The Fashionista herself!- Ms. Alilia/Kalina Grad. 09'

Congrats Kalina! This girl is like my lil' sis. and since she was a lil' girl she has always had her nose in the books. She is definitely the bookworm of the family, but don't let her whits confuse you as she is taking the fashion industry by storm. These days you'll find Kalina researching the latest trends, and styles of fashion. One of the things I admire about her is that she is green and a lover of taking care of our environment! You don't ever want to get caught up in a debate with this girl though. She comes from where great minds are made and is always one to start up interesting conversations to get one thinking....believe me we've gotten into alot of heated discussions, and each time she pushes me to broaden my thinking and ways of life. That is what I love about Kalina! She is not afraid of change and is driven to reach success no matter what may come her way:) She is bound for great things as she takes her next step into college and life! Much luv Sis and thanks for workin the camera despite the rainy weather!

Transform - Inspiring!

(I couldn't figure out how to make the video not play automatically, so if you didn't get to see this you can find it on Zacks weblink below)...

Zack Arias created this video a few months ago ( which I found on J*s site- Hollah!) and I often find myself watching it because its so inspiring and has helped me through my journey of photography. He puts into words, what he experiences with photography and what I'm sure many go through, including myself. It applies to so much more than just photography....I don't know about you, but I loved it! Give it a gander:)

TJ - Mountain View 09' Graduate Babee!

Congratulations TJ! This is one of the greatest victories - HS graduation, and best of luck as you take your next step towards adulthood, college, careers, and futures! I've known TJ all his life and he has always impressed me with his determination, humility and leadership skills. He's like my lil' bro and I just heart this guy! He's the type of guy that everyone just falls in love with because hes so true to himself. Thats what I love about him! He's always been the silent leader in the family, not looking for recognition but solely focused on his goals in life, being obedient to his parents, and aiming for success in all things. He's accomplished so much and I'm so proud of him! He is the youngest boy in the family, and has a heart of champions. Now combine that with his football material physique, guitar skillz, vocals, and charm - this guy is the most handsome jasmine playin, skater jock athlete, you will ever know.

Thanks TJ for being such a good sport and rockin the camera despite the rainy weather! Love ya:)

TEASER - The beautiful Jasmine

Jasmine, the guitar that is.....when planning for this shoot, I wanted my superstar graduate to be himself...this was all about him! When he asked what to wear, I told him that I want him to be comfortable with whatever wardrobe best described him, so that when others see his pictures they will see him, the real deal, and not so much posed images! I asked my client to bring some of his favorite things and when I was trying to capture different expressions, I started teasing him about girls and he said the only girl that has his attention these days is his Jasmine. And boy can this guy jam it out on Jas...

Challenge: Shooting in the rain!

So this past weekend as I was with my mom, I was able to get a few senior shots in....mind you it was raining and I almost decided to cancel but the more I thought about it, I found myself talking myself out of canceling. When it comes to the beauties of nature and the four seasons you never really know what to expect, especially here in Utah. Plus, I'm always up to the challenge and figured that someday I may run into similar circumstances with a wedding and will have to make due, so rain and no shine I went with my fabulous seniors to shoot away! I promise to have them up here in a few days! It was fun shooting in the rain, and i walked away from this experience thinking, we can shoot in anything....at the end of the day, all that matters is the experience shared with those involved. I had so much fun! Thanks!

Ahhhh....Spring!

So hopeful, this coming of Spring with warmer breezes to motivate the heart and soul. I love how the Spring season helps us to awaken, to start moving, to start thinking about a new beginning, a new year in which to rejuvenate and revitalize our hopes, dreams, and goals. I'm so energized and excited for the projects that I have lined up and can't wait for this season to unfold.

I found a quote that I will leave you with today: "Spring is when love is carried on a breeze, with passion flying and kisses whispered into your ear." Tis the season for wedding photography!

In the Parking Garage

You will love this!

What lil' girls will do these days for a stuffed animal:) There is no audio, I'm sure this is the security footage, but I could totally seeing my daughter doing the same thing....I couldn't stop laughing!

Labor of Love

So this is the living room that you can see my sister questioning if it was really possible to get things organized??? It was a huge undertaking, but we did it Tema:)..here is the before.....





AFTER...what do you think? Don't laugh, someone slept on the couch and so it was unmade...i should of made it before taking this photo....but oh well you get the picture:)




Here is the before picture of the entry way to the kitchen from the living room:




Here is the AFTER:



Here is the before of her dining area/ sewing area...now my mom sews a ton, she had sewn over 30 blankets, 500 seat covers, and much more for my lil' sisters wedding last year, and all her stuff remained in the kitchen which she tried to cover up...but we got rid of these babies and organized a room with all her sewing stuff in the basement:



Here is her new dining area:




Here is her bedroom before (don't mind all the clothes, I had taken this picture as we got rid of her ancient dressers and put alot of her stuff on her bed)....




Here is her bedroom AFTER:



Another angle of her bedroom:



Here is one more shot..yeah, I'm just noticing that my decor is off centered.....oh well, hopefully she can find this room soothing and a place to recover once she gets home....




Thanks Tema for helping and all those who played a role in helping this lil' makeover possible. I can't wait to see my mom's face when she walks into her house:) We love you Mom!!!

On pause for the moment.........

So things have been pretty hectic on my end with my moms hospital stay. Shes had a few hiccups with her operation, problems with dehydration, and then operated on again. Theres nothing else I'd rather be doing than just being with her. Its funny because although theres not much to do at the hospital, other than watch and attend to her needs, it is so emotionally draining. I'm eager to get behind my camera though and am inspired by my mom, this experience, and the new light its given to my life and the work that is ahead of me. Thanks all for being so patient with my cancelled appts, and understanding of my schedule. I will be in touch with each of you this week to confirm your new appt dates and times. Oh yeah and the makeover pictures are kind of on their way. The last thing I want is to embarass my mom, so she still needs some convincing. I hope to post them soon with her permission:)

Brooke III

Just the last of Brookes photos...sorry Brooke! Wasn't able to get too much done over the past few weeks while at the hospital. I've had to reschedule alot of appointments so thank you to those who have been willing to work with my schedule. I can only pray that this weekend the weather will be on our side for the Vakapuna's family portraits.....the makeover photos are still coming.....

HGTV pays off!

So this past weekend I was a Saturday's warrior as I attempted to bust an HGTV move by overhauling my moms home and getting it designed a little bit more up to date. Before I show the pictures, I need to preface that because my mom came from very humble beginnings, anything she has purchased from clothes, shoes, decor, dishware, magazines, etc. she has kept all of them from the early 1970s til now. It is very hard for her to let go of things. With 20+ yrs of collecting necessary stuff and not getting rid of some, it does cause a lot of clutter. I have seen a trend with many first generation women where getting rid of things is so hard. I don't blame them one bit though, but know that there is a way to make and keep organized. So in an attempt to make sure that my mom will return to a very comfortable home and room one day, i took the liberty of trying to get her stuff organized and her living areas updated. Aside from photography, interior decorating is also one of my favorite hobbies and this weekend really kicked my butt! My designs though are strictly on a budget- so don't laugh. I'm all about making use of what you already have, eliminating clutter, and making a home very comfortable and relaxing. Stay tuned as the before and after pictures are coming! This project was all about organization, making space for everything important, and utilizing what my mom already had so we could stick to a budget. If I had more time I may have painted, got new light fixtures, update the kitchen cabinets, purchased new furniture, etc....... but i think it will do for now. My many hours of watching HGTV has definitely paid off as I kept my lil makeover very simple.....Stay tuned as I download the pix's:)

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