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Laie 8th Ward Young Women: Project Values

Today we unveiled our personalized Young Women Values posters, from an impromptu shoot we did a couple weeks ago, as well as individual posters of each young woman as a reminder that they are indeed Strong and Courageous individuals who can and will make a difference in the lives of others as they live their young women values.

All wards are welcome to use this idea for their young women in hopes that all young women of the world (LDS and Non-LDS) will know their worth. 

This past weekend...

Although I always welcome the weekend and look forward to a taking a 'break'...besides my regular weekend chores, there is always unfinished business to tend to. However, it keeps me out of trouble...Hee! Hee!

This guy had three dates on Friday...all at once!=)

My niece made me look pretty, then shot me!=)

Our pet, Zebra wanted to get in on the action.

Did a quick family shoot for a good friend.

Edits, deadlines, edits, deadlines...Story of my life, 

but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Our Future Leaders...

This photo says it all.=)

Missing my Mom...

Yolanthy Foua Thompson Kanahele

July 4, 1936 - September 13, 1991

Looking through my lens at this mother and daughter filled my heart with so much emotion for some reason. It's been 21 years since my mom passed away, but it seems like it was just yesterday when my mom would come home from work, head straight for the shower, powdered and lotion herself before throwing on her lava lave and walking to the living room with a tall glass of iced water to finally sit and relax as the sun was settling in. I would lay next to her, put my head on her lap and she would start playing with my hair as she looked out the window to enjoy the closing of yet another beautiful day. The scent of her powder and lotion was the aromatherapy I grew up with. My mom was a beautiful woman; strong-willed, but gentle when she needed to be.  She put her foot down alright, but she did it to teach us respect. I have seen her many times on her knees only catching phrases here and there about how grateful she was for her family, her children, for our health and strength and for blessing her family with what was needed. She was full of wisdom and strived daily to teach her children to be God-fearing honest adults. As they say, nobody's perfect and my mom was far from it, but she did her best with what she knew. I love and miss you Mom!=) 

"Project Values"

I serve as the Young Women's Music Specialist in La'ie 8th Ward under the direction of Young Women's President Serena Tuliloa. I remember when I was in Young Women (actually migrated from MIA to YMYW) we had so many inspiring moments and not to mention tons of fun participating in activities planned especially for us by our leaders. This year, we decided to start our own line of Young Women Value posters for Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue. We really didn't have time to actually think about the content and types of poses, etc. so we're starting out simple. La'ie 8th Ward YW is starting a trend. Stay tuned.

Here are a couple fun shots after we shot the values poses and individuals. 

Shanda

Shanda is from Alpine, UT -  number 3 of 5 girls, and daughter of my cousins David and Lisa Hannemann. Although I had never met any of their children, I met Shanda while working at the New Student Orientation One-Stop-Shop and was checking to see if the new students had a social security number in our database. They had to write down their basic information and when Shanda came to the front, she wrote her first name and then her last (Hannemann)...that was that.

I do practice shoots every now and then and select different models...Shanda was perfect. Thank you sweetie! Click HERE to see more photos of beautiful Shanda!

Shadows

Silhouettes - Fun stuff!

Primary Rocks!

Especially La'ie 8th Ward Primary! I was released in February from my calling as Primary Chorister. Enjoyed preparing and teaching the children songs for the primary program each year. I now serve as the Young Women's Music Specialist, just as good, but teenagers of course can be worse than Primary kids. Nonetheless, I love my calling; especially when I'm called to do something I'm actually good at.

Yesterday I was asked to put on my photography hat and photograph each child. It was amazing to see each child's personality through my lens for a split second. It was quite entertaining actually. You saw serious faces, funny faces, expressions of concern and faces that said loud and clear...'hurry up just take the picture will ya?' Don't really have time to edit any of the shots that were taken, but did manage to get it all in a frame.  Although these kids can and will be rascals at time, It was a blast to photograph these special spirits.

Ren!

I had the privilege of photographing another beautiful Mommy this morning. Serena Manumaleuna Tuliloa, married to Chris Tuliloa...are parents of six, and soon to be seven. "Ren" as we call her, says this is her last child, and might I add, the only pregnancy of the Tuliloa's to be documented by JoTography96762...Thanks Ren!  

You can see more of Mrs. Tuliloa on Facebook at JoTography96762.

That's what I get!

So I quickly and carelessly downloaded OS6 on my iPhone, but I skipped some steps and ended up erasing everything on my phone. My bestest friend comes over, so excited to show me his brand spankin' new iPhone5 that he's been waiting so patiently for, but I steal his glory and he spends the next 2-3 hours trying to 'restore' and salvage whatever he can on my iPhone. After numerous attempts, we have all of it, except for my 'contacts' and 'notes' which is pretty much the 'lifeline' of any phone. I know he's tired and as frustrated as I am, but he's trying to keep me calm...love this man! So, my contacts and notes are wiped out because of my 'impatient' nature...lesson learned? Hmmm, but that's what I get for trying to bypass the important steps...don't be like me!=(

CSU: Common Sense University

"No brain, no gain!" All it takes is a moment of thinking before doing=)

Summer "I Do's"

JoTography96762 was privileged to be the official photographer for the wedding celebrations of the Funaki's and Nauahi's. It was of course joyous occasions celebrated with class. I hope photographers realize how special it is that YOU are chosen to document such events. I was indeed honored to spend the entire day with these couples and their respective family, friends and loved ones. Check out more of their special day memories by clicking on their names above.

