As 2014 slowly comes to an end, I look back at all the sessions I had a pleasure of shooting. From a retirement ceremony for a dear friend, to my niece's second birthday party, to a homecoming for two dear friends of mine. All in all, 2014 was a good year! But, I am hoping that 2015 will bring even more greatness!!! Thank you to all of my clients that allowed me to capture memories for them this year. Here is a glimpse into all the great memories I was able to capture this year.... And here's to making more memories in 2015!
Before the Rain Rolled In | Chesapeake Family Photographer
Angel messaged me looking for a photographer. She was referred to me by Ashley Barnett of We Are the Mitchells and told me that she had been looking for a photographer for the past 2 months before being referred to me. She wanted an awesome fall background, so I suggested Oak Grove Lake Park. For weeks, we watched the weather, hoping that we didn't have to reschedule it, or have to move it to an indoor location. I arrived at the park, and of course, there were sprinkles. But as I walked deeper into the park, I came across at least 6 other photographers and their clients! But luckily, we were able to work with the limited availability of space and were able to get some awesome shots. Especially my favorite shot below!
We literally had to wait closer towards the end of the session to jump on this location. And thankfully, we were able to get their session wrapped up before the rain rolled in. Thank you Meister Family for allowing me to photograph your fall portraits!
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.
Waiting for Little Noah | Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer
As they patiently wait for Noah to arrive, I had an maternity session with his mommy and daddy at the Red Wing Park. It was a beautiful day and we couldn't ask for better weather. We met up in front of the Japanese Gardens and ventured around. Needless to say, Noah has some awesome parents!
They're Here..... Holiday Mini Sessions! | Hampton Roads Photographer
Yup, you read it right. Holiday mini sessions are here! This time, you'll have two different options to choose from. The location is still your choice, but you get to pick how long or short your session will be!
Book your session today!!
It's a Family Affair | Smithfield Family Photographer
When another photographer books a session with me, I always get nervous. Don't know why, but I sometimes feel nervous! Kayse and her adorable family are no strangers to me though. I have ran a Color Me Rad race a few years ago with Kayse, and her family was at the finish line waiting for her. Kayse is the owner and photographer of La Mia Bella Photography, and has been a photog friend of mine for a few years now. We have shot at the same homecomings along side other photog buddies.
Let me just add that Kayse and her family are HILARIOUS. I swear, I was laughing during the entire session. To say we had fun is an understatement. Unfortunately, I can only share this photo since momma Reese wants to keep the rest hidden.... Keep your eyes peeled!
Thank you Kayse for allowing me to capture these photos of you and your AWESOME family! Maybe next time we can do this one.... (CLICK HERE!)
Miss Madison the Fall Cutie | Chesapeake Children Photographer
You may recognize this little cutie. Miss Madison is no stranger to my camera. Last fall, her mommy and daddy joined her for a family session at First Landing State Park. This year, it was just miss Madison, and this time, they brought their adorable doggy, Buster! Buster definitely is a riot. He cooperated for some of the photos, unless you had a pine cone in your hand, and it's all over. I think he liked the fact that he saw a lot of other doggies there as well.
I swear, every time I see Madison, she seems bigger! From the day her mommy came home on the USS Bush a few years ago, to last fall, when we had their family session. Next time I see her, I bet she will be taller! Isn't it crazy how quickly kiddos grow???
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!!!
Miss Briyleigh is TWO! | Virginia Beach Children's Photographer
Little miss Briyleigh is too adorable. Her momma is currently deployed on the USS Bush, so she is missing out on Briyleigh's second birthday. So Briyleigh's daddy and I talked about doing some photos in her birthday outfit and send them out to momma. The day of the session, the sky literally dropped outta nowhere. It was raining cats and dogs and then some. While we patiently waited for it to finally die down, we did some in home photos. Once we saw that it had stopped, we then made our way to Red Wing Park. Of course, when we got there, it was still drizzling a little. But we jumped on the opportunity before the weather decided to turn again.
Needless to say, miss Briyleigh definitely had me running around and kept me on my toes!
