room & turning it from a baby room with toys & stuff to a little girls room!! We did ALOT & this is the final product!

Nyomi & her new room hotness!! (11/25/07)

SORRY!

2007-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

So many of you know that I had my boudoir shoot yesterday & it went great! We had a great time & laughed & laughed about the posing, the thoughts, what the neighbors would think if they saw! LOL It was a great time. Here is the one photo that you all get to see until she releases 5-7 photos so that I can use them as advertisement purposes. Enjoy!

A perfect gift for a 14 year anniversary! (11/24/07)

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

2007-11-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was on a mission to find lighting for my shoot tomorrow morning. I will be doing my first boudoir photo shoot in the morning & lighting is VERY important when doing indoor shoots. And boudoir photos need to be flawless & shadowing is NOT good when they're in the wrong places. If you don't know what boudoir photos are, here's a sample of one of Jessica Claire's photos....So this evening I seeked some lighting that was not going to break the bank (the lighting kit that i wanted to rent was a little over $2k, and my cc needed to be approved for that much before walking out of the store...the rental fee was $100/day which isn't bad, but to be approved for it sucks ass!) So I found some "clamp lights" at Walmart for a whopping $7 a piece & $3 for the bulb...I bought 2 sets!! Here's what they look like & a couple photos of Nyomi!

Lighting is an essential to photography! (11/23/07)

Thankful

2007-11-22T23:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is great, isn't it? Its all about food & family & those are 2 things that I am grateful for!! :) Here's some photos of our evening with my inlaws at Miguel & Melisa's new home!

Our Thanksgiving Evening (11/22/07)

Don't.........Move!

2007-11-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

These are the words that are heard at the end of your song....and you wait....and wait...and wait. Arms shaking uncontrolably, trying to not breath so hard, concentrating on your hands...so that your thumb isn't sagging, your arms aren't too high or too low, your right (meaning right, not left) foot is out, your heel is on the ground, your chin is up, you're not looking at the ground because it will always be there.....

The Tuesday Night Beginner Class (11/20/07)

Cute Hat

2007-11-20T23:15:00.001-08:00

This is Chelsea & how could you not love this cute winter hat that she wears?!?! It was so cute that I had to get a picture of it! LOL

Chelsea Whalen (11/15/07)