Tevita & Keisha (Moea'i) Funaki

July 21, 2012

Kaulana & Breanna (Larson) Nauahi

August 4, 2012

Accomplish

When the tassels have been switched from right to left, it not only signifies achievement, but the beginning of yet another chapter in one's life. When it comes to taking Senior portraits, high school seniors do it differently now days, it's what they want. They love to freestyle and strut their stuff. Who doesn't? In secret or not? Tradition still exists, but is evolving into 'individuality' and style. Book your high school senior or college grad for a shoot today. Theme shoots also available.

Up Close & Personal...

Ok, I'm gonna admit that I have a very huge flaw, even bigger than my physique! LOL! I'm afraid that when it comes to 'patience' I am totally opposite. I so admire those who are of that nature; cool, calm, collected and just downright good souls. I am beginning to realize however, that regardless of the 'wait'..."Patience is always on time...God's time that is." 

Anyone in the mood for Red Velvet?

Ok...I'm puttin' my camera where my mouth is! One of my favorite pastimes is baking, and I can make a pretty decadent Red Velvet Cupcake if I don't say so myself. Baked up a couple dozen Red Velvet Macadamia Nut Crunch cupcakes for two very special ladies a while back. I don't have the heart to not share the recipe so here it is...Enjoy!

BTW...this recipe is so simple because the shortcut is white cake mix.  The best I've used is Pillsbury White. Good luck!

"Jo's Red Velvet Bliss with Macadamia Nut Crunch Frosting"

In a bowl mix together:
1 box white cake mix w/pudding in the mix (if no pudding, then add a box of vanilla instant pudding)
3 T. Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 T. White vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
4 large eggs
1 cup milk

Mix well then add

1/4 cup Red food coloring

Pour into 9" x 13" pan or two round 8" cake pans, or a 12 tin cupcake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes (15-20 for cupcakes) or until toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake. Let cook completely on rack before frosting.

Frosting:
1 blk. butter (not margarine) at room temperature
1 8 oz. package good quality cream cheese, softened
1/3 box of powdered sugar
1 1/2 C. chopped Macadamia nuts

Cream butter and cream cheese, gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Stir in 3/4 cups chopped Macadamia nuts. When all cupcakes have been frosted, sprinkle the remaining nuts over the top.

*I personally do not like heavy frosting so I lighten it by folding in 1/3 tup of Cool Whip. The frosting does not lost it's taste, and it is not so overwhelming when you bite into it. Yum-a-lum!

Family

We may have our tats and disagreements, but at the end of the day it's always LOVE no matter what. That's how the family unit works...or the majority thereof...Hahaha! (Pictured below: The Schwalger Aiga & Hoke Ohana)

Lawrence & Ah Hoy

Kids Wisdom...

They'll teach us patience, humility, and most important...unconditional LOVE! Kids are by far the greatest teachers! 

Be YOUr Beautiful self!

This is what I see through my lens...I enhance it just a tad and play around with different hues...but I don't have to do much with beautiful subjects such as the women photographed above/below: Carina Aldrich, Esther Cravens Schwalger, Lanea Snow, Camilla Bomgren and Rebekah Cravens Fonoimoana...simply gorgeous!

If we could see everyone through God's lens...this world would be so AWESOME!

Children are my most favorite subjects!

Children are pure, innocent and give nothing but true expression.

I have learned that when photographing children, you've got to follow them around, be a part of their little world and just let them do their thing..gotta love 'em!

Dang!

Meet the Cravens sisters...Rebekah Fonoimoana, Esther Schwalger and Mary Nautu. I sure do have some beautiful cousins...Absolute Gorgeousness!

JoTography96762's BellyBellyBumBum Collection

I love doing maternity shoots, but for some reason I dislike labeling them as a 'maternity shoot'. So, I collaborated with a dear friend who happens to have a 'baby on board' and is due on November 13, 2012...Her name is Michelle Gramlich. We both agreed..."no hands anywhere near the belly." When a woman is pregnant and has a big belly, there is no need for her to point to or hold her hold it, it's pretty obvious there's a baby on board!=)

BellyBellyBumBum exists to capture the sexier side of an expectant mother. Show me a pregnant woman who doesn't want to feel sexy and comfortable in her own skin. JoTography96762

My first two beautiful BellyBellyBumBum subjects...Candace Iafeta and 

Ane Mapu Salanoa

Aloha from Iosepa Street!

I am passionate about preserving memories so I became a photographer...It's as simple as that!=)

Anyone can take pictures, but only the special few can look at a subject, feel their emotion, and capture and preserve those emotions for future posterity to share in that special moment years down the road.

Photography is amazing and there are tons of great photographers available at the blink of an eye. A few of my of my personal favorites are Mapuana Reed, Omi Photography, Mark Lee, Sue Bryce and Jasmin Star, not only because of their art, but more important their inspiration and encouragement for all photographers to rise with the tide 'together'. People will always critique your work, but whatever your craft in the field of photography, do YOU and do it well.