Joe, Blonnie, & baby!

The expectant excitement of soon-to-be parents is a particular shade of joy that maternity photos allow couples to capture and remember forever. It's these special, one-of-a-kind moments that are the best to frame. >>

Introducing, Joe & Blonnie Crispin + baby! Blonnie went to college with my new sister-in-law and she and her husband, Joe, happen to be stationed on this rock as well, thanks to the U.S. Marines. I was so excited to meet them because I just knew they'd be awesome, and I was thrilled when they asked me to shoot their maternity photos as well. They are expecting their first child, a girl, in October and the love and anticipation of her arrival radiated in every shot. When you combine a beautiful beach, a beautiful couple, and a heavy dose of pure fun and joy, the results are bound to be gorgeous. Thanks to Blonnie and Joe for letting me capture this wonderful moment in their lives.

The Skipworths

On Monday, I went along on a shoot with Bob the Camera Man for the Skipworth family. The family took advantage of their first time together since both sons married, to take some family pictures on the beach. The family was also excited to include the newest addition to the family, first grandchild, Lexi. With Bob handling breakdowns of the different family units, I was called to keep my eye/camera on Lexi, which was a joy! She was happiest on her own so the family let her just play in the sand while I snapped away! The closeness of a family is so apparent and this clan surely has a special connection. Each member, (minus the mom and Lexi!) has an element from the father's original leg tattoo incorporated into a tattoo of their own! It is so much fun to get to know the dynamics and stories of each family I shoot.

Style shoot with Jennifer

I recently had an exciting opportunity to shoot with a budding model for portfolio-building. We were connected through an online group of photographers, models, makeup artists, and stylists on Oahu who collaborate and practice together to better our skills. On this occasion, fellow photographer Kevin Foley and I decided to collaborate to create an edgy and bohemian inspired shoot for Jennifer. Only on island for a few months during a transfer from Alaska, Jennifer wanted to make the most of the stunning locations here to build her portfolio as an over 40 model. Kevin and I had a blast working with her and trying this new angle for our photography!

Stuart & Halley

During our evening beach shoot on base, it became even more clear to me how perfect this couple is for each other! I met Halley, a nurse in the US Army, at church while Stuart was deployed with his unit in the US Marines. I immediately liked Halley, a southern girl from VA like me! (I even found out a little later we both attended the same college! How crazy!?) And the two of them together are a country singin, 2-steppin, perfect match! The day after our shoot, Halley was deployed to a new station in Colorado, where Stuart will join in December, so the love was so genuine on their last evening together. I felt so honored and happy to capture their fun-loving spirits and honest connection in these photographs. Congratulations, Stuart and Halley!!

Keoke and Tiffany's wedding, 8.31.2012

This wedding was unlike anything I've ever seen. Wow. I followed along with Laura on this high profile occasion for parts 1 and 2 of the day, which included the bride and her entourage getting ready at her parents' home in Kailua in the morning, followed by the 11:00 ceremony in Honolulu.  Keoke and Tiffany were married in the very first church built on Oahu and included many beautiful traditions in their ceremony, such as the coch shell announcement, blessing in Hawaiian, the wearing of leis for honored guests, and much more. Tiffany tours with famous Christian singer, Natalie Grant, who graced us all with beautiful music for the ceremony. Though large in size, it was intimate and faith-focused, with a closeness to family and friends that was palpable, even in the giant chapel. The grandest moment?? This special couple wanted to be especially pure before God on their wedding day and vowed they would not kiss until after their "I Do's." It was a truly beautiful moment! Congratulations to a lovely couple and their families on this union.

Kristian's CD Release

On this shoot, I had the opportunity to assist Laura Aguon with a gorgeous client named Kristian Lei. Kristian is an incredibly accomplished Broadway and Christian recording artist. She released her first CD "Take My Hand" (available on ITunes!) in 2007 and is getting ready to release her second CD, for which she looked to us for the perfect album cover photo! It was so incredible to see Laura at work in this fantastic location. Who knew that behind an old warehouse, in a field of tall grasses, sat an abandoned building that produced the most interesting light and texture?! Luckily, Laura did! I was able to get a few shots of my own with Kristian and was thrilled with the results. She was a natural in front of the camera! Look for her final choice on the cover of her new CD coming soon.

The Murja family

I love capturing the dynamics of different families. It's like a game, figuring out how to best relate to each kid in order to make them feel comfortable and have fun. After all, that's when we get the best shots! Along with Bob the camera man, we dove into an evening of energy for this family of 5 and it was a hoot! Let's just say, we wrapped up with me making orangutang noises. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. :-) Thanks to all of you for another super fun shoot!

The Lyttle Vow Renewal

This shoot took place a few weeks ago, but amidst the chaos, got pushed back and never posted! Well, I couldn't let that slide, especially because this was one of my favorite shoots so far. Couple of 20 years, the Lyttles, were celebrating with a whole big family reunion/vacation on Oahu. Complete with their four daughters, 2 son-in-laws, and first grand-daughter, Stella. Thinking they were just getting family pictures taken, matriarch Diana was shocked when her husband got on one knee and proposed with a ring (again) right there on the beach! After many smiles and hugs, an officiant led the ceremony with Hawaiian traditions, like the conch shell announcement and the story of the leis. We did end with some family pictures which were clearly full of joy and love from this close-knit crew. It was an honor to be involved in such an intimate and special day for this family. Check out even more pictures from the renewal on my website and by going to bobthecameraman.com and searching "Lyttle"