San Diego Tea Party themed photo sessions

I’ve spent the last 4 years in Okinawa Japan and I absolutely loved it there. I loved the culture, the food and having the opportunity to meet and photograph so many wonderful people and places. The island is small but beautiful with so much to offer. Now this journey called life has brought me to San Diego. Can we talk about the weather?! As a military spouse I have lived in quite a few places and hands down San Diego has the best weather! It took me all but a week to realize that I was already in love with San Diego. While here I would like to take my business in a different direction. For some time I have been wanting to do Tea Party Themed Sessions. I now have a beautiful and spacious back yard that I would love to welcome you and your loved ones to for your very own Tea Party. I can accommodate just about any size family. If you have any questions please visit me on facebook and leave me a message. I can’t wait to start sharing some of these beautiful tea party sessions with you all. Many blessings, Jeannie

Kurashiki Dam – A place for fun, a place for pictures!

A view of Kurashiki Dam

I get quite a few people who ask me about a specific picture and where it was taken. Many times the picture was taken at Kurashiki Dam. Below I have posted several pictures to show the many different areas to help you or my clients decide if you want your photo session here. First I will start with a little info about the Dam. For starters it’s free!! There is plenty of parking in several different areas, not just the entrance. The grounds are pretty spacious and nicely landscaped with subtropical plants and trees. You will come across several small bridges to cross over from one area to another. There’s a small pond with small fish and other little “creatures” that little ones will find interesting 🙂 In this area many kids play in the shallow water. A small “waterfall” adds to the attraction and amusement. An outdoor shower is nearby for rinsing off after your time in the water. Don’t forget to visit the FREE museum (maybe that should come first if visiting with children). The museum hosts some hands on activities and if you walk through the “bat cave” you will come to the theater area where you can view a short flick about conservation with some cool special effects that all will enjoy. –

Kurashiki Dam

Lush greenery at Kurashiki Dam

Bridge at Kurashiki Dam

Pond area in Kurashiki Dam

Small waterfall at Kurashiki Dam

Bridge at Kurashiki Dam

Bridge at Kurashiki Dam

Kurashiki Dam

Tree in Kurashiki Dam

Fukushen Garden (Fukushuen Garden) – Great place for pictures!

Tower in Fukushen Garden

This is one of my favorite locations for family, couple and HS Senior pictures.

There is a lot of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan history and culture. This “Chinese” garden was constructed in 1992. From outside the doors and very busy Naha area it is hard to imagine the beauty and calmness that awaits you in the Garden. Entry is free and they are closed on Wednesdays and some holidays. The main attraction is the waterfall with a cave built in so that you can walk through it and stop to watch the waterfall from the inside. While walking around and taking in the scenery there are quite a few great spots to stop and feed the many Koi and turtles in the pond. Below are a few of my many favorite pictures taken there. Enjoy!

Fukushen Garden Waterfall

Mother and Daughter by pond at Fukushen Garden

HS Senior portrait at Fukushen Garden

Family picture at Fukushen Garden

Family picture at Fukushen Garden

Sisters at Waterfall in Fukushen Garden

Okinawa Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) – So Kawaii

The Cherry Blossom is deeply embedded in the Japanese culture. There are songs about them, poems, paintings, books, teas, they are stitched in clothing, etched on dishware… You get the picture 🙂 It is so treasured and honored that the 100 yen coin depicts Cherry Blossoms on it.
Festivals are held all over Japan to celebrate the Cherry Blossoms and the many meanings it has. There are several stories about the history of the Cherry Blossom (Sakura) that can be found online. One of the main things about their arrival is that it signifies the start of spring.
I feel blessed to have been able to see and photograph the beautiful Cherry Blossoms that adorn the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. (a gift from Japan) and now see and photograph them here in Okinawa Japan.

Fully bloomed Cherry Blossoms- Motobu

Nago Central Park

Cherry Blossoms at about 45% blooming – Nago Central Park

Cherry Blossoms lining the road in Nago Central Park.

Cherry Blossom branch – Motobu

Cherry Blossoms lining the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.

Busena Underwater Observatory – Okinawa

No matter which way you look there’s a beautiful view on your way to the tower.

This is the underwater viewing area.

We found Nemo!

This is the view of the hotel and beach as you walk towards it when leaving the tower.

The Busena Observatory Tower is part of the Busena Terrace Beach Hotel. On this particular day we had a date with our youngest and she picked to go here. From the underwater observatory you can view 360 degrees of coral reef. This is particularly ideal for those too young to dive or like me too chicken to snorkel 🙂 The entrance fee is not too bad (reduced tickets sold at ITT) and parking is free. While here you can also go out on a pretty cool looking glass bottom boat. On the walkway to the observatory you will see a vending machine with fish food. Kids and adults alike enjoyed throwing the fish food into the water and watching the fish practically jump out of the water to get at it. – We liked it enough to go back and take our oldest daughter. – Hope you enjoyed some of my favorite pictures of that day.

Biggest Shisha In Okinawa – Cape Zanpa

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Vintage inspired photo session

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Kadena High School Senior Reps

As a photographer you take a chance that your senior rep will make herself/himself available. That they will come prepared as you have asked and bring great energy to the shoot. I feel so blessed that these two young ladies are spot on. They are always so excited about their sessions. Below are a few of my favorite images from their recent glam shoot.

This picture was taken in the Cosmos Field in Nakagusuku Village

I was going for a Grace Kelly look. This was taken at a park. I hung some soft tulle from a tree to create the curtain look.

Picture was taken on the side of a closed down business. The overgrown vines and pop of greenery made for a nice backdrop.

Okinawa Flowers – Cosmos in Nakagusuku Village

I love flowers, so it made me really happy to learn that many flowers bloom in Okinawa during the month of January. I’m sure it’s because Okinawa is a sub-tropical island. My first 2 years in Okinawa I missed the field of Cosmos. This year I was determined to go find them and convince one of my girls to let me take a picture of them 🙂 Below are a few of my favorites.

If you blink twice while driving by you may miss this small but pretty field of Cosmos. Okinawan residents created this in 2006 after a landslide damaged the slope.

This is a great little spot to take some pictures and if timed right you can then just hop to the Sunflower field nearby.

This field of Cosmos is in Asato in Nakagusuku Village.