We have had the most amazing winter conditions on the North Shore this year and it seems like it is only just beginning....

I have not been able to take my eyes off the ocean it has been so beautiful, and today I gave everyone the day off so that they could enjoy it too. It was history in the making as the Quiksilver in memory of Eddie Aikau contest only runs when the conditions are perfect... today was the events 25th anniversary and only the 8th time the contest has ever run... and the conditions couldn't have been any more perfect! It was sunny and clear with slight offshore winds and glassy conditions... the waves were in the 20-25 foot range which means the front face of the wave was 40-50 feet high. Imagine jumping off a 4 story building, then having the building fall down behind you and then chase you! That's what these guys were up against.... and I know they loved every minute of it!

This is Clyde Aikau... Eddies brother. He is 61 years old and still charging this monster surf. 

This following series was the first official wave of the day... I think this guy had a few jitters to work out!



How about this 'Big Air' drop'?
This is the one and only Kelly Slater.... an icon and a legend in the surf world.

I think these wipe out images help give some perspective as to just how small we are in the face of Mother Nature.... 

And this is one of our local North Shore boys Garrett McNamara.

It was a day I will remember... not just because I could walk faster down Kam Hwy than any of the cars could drive, but because I got to see such an amazing show of athleticism, hang out with such cool friends and enjoy an awe inspiring show that Mother Nature  only puts on in a very few places around the world! 

Thanks to everyone and congrats to all 24 of the invitees to the contest... all of you are winners in my book!

aloha,

~j

I also love new parents that come in with some fun ideas or who are open to my ideas (and don't think I am crazy!) and let me try new images with their most precious little ones! 

Here are a few of the sweeties I have had in recently.....

It has been baby heaven for me and that makes me so happy! Can't wait for my next batch of newborns!

until next time,

aloha, ~j

If you have a girl in this age range or know someone who does, send us a recent snapshot!

OK... that was more than a few, I had a really hard time narrowing this post down!

Thanks to everyone that came out to all of our event at the Growing Nest... I love the natural light in that room, it makes for such nice images!

If you missed out this year, stay tuned for our schedule for 2010!

And if on February 14th you want to have the cutest Valentines to pass out, be sure and sign up for January Special! We will have packages with some super cute custom designed Valentines and special bookmarks that are always fun! Call the studio now to sign up for that, 638-5050.

Whew, I am off to make some cards!

until next time,

Aloha,

~j

I will have some new images to post soon,
but in the meantime an editor of a local kids magazine has asked me to shoot a couple of covers for him, so I am looking for girls that are 5-8 years old.It is important that they are not shy, and not missing any teeth! Adult or baby teeth are fine, I know this is such a transitional time for kids,  but they just don't want any missing teeth. 

If you have or know of kids like this, please email me with the contact information and a very recent snapshot.  We will start shooting this at the end of this month.

thanks and aloha!

joanne

I love finding new locations that don't look like much, we went to an old farm and then to a place that I have driven by a bunch but never stopped at! It was fun, the weather didn't cooperate very well though so they agreed to come back and play again... can't wait! 

Until next time...

~j

We will also be offering our popular "Double Dollars" Gift card... You pay $100 for a card that is valued at $200! This makes a great gift for your family and friends or even to keep for yourself!
This card can be used on any new session and can go towards prints, cards or the session fee! 

Stop by and say hi and take advantage of this great offer!

aloha,

~j

In this case, even when you are 9 months pregnant!

Meet Collette... she is due in two weeks and is still teaching her yoga class.....

Her and her husband Bill were so awesome... I love it when a client says lets do 'something different'!

I have so many 'different' ideas, I love to have some one to play with!

I just know  this baby is going to come out smiling and then go right into a yoga pose!

Can't wait to meet baby!

aloha,

~j

That's how I felt when I saw Shelby & Sarah run across the grass to give me a big hug when I first saw them for our recent session!
I know they are still just toddlers but boy do they ever look like big kids now! 
I started photographing these twins when they were brand new babies and I fell in love with them at that first session!
Now they are 3 years old and we had so much fun!

We played dress up.... they are true princesses!

And they have discovered their love of being behind the camera as well as in front of it!!

and of course I love their piggies!

It was a great play date and I hope they had as much fun as I did!
can't wait to see you guys again!
aloha,
~j