Two Thousand Sixteen | Hampton Roads Photographer

2016 was definitely an eventful year for me, even though I only had a handful of sessions and weddings to capture.  In February, we moved from our Virginia Beach apartment to a house in Norfolk near NOB; in March, my husband left for training and his overseas deployment with the Air National Guard; in April, I gave birth to our son, Joseph Colin 24 hours after being induced due to him being over a week past his due date; in May, I shot Brian and Kristi's Yacht Club at Marina Shores wedding; in June, I shot Alexis and Corey's Woman's Club of Portsmouth wedding and Eddie and Catherine's Mount Ida Farm wedding in Charlottesville; in July, I shot a fly-in homecoming for my friends, the Scott family; in August, I shot a special first birthday for Ms. Bella and a special baptismal for the Woodwards; in September, I second shot two weddings, the first one with Nicole of Nicole Jean Photography for her wedding in Fort Lee, Virginia, and the other with Leslie of La Bella Bonita Photography for her Water Table wedding; in October, I second shot another wedding with Nicole Jean Photography, on the day Hurricane Matthew decided to visit the Hampton Roads area, and DADDY CAME HOME from his deployment; in November, I spent some time with some friends shooting their fall mini sessions, Katie and her family, and Liza and her family, and baby's first Thanksgiving, which to say that least, he thoroughly enjoyed...

which brings us to December.  Baby's first Christmas. Having my husband home and spending time with my family as a whole again. So much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in the new year, especially since little man will be ONE in April (insert sad emoji here)!

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Thank you to all my clients that made 2016 a fun and memorable one! I look forward to 2017 and what it will bring to me and my family, as well as my clients!

Happy New Year!

Daddy is FINALLY Home! | Personal

The day has FINALLY come!!! We have waited 7 months for this moment. Well, Joseph has waited his entire life to finally meet his daddy in person.  Seeing my husband and my son finally meet face to face instead of via a computer screen brought me to tears. It made me remember the day I checked in to Chesapeake General for my induction, to the emergency c-section I had to have because of a cord prolapse, to all those sleeplessness nights and half awake days trying to finish homework assignments.  All I knew was that I was finally getting the other half of my heart back and I wasn't letting him go. 

The morning of, all I could think about was getting to work, keeping myself busy until I got to leave to head over to the base.  Of course, they flew into the AMC terminal, which meant their plane was going to fly RIGHT over my office.  Every plane that flew over, I'd excited, thinking that it was him.  But once it got closer, I KNEW it was their plane based on the sound alone (thanks to my husband that is obsessed with naval aviation and has rubbed off on me).  The moment I heard their plane, I immediately starting running through the office, trying to look out the window to watch it make its way to the AMC Terminal and started to tear. But of course, my girls Stacey and Liza, would took time out on their lunch break to give me a mini makeover, I couldn't start bawling like I wanted to! Hearing that plane fly over was definitely a sigh of relief. No more sleeping alone, no more late night and early morning chats, no more!

Video captured by Langley Public Affairs:

So glad that daddy is finally home and he is finally able to meet and play with Joseph. 

WELCOME HOME RED HORSE!!!

TO THE HORSE!

Daddy's Almost Home | Personal

As some of you may not know, my son, Joseph was born just after his daddy left for a deployment with the Air National Guard.  He is a Staff Sergeant with the 203rd RED HORSE Squadron, which RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers.  They are essentially the equivalent to the Navy SEABEES (they also train at NCBC Gulfport in Gulfport, Mississippi).  We were hoping that Joseph would make his appearance before daddy left, but as any military family (even though we are a Guard family) can tell you, things don't always go the way that you plan it!

Although we have been together for over four years, this is our first deployment together, and he has missed his birthday, two of the kids' birthdays, as well as our first wedding anniversary, which was on October 5th.  Thankfully, where he is at, we have been able to keep in contact with him pretty much every single day.  Although I can't really discuss when daddy is coming home, but all I can say is that we are ready for daddy to come home and we can enjoy being a family again!  They say that keeping yourself busy helps pass the time by a lot quicker, and I do have to say that it actually does seem to, especially since I returned back to work from maternity leave and have shot three weddings, second shot a few weddings for my gals Nicole of Nicole Jean Photography and Leslie of La Bella Bonita Photography, as well as a few other sessions.  And let's not forget about the classes that I am still taking in pursuit of my Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice through American Military University.

Daddy, we can't wait for you to come home and for you to finally meet Joseph face to face for the first time! I already know I will be a blubbering mess that day and I know that I will need to ensure I have several boxes of tissues with me!

