Makamae Photography

Amazing…

 
Isn’t it amazing we live in such a wonderful place.  While it’s freezing cold on the mainland and everyone is bundling up in layers and layers of clothing…we are still blessed with beautiful tropical weather.  On those days I get bummed out I have to put on a wetsuit top before surfing…I stop myself and remember that all I have to put on is a top and I’m still getting wet while most people aren’t even thinking of getting in the water.  I did have to privilege of snowboarding in Cali recently which I have to say is up there on the “fun-o-meter” but being in the water is no doubt the one thing that can pick me up in an instant.  Lucky we live Hawaii!

Batter UP

So I’ve been watching Cole for like 5 years now…yes he will be turning 6 this year!  It’s amazing how time flies by.  He was so little and could barely put a complete sentence together to this little kid who’s playing soccer and baseball!  He’s also been skiing in Whistler and they’re heading off to Costa Rica this year!  I know, he’s one lucky kid.  I went to watch his game and this is what I caught.  It’s super cute to watch 5 yr old run after the ball and try to make plays…so many kids, so much going on, but somehow they make it through 3 innings! 

Lo’I Kalo

I’ve know the Wilhelm ‘Ohana for years now and they are constantly doing something interesting and off the map.  They’ve been working for a long time now on developing this piece of land.  Where once there was only brush and trees, now there is a lo`I and soon Kalo, among many other ideas they have going.  I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing process and to have the opportunity to know such wonderful individuals.

 

 

Morning Yoga…

Meet Zach, my ashtanga yoga teacher…well one of them anyway.  He’s up and at the studio bright and early at 5am six days a week ready to help anyone who wants to progress their ashtanga practice.  He’ll work with you one on one and teach you the sequence part by part each day.  You’ll build your endurance and understanding of the postures and get an amazing workout. 

Zach’s amazing in his own practice and is super patient with anyone willing to learn.

Sunrise Yoga…

Yoga has got to be the most wonderful thing in the world…well in my world at least!  I’ve done a bunch of different types of yoga: Bikram in like 2002 right when I moved back home from college, Bikram again in 2008 after weightlifting, biking, swimming, and running, and most recently after a yoga retreat in Costa Rica in 2009, I started doing a lot of Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, and Ashtanga classes.  It’s REALLY not as easy as some may thing and each style has something completely different to offer.  Bikram = sweat; Iyengar = alignment; Vinyasa Flow = constant movement; Ashtanga = bad-ass-ness (is that even a word)!

 
Recently I had the opportunity to photography a few of my new teachers and the student of the month from one of my yoga studios…YogaHawaii in Kaimuki!

 
 

Through yoga I’ve become more conscious of my body and what it really is capable of doing.  By practicing and concentrating on my body while holding an awkward pose and trying the “breath” with a calm expression, I’ve become way more coordinated (proven in my snowboarding excursion) and a lot happier and calmer.  Learning to “breath” is a class in and of itself!  Again, amazing what happens when someone tells you when and how to breath.

All in all, if you sit at a desk or are confined to a small area throughout the day or you just want to get better at any activity you participate in (for all you surfers out there) or just want 90 minutes to focus on you without worrying about who wants what from you when, I suggest setting aside time to practice yoga.  You don’t have to go to a studio, a DVD is totally fine…but if you want to try a class and want someone to go with, I’d be down to take a class with any of you!

 

Until next time…you know where to find me

Kaui

Costa Rica

All I can say is I’m so glad I decided to go.  Honestly, 3am the morning I was supposed to get on a plane, I called the airlines to cancel my trip.  It was nonrefundable so off I went, and it was the more awesome experience I’ve ever had.  Tropical weather for 13 days, from sunny crystal clear blue skies to the loudest and brightest thunder storm I’ve ever been in.  Waking up to the sound of monkeys, running up and down the beach to surf, cruise, get a massage or facial, or just because it was something fun to do. 

 

 

We woke up, ate breakfast, did a yoga class, ate lunch, surfed, did more yoga, and went to sleep because it was dark!  Could you ask for anything better?  I met so many different people from all over the place, it made me realize just how much more “life” I have to live and that if I put my mind to something, put the vibes out there into the world, somehow they will come to me.  I’m definitely going back to SURF with all my new friends.

 

 

Thank you to Ojo Del Mar, and Nico & Mark for their hospitality and for running such a wonderful operation.  If you want an awesome place to stay, check them out. 

 

To all the wonderful women, and GENE, whom I was privileged to spend this retreat with, you know I love you all and I can’t wait to have more experience with all of you!  We can always go back next year!

 

To the German’s…you guys totally rock.  Thank you for the surfboards, the cool beach hut to cruise in, the early morning wake up calls, the juice and coffee, and the midnight full moonlight walks on the beach!  It was amazing.

 

To Charlie…thank you for letting me use your surfboards and for letting me have all the waves I wanted!  I can’t wait to come back and rush that again, maybe on an even bigger day!  The MANGO was totally awesome!

 

I am definitely excited to be back home, but I know I can always go back and make more memories. 

Yoga Anyone...

Ah, the ultimate workout…strength and flexibility are nothing without each other.  The room is 105 degrees, the class is 90 minutes, there are 26 postures, you do them each twice, the teacher doesn’t practice with you, just tells you where, when, and how to move your body, and you get drenched with sweat.  It’s the best 90 minutes of your life.

 

I’ve practiced off and on for almost 3 years, and after you take a few classes you’re addicted.  You want the heat, look forward to sweating, and enjoy the moment!

 

Recently I’ve been spending much of my time at the yoga studio in the Nimitz Business Center, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to hang out.  The people are great and super excited to get into the room.

  

If you ever want to check it out, I’m usually there!  www.lockyourknee.com I’m looking forward to photographing students in their yoga postures!  Fun angles, cool lighting and some yogis!

 

Till next time

Kaui

Juneau; Alaska

This was the first port we stopped in. After over a day and a half at sea, we finally got here. It’s a small town, and unfortunately if you don’t buy one of the tours, all you get to see is the tourist attractions. That was ok though. As we pulled into port, the sea planes were taking off and it was a bring and sunny day and I wasn’t even that cold.

   

We got off and walked through the little town. It was semi-cute. Older buildings and Tons and Tons of bars. I guess if it’s cold why now warm up with a nice drink or two with some good friends.

 

We however decided to spend our money and cash in our coupons. The highlight of our day…the FUDGE shop and fresh caramel corn.

It was just enough time on dry land for us and we headed off to dinner at the steak house on board. I am not a steak lover but dinner and conversations was very enjoyable!

I’ll post more as I get a chance. I’m just excited that I’m not completely frozen yet!

Kaui

A New Little Project…

So I’ve been reading up, Watching videos, and talking to people in the industry and look what I’ve learned.




I’ve always wondered how people got the bright colors, all the details, and made scenery look good!



When you watch a sunset, it’s not just the beautiful colors, the changing sky, it’s the whole mood and feel of the sounds, smells, and sights of the event…how do you capture that in an image?




Stay tuned for more to come. I’m going to Alaska in May…I’m gearing up for some awesome snow covered sunsets!!!

Kaui