Ohana means family // Yamashiro Family - Part I

You may recognize a few faces in the photo above.  We have had the pleasure of photographing Glenn, Mariko & Maya for the last couple of years, take a moment and check out their latest session here. Much to our excitement, we were thrilled when they wanted to get all the family together for a group photo.  There was so much love and laughter during our session, and oh! not to mention surprises, but you'll have to wait for part II to find out about it!  

Ohana, the hawaiian word for family... for the Yamashiro Ohana, it all began with Milton & Harriet. When we asked them how long they have been married, they both looked at one another and laughed, "oh waaay too long!"  Their love continues to shine through no matter how many years may have gone by. 

With a total of 3 children (and their spouses) and 8 grandchildren (we didn't forget you Ryan) we were able to capture some of the love and laughter that they share when they are together.  

Thank you Milton, Harriet, Warren, Linda, Jennifer, Ryan, Jesika, Glenn, Mari, Maya, Willy, Lisa, Adam, Liana, Naomi, & Noah it was truly a pleasure spending our time together.  You have a beautiful family and I look forward to seeing you more in the future!

Yamashiro Family // Warren, Linda, Jesika, Jennifer, & Ryan 

Here's a few shots of Jennifer and Ryan =)

Arnot Family // Willy, Lisa, Adam, Liana, Naomi & Noah

Yamashiro Family // Glenn, Mariko & Maya

Stay tuned for part II, but in the meantime, be sure to show your love to the Yamashiro Ohana below and if you are looking to have your beautiful family's photo's done,  be sure to connect with us! 

Class of 2014 High School Senior Portraits // Carla

Say Hello to Carla!  She's got the most beautiful, inviting smile.  When you meet her, she gives off this awesome, positive vibe that only a confident young lady can give.  She's a lover of GOD, a sweet & caring daughter, sister and friend.  She love's her coffee and loves to dance.  

What a gift of talent this lady possesses.  Thanks to Carla & family for allowing us to be part of such a special chapter in your lives.  We know that no matter what you put your mind and heart to, you will succeed.  

Congratulations Carla!  Senior Class of 2014

- Hair and make up done by the fabulous Alyssa Cruz from Rock Me Up Beauty Lounge

Finally, here are just a few images of Carla doing what she loves....

Looking to have your portraits done with us?  Connect with us here.

Dominic turns 2 months // First Year Session

By now you may recognize his adorable face.  This awesome little guy is Dom.  I got the opportunity to spend some time with him to capture some of his cutest moments as a 2 month old.  

You see, in the blink of an eye this handsome boy is gonna turn one, and his Papa and Mommy want to be sure to have these memories for a lifetime, and of course share them with his guests at his wedding =)  Just Kidding Dom!

Celebrating Milestones // Maya turns 2 & family session Part 2

As you know, we had such an amazing time with Maya and her mommy and daddy, we had to split the images up to prevent cuteness overload.  I hope you enjoy these moments as much as we did capturing them.  I love the interaction and love that surrounds their family.  

Capture Life's Beautiful Moments // Personal Post

For those of you that know me personally, you know that I am a super emotional person.  I am a sucker for love stories and sad movies.  There are many things that we learn throughout our lives, good and bad, and it's only through these experiences do we grow.  A very pivotal moment in my life was when I received the call of my father's passing.  One of those moments in life I can never forget.  One can only imagine the roller coaster of emotions you feel when you are the recipient of a call like this.  

At a moments notice, you realize that you were seconds, minutes, hours, days, and months too late.  Too late to write a letter to tell him how much he has taught me, too late to call him to tell him I love him, too late to text a simple 'hello!' or 'how are you?' and much too late to tell him that I will be ok and that I miss him dearly.

These are the moments that help define what life is really, truly all about.  It's because of these moments that I love my job.  Sure, I can tell you that I loved my job as a nurse as well.  I found joy in healing patients and helping others.  Those memories can't be taken away as well.  As a daughter, and even a granddaughter, I have a small opportunity to look back at photos of my childhood.  Not always remembering that exact moment, but seeing the expression's on our faces are priceless.  

As I ventured into photography, I promised myself one thing.  I was going to capture these moments for everybody that allowed me to.  I promised myself this because during the last years that my dad was alive, I don't have any photos of him and I together.  It breaks my heart that I will never have that opportunity again. I don't want anyone to have to feel this feeling. Words can not express how important photographs are to me.  

A few months back, Chris and I had the opportunity to capture moments of our children with my mom and Cesar or as my kids call them grandma and grandpa.  These images are very important to me as my children will be able to look back at these images years from now, and remember the great times they had together.  

Remember, we don't need special occasions to make memories, everyday moments are just as priceless.  Take the time to capture life's moments before the moment passes you by. 

If you are ready to make priceless moments too, I'd love to connect with you.  

Celebrating Milestones // Maya turns 2 & family session Part 1

You may remember, Glenn, Mariko and their adorable little princess, Maya from their session with us last year.  We are always so very grateful to be part of so many milestone's in our families lives.  

It's hard to believe that almost exactly this time last year, Maya had only taken a few steps on her own, to seeing her now, so independent.  One thing definitely remains, her LOVE of books.  We loved watching her want to read her 10 little ducks book with daddy, and right after the last page was finished, she turned to mommy to have her read it again.  So attentive, she would glance up to be sure that mommy and daddy were paying attention as well.  She's such a smart little cookie, counting each duck, with her adorable little fingers pointing to each one.  

Glenn, Mari and Maya, thanks so much for allowing us to take part in such special moments in your lives.  We look forward to many more to come and be able to see Maya continue to grow into an amazing lady.  

You are probably wondering, why part 1? Well, why not?!  Truth be told, there were too many great images that we captured, we needed to split their session into 2.  

We would love for you to take a moment to look over only some of our favorite images from their session and be sure to comment on which image you love most and why?

Newport Beach Maternity Session // Alyssa, Keith & Ryan

We are more than excited to share another beautiful maternity session.  I want to take a moment and introduce you to Alyssa, Keith and soon to be BIG brother, Ryan.  We had an awesome time in Newport Beach together.  As you take a few moments to view their images, you begin to see how much love they share as a family.  Alyssa had had the "pregnancy glow" at just a few months into her pregnancy, so to see her at her 32 week mark, she was radiating with beauty. Take a look, you will more than agree.  As we captured moments of Alyssa, Keith and Ryan together, we are more than certain welcoming baby Chase into the family will be perfect.  

Alyssa & Keith, thank you for allowing Chris and I to be part of such an awesome time in your lives.  We know that both Ryan & Chase are in great hands.  Ryan, you undoubtedly are gonna be one awesome BIG brother.  Baby Chase, we can't wait to meet you in just a few weeks.