Joggin' For Frogmen 5K & 31 Heroes WOD | Hampton Roads Event Photographer

Bright and early on a Saturday morning in August, thousands of people gathered at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk to honor the sacrifices of our service members and veterans, as well as remembering those that have fallen and supporting their families.  Joggin' for Frogmen is to activate communities from around the world to honor the sacrifices of our service members and veterans, and to support the families of our fallen heroes.  The races they coordinate bring communities together, in which they celebrate the lives of America's fallen and to express our deep gratitude to those that still serve today.

Being a Air Force veteran and Air National Guard spouse, I am always involved in the military.  From homecomings to command functions, my life revolves around different military members, whether veterans, current service members, as well as their spouses and family members.  The military community has always made me feel as if I were part of a big family, and has brought different people in my life.  I was honored to be a part of this special 5K, and providing my services for such an awesome organization meant a lot to me. 

After the 5K, the 31 Heroes WOD started.  Groups and groups of crossfitters from all over Hampton Roads, took part in this special WOD; With a partner, the duo completes as many reps as possible in 31 minutes. They must complete 8 thrusters of 155 or 105 lbs, 6 rope climbs (15ft), and 11 box jumps at 30 or 24 inches high. While one partner is completing the WOD, the other completes a 400m sandbag carry.  Once the partner completes the carry, they switch places and continue on.  Let me just tell you, watching the waves and waves of crossfitters giving it all they got to honor our heroes, it was awesome seeing the dedication and determination that each person had.

A bunch of my photos haver been shared on the Joggin' For Frogmen 5K website (http://www.jogginforfrogmen.com/race-photos/), but here are my favorites!

Welcome Them Home - Owens Family | Hampton Roads Homecoming Photographer

My friend and fellow photographer Kayse of La Mia Bella Photography messaged me one day asking if I could help out her friend Stephanie.  Stephanie's husband was returning home from a deployment and she needed a photographer to capture it.  When she told me he was with ACU-4, I got excited since I have never photographed a homecoming that involved LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion)! 

Stephanie, Caidyn and Kylee waiting for 7 months to see their hero. And let me tell you, just like at any other homecoming, I got teary eyed as I watched them reunite with him.  Owens family, thank you for allowing me to be able to capture your special reunion!

A Workout to Remember - The 31Heroes Project Main Event Launch Party | Hampton Roads Event Photographer

The 31Heroes Project was established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011 when their Extortion 17 helicopter went down in Afghanistan.  They serve to impact the lives of our nation's heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.  On June 4th, The 31Heroes Project held their Workout to Remember Main Event Launch Party at CrossFit Rife in Virginia Beach.  They hosted a WOD (Crossfit lingo for Workout Of the Day) to spread awareness about Boot Campaign's Pushups For Charity initiative. lululemon athletica was there with a selection of awesome workout gear, the Lucky Peach food truck serving some deliciousness to die for, and Astro DJs spinning the ones and twos to keep everyone jamming and rocking their WOD.  

As I will be photographing the Joggin' for Frogmen 5K, which will be held at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk on August 1st, Trisha Snelgrove, the Chief Operating Officer of The 31Heroes Project and Cameron Cooper, the Race Coordinator for the Norfolk Joggin' for Frogmen 5K invited me to join them at the event.  It was an amazing event, watching, photographing, and cheering on everyone crushing the WOD.  The WOD consisted of the following:

• 90 seconds of pushups
• AMRAP 10 (As Many Rounds As Possible in 10 mins)
• 10 burpees
• 15 kettlebell swings
• 20 sit ups
• 200M run

It was an awesome event, with awesome music (thanks Astro DJs) and awesome food!  If you haven't had the Lucky Peach, you are SERIOUSLY missing out!!! The menu they had during the event was seriously mouth watering.  I indulged in the sweet potato biscuit withe pulled pork and apple slaw.  It was so delicious, I was tempted to lick the plate!

But any who, here are some photos from the Workout to Remember!

I've Waiting My Whole Life to Meet You Daddy! | Norfolk Navy Homecoming Photographer

It all started with an email from my fellow homecoming photographer friend, Tricia of Teal Tree Studios.  As homecoming photographer, we all know that the date we're initially provided at first contact with a client is not set in stone.  Dates in the military are NEVER set in stone!  Well, Tricia emailed me asking if I could take on her homecoming client due to the new time and date conflicting with a personal matter.  As I have been shooting homecomings for the past six years, I absolutely LOVE shooting them, so I couldn't say no!  I then received an email from Sarah to touch bases about the date and tentative time.  And of course, as expected, the time changed. Again.  But let me tell you, I am glad the time changed! The warmth of the sun setting as the friends and families of the sailors aboard the USS Mitscher provided the perfect backdrop.  