Little Miss Ava Grace is FINALLY Here! | Newport News Photographer
A week before she made her debut, little miss Ava Grace made her mommy visit the hospital for a few hours. Momma was sent back home. A few days later, momma was back at the hospital, this time for the real thing! She started to have intense contractions at 2am, and had an appointment with her doc later that day at 10am. Next thing we knew, she was scheduled for a C section and I was still stuck at work on the other side of the water!
Let's just say that little miss Ava Grace was ready to come into the world.... according to momma, the doctor said that her cord was wrapped around her neck, then she cries...LOUD! Then the doctor says "whoa, a true knot!"
Little miss Ava Grace is certainly stealing the hearts of her brother, Chandler, and sisters, Faith and Falyn. Not to mention that everyone that meets her!! Welcome to the world little miss Ava Grace!!!!
Date of birth: August 21, 2014
Time: 3:38 PM
Weight: 8 lbs
Height: 20 in
Place of birth: Riverside Regional Medical Center
Ashanta & Milton are MARRIED! | Norfolk Wedding Photographer
I’m so happy to share Ashanta & Milton’s beautiful day! They were married amongst their closest friends and family at the Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, and it was beautiful!!
Enjoy my favorites!
Fall Mini Sessions Are Here! | Hampton Roads Photographer
The kids are back to school soon..... Fall is approaching fast. And before you know it, it will be winter! Get your session scheduled today!
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!!!!
A Beautiful Baby Bump | Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer
You may recognize Ms. Gina. A few months ago, we did a gender reveal session where she found out she was having another baby girl. We discussed our options for the maternity session and determined that the 64th Street entrance of First Landing Park was exactly what we needed. Of course, being that it is the summer time, we arrived and there were a number of people there, to include a group of SUP boarders. We got a few shots on the beach, then located a little more secluded spot on the other side of a family fishing down the beach.
Now, trying to change wardrobes at a beach that does NOT have a bathroom facility is a challenge. Add in baby bump and it's twice as difficult! But Ms. Gina rocked it and successfully changed at least four times! We realized how quickly we were loosing our lighting, adding to the fact that we all were getting eaten alive by mosquitoes and other critters.
Can't wait til little miss finally makes her debut!
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!
There's Always a First Time for Everything | Virginia Beach Family Photographer
Aurea and I go way back. When I first moved up here from Hawaii, Aurea and I worked in the same office. When I first met Aurea, we immediately hit it off, like we were old friends that haven't seen each other. When we walked through the building, many people thought that we were actually sisters! I mean, we do look alike. :) I worked in the same office until two years later, I was given the opportunity to start my career as a federal civilian employee. I kept in touch with her and others from my old office, until things got really busy. Aurea texted me one day that she was interested in getting some family photos done, especially since they never had them done before! So we scheduled a date and time.
The day came, and we met on the beach near the Lesner Bridge. Let me just say her girls were too funny and had me laughing pretty much throughout the entire session! Here are my favorites from that day. Thank you Aurea for allowing me to capture some memories for you and your adorable family!
Fourth of July Mini sessions are here! | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer
Summer is upon us, and Fourth of July is nearly here. So with that said, Fourth of July mini sessions are here! Schedule your session from any time between now and July 4th, and you will receive a special gift! Show off your American pride and schedule your session today!
A Day with the Brubakers | Downtown Norfolk Family Photographer
Julia and her adorable family are one of my LivingSocial families. She purchased the deal that ran last year, but with unusual circumstances, we weren't able to shoot their session until now. We talked for months, figuring out where exactly we were going to do have their session and bounced ideas off of each other. When Julia last contacted me, she told me that they wanted to get them done soon, since they were moving back to the West Coast very soon. We settled on a location with an urban feel, Freemason District and the adjacent areas; the Pagoda & Oriental Garden, and the USS Wisconsin. All locations that will remind them of the time when they lived on the East Coast in Virginia.
Thank you Brubaker family for a fun session and hope you have a safe trip to Cali!
It's a Bird... It's a Plane.... No, It's Super Sebastian! | Yorktown Event Photographer
Superheroes KNOW how to party!! Sebastian invited all of his superhero buddies.... Superman, Batman, Iron Man, just to name a few. All the superheroes got makeovers from Ashley from Pic-N-Paint, then their special costume attire from Ryan the Balloon Guy. They ate super pizza, and munched on some Kryptonite, Spiderberries, Batmellow Puffs and awesome hero cake.