Working For That Smile | Smithfield Family Photographer

Kendrea is not only a friend, but also a co-worker.  We both work for the Navy JAG on Naval Station Norfolk.  We were chit chatting one day, and she mentioned about getting some updated family photos, since the last time they had photos done was before little man was around.  We discussed about locations, and I mentioned Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield.  She looked at some photos from other sessions that were held there and fell in love! So we set the date and crossed our fingers that the weather will cooperate for us (we all know how bi-polar Virginia weather can be!).  Earlier in the week, the weather was being a pain in the butt, and we worried that it was going to be bad for the weekend.  

Well, we lucked out. It rained like crazy on Saturday, but Sunday, was awesome.  And when I arrived at Windsor Castle Park, I was surprised that there was NO ONE else there shooting sessions! It is really rare because Windsor Castle Park is a choice location by a lot of photographers in the area.  Guess we just lucked out! I have to say, little man definitely made me work for some smiles throughout the session.  In the first few frames, I swear he was giving me the "what do you want LADY" look. Kendrea even joked about how mean he initially is when he first meets someone new.  But let me tell ya, by the end of the session, he was all about giving me hugs and posing for the camera!

Thank you Kendrea for allowing me to photograph you and your family! 


Celebrating Momma and Grayson | Virginia Beach Photographer

Before the Clark family left Hampton Roads for their big move to GA, Sarah and I met up one last time at California Pizza Kitchen to partake in lunch and our favorite ending to a great meal, the DELISH butter cake.  We never leave California Pizza Kitchen without having one!  While waiting for our noms, she shared a little secret with me; another was joining the Clark clan!  Of course, we drooled over the thought that it could be a girl, but talked about how awesome it would be if baby Clark was a boy.  A little while later, they announced their soon to be addition and that it's a BOY! 

Fast forward to last month.  The Clark clan made their way back to the Hampton Roads area to attend a friend's retirement ceremony.  Sarah's partner in crime, Jill, threw her a baby shower while the Clark clan were here.  Needless to say, all the ladies that adored Sarah and her family were present and ready to mingle.  Mind you, it was not your typical baby shower. There were no games. There were no "what's in the diaper" nor the clothespin game.  It was full of catching up, chit chatting, and eating the delicious food that Jill made.  I'd must say though, the highlight of the day was during the book reading..... You'll see which book it was!

Congrats Clark clan, and can't wait to meet little Mr. Grayson when he makes his appearance in a few more months!!

Ladies, to see all the photos from the day, here is the link:

http://kiyomiphotography.pass.us/sarahs-hampton-roads-baby-shower

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!     

keeping the kiddos busy
is he here yet?
patiently waiting for papa
running for papa
finally reunited
papa and his babies
finally a family again

An Afternoon with The Korrells | Suffolk Lifestyle Family Photographer

Amanda and I go WAY back.  I mean, like back to Hawaii.  We first met in Hawaii when our ex's were deployed at the same time.  We hung out almost every day! We'd have sleepovers and act like tourists, driving around the island.  But as military life, I ended up moving to Virginia in 2009, and that was the last time I saw her.  We kept in touch on Facebook, even after she returned to the East Coast and moved back to Maryland.  But it wasn't until recently when she and her family moved to Virginia that we decided to actually meet up again.  When she first moved to Virginia, they were living in Newport News. Still close, but a drive over the HRBT that I hated driving on.  While her hubby was deployed, they bought and moved into a cute house in Suffolk.

One Sunday afternoon, I headed up to Suffolk.  The drive was so beautiful! Definitely made me think about moving up there.... But then I remembered how the traffic sucked going to base.  The further away I move from Norfolk, the worse it will be! Maybe one day. Soon.  I arrived at their house and immediately hugged Amanda as she greeted me on their front porch.  I mean, it has been SIX years since I last saw her!!  We hung out and chit chatted, reminiscing about the fun times we had when lived in Hawaii, to the craziness we both went through when we moved from Hawaii.

Previously, I told Amanda that I wanted to do a lifestyle session with them.  How could you not want to take some photos of their little cutie?!?! Thank you guys for allowing to spend the afternoon with you! And Amanda, like I said, let's not let 6 years go by again!

little cutie
toy story toys
daddy and son
hiding in the cabinets
putting on his new hat
lunchtime!

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).

katie and kiddos
keeping the kiddos occupied
brody faces
Emma patty cake
emma, brody & daddy
daddy holding finn for the first time
daddy is finally home!

Baby, It's Just You & Me | Smithfield Couples Photographer

You may recognize Grace and Matt.  They have been long time clients and friends of mine for years.  As most may know, Grace and I are connected through our Hawaii roots, as well as Matt and my fiance both being stationed on the USS Harry S Truman together.  Recently, Matt returned from Army boot camp, and Grace wanted to get some photos of just the two of them.  The rest of the family would be done later.  Since Grace has had some sessions done at Windsor Castle Park, Matt was interested in having their session there. And of course, you know I love shooting there! It's SO worth the drive from Virginia Beach! 