Sarah mentioned that this is the first time in 16 years that she will have a photographer present at a homecoming.  But this was a special occasion.  Baby Mia was born while daddy was deployed.  The first meeting between daddy and baby NEEDED to be documented! And boy, the feels.  Seeing daddy holding his baby girl for the first time gave me goosebumps. And yes, teary eyes.  Thank you Sarah and family for allowing me to capture your special day.  

Welcome home to Randy and his fellow Mitscher crew!

Coming Home at the Right Time | Norfolk Homecoming Photographer

Dani was due to give birth to her and David's third child, and papa was on his way home.  And boy, did he coming home at the right time! Just a few days after coming home,  their daughter LaLune was born!  And I must say, she is absolutely adorable!  

But back to the homecoming story.  Dani contacted me to capture her family's reunion at Norfolk International Airport.  I can never turn down a homecoming, so I definitely said yes.  We met up around 745am, with a Starbucks in my hand.  Her adorable sons, Theo and Maxx kept each other occupied while we patiently waited for their papa to return.  From finding a garden maze, to sharpening their spidey senses, to coloring in a coloring book they got from an airport volunteer, they kept it cool until the saw their papa.  The minute they saw their papa, they immediately took off.  Thank you Dani, David, Theo, and Maxx for allowing me to capture your special day and WELCOME HOME David!     

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Finally a Family of Five | Camp Allen, Norfolk Homecoming Photographer

Katie contacted me about her husband's homecoming at Camp Allen.  Katie is the founder of Save the Woman, Not the Tata's.  You should definitely go check it out when you get the chance!  Her blog is truly uplifting.  

I met up with Katie and her adorable kiddos just before 11pm.  Now, if you have been at a homecoming before, you know how unpredictable they can be.  On my way to Camp Allen, Katie messaged me that the guys were coming in almost an hour earlier than scheduled.  But of course, by the time I got there, it changed back to its original time.  We patiently waited, keeping the kiddos occupied for as long as we could.  From eating snacks, to playing in the sandbox, to drawing choo choo trains and playing on Cera's laptop, I am surprised they were still wide awake when the guys finally made it! 

Thank you to Katie, Josh, Emma, Brody, Finn and the Charlie 6 crew for allowing me be there! To my ladies that I spoke to at the homecoming, you can view all the photos here: (Charlie 6 Homecoming).

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Welcome Home USS Bush! | Norfolk Homecoming Photographer

It has been quite a while since I have been in attendance of a carrier homecoming.  In fact, I couldn't even remember when the last ship homecoming I attended was.  But being that I had not one but two friends whose loved one was returning with the Bush Carrier Strike Group, I had to be there!

It was exactly how I remember; people everywhere! But nevertheless, the emotions swirling around at homecomings definitely were high.  Just as at any homecoming that I have attended, I definitely had tears in my eyes, especially knowing that both of my friends were getting their spouses back after a long nine months.  Their families were whole once again. 

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Taking It Back to 2011 | Hampton Roads MIlitary Photographer

Since today is Thursday, I figured I'd post for Throwback Thursday (#TBT).  And the fact that we just celebrated Veterans Day and the USS Bush will be home soon, why not post about a homecoming from 2011?  On the USS Bush's maiden deployment in 2011, I had the opportunity to shoot the homecoming for Christina and Chad.  Chad is an F-18 pilot and was flying back in at NAS Oceana with the Tomcatters.  Christina was 9 months pregnant and ready to pop when Chad came home.  We all thought Hudson would make his debut before his daddy came home. But we were lucky enough that he waited a few more weeks after.

It was a cold December day.  We all patiently waited as the boys flew over us to prepare for landing.  Now if you have been to a homecoming before, you know that emotions run high, especially as loved ones see the ship/sub/jet for the first time in months.  I have to admit, even as I see them come into view, I get caught up in the emotions too and find myself wiping tears away.  Needless to say, with Christina being pregnant the entire deployment, and she and Brady seeing Chad as he emerged from his jet, emotions were in super high drive.  As soon as Christina reached Chad, his hands went straight for Christina's belly. 

Then there is the homecoming kiss.

