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!

I Refuse... | Personal

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I refuse to sink. Some people take a look at this tattoo on my right forearm and laugh. Then they ask me, "um, doesn't an anchor sink? That makes no sense." I just shrug it off and tell them what it means that to me. To everyone, a tattoo means differently to different people. Some think it has something to do with the Navy (I work for the Navy and my fiance is a prior sailor).

But it has absolutely nothing to do with that. The reason I got it was because of the symbolic reasoning behind it. Strength and stability. An anchor is something that holds something in place no what how rough things may get.  I have had some trials and tribulations in my life, some that have knocked me down numerous times. And each time, I got up, dusted myself off, and kept on going. 

So in essence, i refuse to let anything bring me down. I refuse to allow anything prevent me from continuing on after I stumble. 

I refuse to sink. ⚓

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



Adventures in Second Shooting: Chrissy & Kevin | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

A few months ago, I responded to a post in a photography Facebook page where Rachel from Rachel Wells Photography was looking for a second shooter for a wedding she was shooting in Norfolk.  Being that I frequent Norfolk almost every day (I work on base), I replied that I was available and definitely interested.  We conversed back and forth about the details, chit chatted and she provided the details.  The day finally came and was so excited to finally meet another photographer that wasn't from the area!

As most second shooters do, I got to spend time with the Kevin, his groomsmen and his family while they waited to go to the ceremony on base.  Needless to say, these guys had me cracking up the entire time!

Thank you Rachel for allowing me to be your second shooter for the day. Totally had tons of fun.

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!

Natalia & Oscar are Married! | Norfolk Wedding Photographer

Natalia and Oscar are friends of two former clients/friends of mine; Ana and Oriana.  I have photographed Ana's homecoming when her hubby BIll returned from deployment a few years ago, as well as a family session with their baby boy shortly after he was born.  I photographed Oriana and her hubby Don, before they moved to Washington State.

When I received an email from Natalia, I was estatic!  Not only was I able to see my girls again, but help one of their dear friends capture a special day for her and her new hubby. 

Adventures in Second Shooting: Ciane & Gary | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer

Back in May, I had the opportunity to second shoot for my gal pal and fellow photographer, Amber of Cherished Memories Photography by Amber.  Whenever I work with Amber, we ALWAYS have the best time!  Ciane & Gary's wedding DEFINITELY was one of the best weddings that I got to second shoot and had SOOOO much fun with everyone! What can I say, police officers know how to party!  Not to mention the EPIC father-daughter dances and mother-son dance!!  You just HAD to be there!! :)

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!


Welcome Home Erik!! | Hampton Roads Homecoming Photographer

I absolutely love shooting homecomings.  I love the emotions that come when the families get to see their loved ones they haven't seen in several months.  It makes me feel as if I were there to see my loved one as well, and I have to admit, there have been many times that I have cried along with them at the first sight of the ship or plane.

But this homecoming is a little more special, as it was for a fellow photographer that I have had the privilege of shooting beside at many carrier fly-ins and pier homecomings.  Kelley and her family are in the midst of PCSing away from the area, and her hubby was coming home to accompany them.  At first, Kelley didn't even think about having a photographer there, especially since it was only a few months Erik was gone.  But I convinced her that it was long enough and told her I would be there with her and the boys.  Erik was due to fly in at 1030pm, so we met up around 10pm at the Norfolk AMC Terminal.  The boys were antsy to see their daddy, and I know mommy was too.  Poor Jacob had gotten strep throat earlier, so it only added to his misery of waiting.  But needless to say, the boys were troopers the entire time, and went up and down the escalator to help pass the time as we waited for daddy to go through Customs.

Kelley, I am surely gonna miss seeing you at the homecomings, and can't wait to visit you guys at your next stop!!!

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!

A Day in the Park with Mommy & Me | Downtown Norfolk Portrait Photographer

Back in March, Sara, a friend of mine and past OpLove client, held an event for the SIDS awareness at the Indian River AMF bowling lanes.  It was in an event to raise awareness about SIDS, research funding, and to also celebrate two special little kiddos, Jax and Eli.  They also held a silent auction, in which I provided a gift certificate.  I was contacted a few weeks ago by Ms. Carmen, who happened to win my gift certificate.  Due to her hubby not being here, we set up a Mommy & Me session for her and her adorable son, Gabe.  We decided on the Pagoda & Oriental Garden in Downtown Norfolk.  I just LOVE shooting there, especially because there are many different backdrops to choose from.  We walked around the garden, keeping cool in the shade.  We even had the opportunity to go upstairs of the Pagoda and checked out the sights from high up! 

Towards the end of the session, we shortly discovered that we were in Hawaii around the same time, and that she knew a former neighbor of mines, Melissa.  It's funny how the military brings people together and you don't even know it!!

Thank you Ms. Carmen and Gabe for allowing me to photograph you guys. I had SO much fun!!

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.