Monday, June 30, 2008

Portrait session with AnneMarie

I recently had the pleasure of photographing AnneMarie before she went back home to Texas. AnneMarie was visiting for two weeks and wanted to go home with more than your typical point-n-shoot Hawaii shots, so we had an easy-going morning beach shoot together! She was so sweet, fun and mellow! Here's a few of my favorite images..









Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Let them eat cake!

Aloha!
So I got to photograph two of the most beautiful (inside and out) people last month and am just now writing about it! Sorry about the delay!
Gary and Ipo were stunning at their May 10, 2008, white themed wedding and it was heartwarming to be around such good energy. Ipo was glowing all day long and it shows in her photos. Gorgeous!

One of the highlights of the day was seeing another one of Rick and Sasha Reichart's (of CAKELAVA) beautiful pieces of art. Literally! Rick took on the challenge of re-creating a cake depicting Auguste Rodin’s “The Kiss” (Le Baiser). The result? Spectacular, as usual!
The CAKELAVA team are so talented and awesome. Please check out their blog and take a look at their fabulous cakes!

Here's a few of my favorite images from the day and the cake!









cake makers and cake lovers unite! Gary, Rick, Sasha and Ipo

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Trail Blazers

Hi Friends!

I've (once again) been neglecting my blog! Sorry!

BUT...
To make it up to you, here's a TON of awesome pictures from my recent adventures on the Kalalau Trail. Two of my girlfriends and I backpacked Hawaii's most awesome 11 mile (each way) trail. It was the most spectacular and challenging experience of my life. That place really challenges your mind and body. Kalalau transformed me into a better version of myself and I'm forever grateful!
The trail traverses lots of valleys and is absolutely stunning, even when scared shitless. I think the Sierra Club's 'Adventuring in Hawaii' book describes it pretty well...

"This coast is aptly named - Na Pali means "the Cliffs." All along this coast sheer rock walls plunge into the sea or stand guard over silent, green valleys. The 11-mile-long coastal trail to Kalalau winds its way over and around the cliffs, sometimes snaking along heart-stopping dropoffs, other times pushing through lush, wet forests. The Kalalau crosses three major streams and many smaller ones, and passes through five valleys and numerous gulches. There are many ups and downs before the trail finally ends at Kalalau Beach. The trail follows an ancient Hawaiian route mapped out in the days when Na Pali valleys were alive with fishing and farming communities. The people are gone now, their house plots and taro patches consumed by the forest, but Kalalau's beauty remains."

Up 400 feet, down 400 feet, cliffs to the immediate right of your feet, a trail laced with slippery kukui nut shells, eroded slopes and mischievous rock tossing goats - my photos don't do the trip justice. I, being the weenie that I am, didn't even try to take my camera out for the last intense 5 miles of the trail. Crossing terrain that almost froze my feet where they were and making my way down steep dirt slopes, where one slip might land you in the ocean covered rocks 500 feet below - thats what kept me from taking pictures till we finally arrived at Kalalau.

It took me 11 hours to hike in, including breaks at the rivers for water and food and photos.. A twisted knee and a few blisters later, I'm home - but I can't wait for the next time I go to Kalalau.

Here you go:

Haena beach, early morning - we camped here the night before we took off on the trail.
Packin' Subs - our LUNCH!

Hanakoa Valley - a message to hippies everywhere.

Good morning sleepy Chreesmas! Our first morning in Kalalau

Kalalau Beach, the first day.

Kalalau Beach

Sita eating lunch, Kalalau Beach.

Kalalau

Bedtime in Kalalau - about midnight

The valleycliffs behind the beach in the morning.





Our own personal spa

8 mile mark bluffs, campfire with Bill, an ex-marine who's been living there and rebuilding the trail for the past 11 months.

Sleeping on the bluffs, 8 mile mark - midnight

8 mile bluffs, midnight

Morning on the bluffs

The Kalalau Queens - Sita, Laura Geneva and myself

Laura Geneva and me, Hanakoa River

Fern love at Hanakoa Valley

Hanakoa Stream

On the trail out

Bye Kauai!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Beautiful Belly!

I had a beautiful shoot with Emily this week. She's due in a couple of weeks and has the most beautiful, round belly ever! I'm really excited to meet the little guy after such a great shoot. Thanks Emily, you're the best!
Here's a few teasers from our lovely afternoon together.









Monday, March 17, 2008

Beauty that'll kick your ass!

I had a great shoot with Penny Thomas, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighting champ (www.pennyfighting.com) We went down to the beach, enjoyed the afternoon and got some great shots! Check 'em out!