We met up literally within 20 minutes of the sun setting, towards the end of the elusive golden hour.  And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE golden hour.... I mean, LOOK. AT. THAT!!!

Matt and Grace field
Abandoned house, Grace and Matt fenceline
barn love Grace and Matt
Standing next to me Grace and Matt
In the middle of the road
Kiss me and smile


Love is in the Air.... | Hampton Roads Photographer

Now that the holidays have come and gone, onto my favorite day.... Valentine's Day!!  All I can say is I LOVE love! I love seeing couples in love.  The look that they give each other, as if no one else was around...  

I am offering Valentine's Day mini sessions and scheduling throughout the month of January until the first weekend of February! (Wanna make sure your images of you and your boo are ready before Valentines Day!) You know you want some updated photos of you guys, so let's chat and get your session scheduled today!

vday mini sessions

Brrr... Baby It's Cold Outside! | Virginia Beach Family Photographer

Emily contacted me to get some holiday photos done since I was booking Holiday mini sessions.  We set up their session for one of my favorite locations, the Adam Thoroughgood House in Virginia Beach.  Earlier in the week, we were worrying mainly about the rain that was forecasted for the day of the session.  Unfortunately, that was least of our worries.  On the day of the session, it was a crisp 40 degrees.  And let me just tell you, they definitely rocked it through the harsh cold weather! 

Marley
Silly faces
oh my they're kissing!
talking
Marley2
Westfall family

All Good Things Must Come to an End... | Hampton Roads Photographer

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!

2014 recap

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!

Meister Family woods

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!

Meister boys
Meister Family
Mom and kiddos
Mr and Mrs Meister

Katie, Jay & G Man | Virginia Beach Engagement Photographer

Katie and I first met when she modeled for an Orchestrated event back in November 2012. 

dinnerafterreginellas

Several weeks ago, she and I were talking and she asked me to photograph her wedding in June 2015.  Obviously, I HAD to say yes! I CANNOT wait to capture her and Jay's wedding....  It is going to be a blast! We set up their engagement session for First Landing State Park, specifically at the 64th Street Entrance.  This place is BEAUTIFUL!  Goliath, their furbaby definitely had to be in the photos as well!

Now Jay is usually not the photogenic type.  But let me tell you, you could NOT tell during the entire session! Jay was definitely a trooper, and Goliath loved being in the spotlight with his mommy and daddy.  Here are a few of my favorite shots from their engagement session...  Love you guys and can't wait til June!!!

G Man
G man with Katie and Jay
gman, mommy and daddy
kiss me
hold me and never let me go
the dip

Is it June yet?!?

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. 

BushHC
Bush Homecoming 2
Bush HC Bell Family
Bush HC Hanson Family

Adventures in Second Shooting : Ashley & Matt | Chesapeake Wedding Photographer

My gal pal Leslie of La Bella Bonita Photography asked me to shoot with her a small backyard wedding in Chesapeake.  And knowing how much I love to second shoot weddings and help out my girl, I couldn't pass up the opportunity!  I had so much fun celebrating with Ashley, Matt & their families!

Congrats to the happy couple and thank you Leslie for letting me shoot with you!

Adventures in Second Shooting: Cara & Jonathan | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

My gal pal Amber of Amber Lewis Photography and I were at it again! Seriously, any time we work a wedding together, we have so much fun!  And Cara and Jonathan did NOT disappoint their guests.  Their ceremony was held at the Great Bridge Baptist Church, and the reception in an AWESOME barn at Mercer Farm.  And let me tell ya.  I have to admit, their partying topped Katie and John's Grand Affairs reception! I mean, partying in a barn, what can top that??!?

Here are my favorites from the day! Thanks Amber for allowing me to once again shoot with you and CONGRATS to the happy couple!!


Adventures in Second Shooting: Katie & John | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

Shooting a wedding with my gal pal Amber of Amber Lewis Photography never feels like a job.  We seriously have so much fun it's illegal!  And this time, I got to second shoot the wedding of Katie and John.  The wedding was held on the beach at First Landing State Park and it was BEAUTIFUL.  Actually, beautiful is an understatement!  A lot of the décor was DIY by Katie, so I knew I would be having fun capturing all the details at the ceremony and reception sites.  The day of the wedding, the weather was a little uncooperative.  It was crazy windy, but Katie and John still pulled it off.

After the ceremony, everyone headed over to Grand Affairs, where the reception was being held at.  Amber and I walk into the reception room and see that our pals from Astro Entertainment were DJing, and thought, heck yeah! Anytime Astro is on the ones and twos, the reception is gonna be jumpin'! From the chicken dance to the money dance, DJ JJ Campos kept the party going until they had to kick us out.  Needless to say, Katie and John shut the Grand Affairs with their party rockin'!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Roth! 

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?!?!?!?

Full page spread!

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!! ;)

 

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!)

thereesefam