This kiss just says it all! In fact, the emotion behind this photo actually caught the attention of the editors at Glamour magazine!!  They contacted Christina and I to see if they could use her story and my photo in a feature about six wives, girlfriends and soldiers reuniting with their loved ones when they came home from a deployment.  Needless to say, we were over the moon!!! And come to find out, they wanted to use my photo for a FULL page spread, AND another one of my photos. I mean, how COOL IS THAT?!?!?!?

Having your photo(s) featured in a magazine is a HUGE accomplishment.  I may never have another photo featured in a magazine or on a website again, but knowing that my photo is still being seen, even 3 years AFTER, it still is an amazing feeling!

To Christina and Chad, like I always told you, ya'll are famous!! ;)

We Miss You | Smithfield Family Photographer

Grace and her family have been great friends of mine, especially because she and I shared a special bond of being Hawaii transplants to Virginia, as well as the fact that both her husband, Matt and my fiancé, Jake were both on the USS Harry S Truman at the same time.  Matt is away at Army boot camp, so Grace wanted to get some photos done of the kiddos with his boots, and send some to him.  I can't wait to hear about his reaction when he sees all of the photos!

Hurry home Matt! Your family misses you dearly!!! 

HM-15 Change of Command Ceremony | Norfolk Military Photographer

HM-15 will always hold a special place in my heart.  Especially thank you to Mrs. Sarah Clark, their great and fearless Ombudsman (BIG puffy heart you!!!), for bringing me in and making me a part of the Blackhawk family.  From homecomings to the Command Christmas party, I'd have to say that I love my Blackhawk Family!  The time was coming for Skipper and Mrs. Bahr to say farewell, and Mrs. Bahr asked for me to be there. I mean, how could I turn her down!?  From photographing a retirement ceremony for Daddy Clark to photographing Skipper Bahr's last days with HM-15, I was pretty stoked.

I have to admit, that it was the first Change of Command that I photographed, and I LOVED IT! I have attended a few Change of Commands before as a civilian employee, but being able to enjoy it with the families was extra special.  It made me honored to know that they entrusted me in capturing a special moment in their lives.  Skipper, Mrs. Bahr, and kiddos, thank you for allowing me to photograph this special day for you! It was an honor to be able to have met you all and look forward to seeing you around some time hopefully! To Skipper and Mrs. Gendron, thank you as well and I am looking forward to many more events with you all!

HOOYAH BLACKHAWKS!!!!

Welcome Home Blackhawks!! | Virginia Beach Homecoming Photographer

Jenn is a friend and fellow Hampton Roads Photographer.  When she messaged me to see if I could photograph her own homecoming, I immediately said heck yes! You all know how much I LOVE shooting homecomings! I enjoy them more than shooting weddings! Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE to shoot weddings. But every homecoming I photograph, it pulls at my heartstrings. Every. Time.  As the day approached, I then realized that it was a HM-15 homecoming.  I have been deemed the honorary Blackhawk photographer, thank you to my awesome friend and HM-15's AWESOME Ombudsman, Ms. Sarah Clark.  I was excited knowing that I was gonna be photographing another great Blackhawk moment.

I always love shooting for my Blackhawk family! Here are my favorites from the day.  For anyone that was in attendance at this homecoming, you can view, download and purchase photos at: http://kiyomiphotography.pixieset.com/welcomehomeblackhawks/

Please feel free to share them! Remember to mention Kiyomi Photography when sharing them on Facebook.

Fair Winds & Following Seas | Hampton Roads Military Photographer

Sarah and her family hold a special place in my heart.  They came into my life in the beginning of 2013, just before Jake went on deployment.  We had their Pre Deployment OpLove session at Fort Monroe, and Sarah had on some FABULOUS sparkly heels that I drooled over.  Then while Jake was deployed, we had a Doctor Who themed session for the boys at the Adam Thoroughgood House.  I must say the boys were dashing!  It was quite eventful since during the session, they were beating the wisteria with their light sabers (yes, it totally happened!) and caused my allergies to go haywire.  To this day, Sarah and I joke about how the boys almost put me in the hospital that day.  On the day that Jake returned from deployment, I was fortunate to be there as well.  As emotional as homecomings already are, seeing Jake reunite with Sarah and the boys melted me heart.

Fast forward to this year, I get a message from Sarah that Jake was retiring, and she asked me to be their photographer.  Of course I said yes, they were like family to me!  The day finally came, and boy, was it a wonderful day.  There were many tears and laughter, needless to say, there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house.  Jake, Sarah, Liam, and Maddox, I love you guys so much! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and special memories.  In this crazy military life, I am thankful to have found awesome friends like you that have turned into family.

Fair Winds & Following Seas!