Glory and greatness

I've never seen a rainbow like this before.  I was out doing a senior portrait session this morning and we were waiting out a rain shower.  I was sitting under the tree and saw the faint impression of the larger rainbow, but from where I was sitting, I couldn't see the second rainbow closer to the horizon.  As the rain let up, I decided to go get a shot of the larger rainbow.  Imagine my surprise when I saw the vivid second rainbow underneath.  Life lesson - sometimes greatness isn't always apparent.  You have to get up and go see what's really there. 

Morning Has Broken

Got up early this morning because I have a very, very full plate this week.  When I went to bed last night, I was already stressing about how I was going to get everything done on time.  So I was in my office working about 5:30 a.m.  Around 6:45 I opened the blinds in my office and the sky caught my eye.  I saw these magnificent colors forming on the clouds against a striking blue background.  Grabbed my camera, and was about to head out the door when I realized I was still in my pajamas.  (That would not have been a pretty sight for any neighbors to see.)  Quick change and then I jumped in the car.  Sunrises and sunsets happen quickly, so you have to act quickly.  I was afraid I might already be too late to catch the best rays, but I told myself, "It's never too late."  As I got to my favorite spot, the sun was just peeking above the horizon.  So I stopped to relax a minute and catch my breath, and I got the privilege of watching a beautiful morning unfold.  I started shooting, but there were times when I just sat and watched the colors develop.  Since it had rained heavily yesterday, the air was cool and I heard a stream flowing in the distance.  Beautiful.  A reminder that it's okay to slow down, no matter how busy you may be.  As I thought about what to call this image, a perfect song started playing through my head, "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens.  

Those of you who were around in the '70's will remember this song and in case you're too young to know it, here it is:

 Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens

Happy Monday!

There will always be weeds

I took this image yesterday, not knowing how I was going to use it or what I was really going to do with it.  I just happened to notice the weeds and how they fit into the larger picture.

This morning I was having a discussion with a dear friend and business associate.  We were discussing a problem she was having when I thought about the image I took yesterday.  I said it out loud:

"There will always be weeds." 

We both thought about it for a minute, and realized that yes, weeds are always going to be underfoot.  There will always be weeds in your garden (just as there will always be bugs at your picnic or rain in your day.)  What's important is to quickly deal with the weeds and bugs and then focus and enjoy the surrounding beauty. There's always a bigger picture for you to see.  You just have to see past the little annoyances.  Oftentimes, those little annoyances help you appreciate the good stuff all the more!


(P.S.  I'm excited to announce that this image is the first of a Signature Series called Lessons From the Lens©.  These images will be available as fine art prints on textured portfolio paper or heavyweight giclee canvas.  Stay tuned for more details.)

Wet & Wild

Twenty to thirty foot waves were forecast for today, so I grabbed my camera and my daughter to keep me company.  Instead of heading to the North Shore and fighting traffic, we headed to the Waianae coast.  It was a beautiful drive and the waves were thunderous.  I watched one guy taking pictures with his point-and-shoot just as one of the waves splattered over him.  Fortunately, he was far enough away that the force of the wave didn't do anything but get him seriously wet, but I kept my eye on him.  (Not that I was going to go after him if he got eaten by one of those monster waves.... )  Later,  I caught up with him and we joked about how he was getting a little up close and personal with some of those waves. 

Old and New

My daughter had friends visiting from college, so one evening I asked if they'd like to do a portrait session.  I thought it would be fun for them and it would give me a chance to play around a bit.   They did their own hair and makeup and we pulled out some clothes and jewelry.   Kylie had pulled her hair into a pretty bun, and when I saw how she looked I knew exactly how I wanted to photograph her.  I had her put on my daughter's vintage dress (the one that's shown on my website homepage) and here was the beautiful result.  I love the fact that this is a modern-day 20-year old, but she looks timeless.

       
And here was another fun one from the session.  She was checking her texts during a break and I simply asked her to hold that pose. 

You've Got a Friend

This image is one I took two years ago, just after my oldest daughter graduated from high school and her friends were all getting ready to head to different colleges.  They were sharing one last sunset at the beach together.  Their friendships have endured since grade school and they most recently got together just a few days ago for a party at our home.  It's wonderful to see them all grow and change, and to see how their friendships still remain strong.

So when a friend shared this song today, it reminded me of how valuable our friendships are.  (This song was suggested for someone who's creating a playlist of positive songs to listen to whenever she gets a little down.)  This song takes me back and always wraps me in warmth.  I'd forgotten how much I love it. 

To all of you who are reading this, my warmest aloha to you and yours and I hope all of you are blessed with an abundance of love, gratitude, and great friendships!  I hope you'll share the warmth!

Maternity Portraits

Oh, how I love doing maternity portrtaits.  I get to photograph some amazing things, and a woman awaiting the birth of her baby is so magical.   Here's a portrait I recently did that I just love.  I think the look says it all.  I call this one, "Lindsay Waiting".

I'm always chasing rainbows

I was ready to settle in and do some office work this afternoon.  Then it started raining.  Pouring.  And the sun was shining!  That meant only one thing-- rainbows!  I'm a sucker for rainbows.  So I grabbed my camera, jumped in the car and headed to my favorite little bluff overlooking the city.  Of course, rainbows only come about when it's raining and the best shots are when the water is still coming down.  I really don't like taking the chance of getting my camera wet, but you really can't get a good shot while you're sitting in the car.  So I hopped out and snapped away.   Getting wet was worth it.