Nineteen Owls Photography

New & Improved BLOG!!

2009-07-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

So I finally finished putting together my new, awesome blog and damn!! It's sexy!

Please bookmark the new site at NineteenOwls.com/blog and check for regular photo updates there from now on!

Thanks!
Christen

Teaser | Bernadette & Nate

2009-07-07T20:33:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek from Bernadette and Nate's awesome east side botanical garden wedding...

Photo | Maternity

2009-07-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Matahari and Todd! I caught these two just before their new little boy, Jahe, popped into the world. We had a great time and shot at one of my favorite north shore beaches. Here's a few shots from sunset maternity portrait session.

Photo | Lifestyle

2009-06-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Mara & Kate are the ultimate YOGATRONS.
I had the pleasure of shooting with them at the Sullivan Estate in Sunset Hills on the North Shore. They are beautiful and create the poses so effortlessly. Check out their upcoming Yoga Monkey Workshop - a playful approach to partner yoga.
Jasmine Yoga on the North Shore
Purple Yoga in Honolulu

Photo | Engagement

2009-06-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here's my favorite images from Toby & Paula's engagement session! They're such a SUPREMELY fun couple. I laugh more than anything else when I'm around them. I couldn't help posting a million of their pics because they are THAT awesome.

Photo | Fashion

2009-06-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

So,
This blog is a little late in coming, but I'm super super stoked on putting it up. I recently had the {marvelous} pleasure of shooting Allison Izu's Fall 2009 line. Allison creates chic and stylish denim for petite women. So if you're one of the many women in Hawaii (and the WORLD) that isn't over 5'9 - you've gotta check out her clothes! They're the perfect demin - stunning day or night. Here's some pics from the shoot! Don't forget to check out Allisons website: http://www.allisonizu.com
Oh, I can't forget to mention the stylin' hair and make up skills! Christine Gardner of FLAUNT MAKEOVERS is one talented woman!

Here's a pic of all the girls with Allison after the shoot. 3 {super fun and sexy} models plus 2 {super fun and productive} interns and the lovely Allison right in the middle! Thanks for a fun shoot girls!

Teaser | Engagement

2009-06-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

I had a really fun engagement shoot with Toby and Paula last week. They're getting married in August and I can't wait for their wedding at the Ke Iki Bungalows on the North Shore. Both of them are pretty good friends of mine, so shooting with them was not only a breeze - but super fun (Hint: there were Newcastle beers involved)

Photo | Boudoir

2009-05-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

A little sneak peek from a boudoir session earlier this month.

Photo & Design| Yoga Monkeys

2009-05-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Just finished some flyer design for the North Shore Co-Ops newest yoga workshop.
Image and flyer design by yours truly.
Should be an awesome workshop - all the North Shore Yoga Co-Op workshops, classes and retreats are AWESOME and FUN!

Teaser | Laura & Tiare

2009-03-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

Mommy daughter portrait shoot with Laura and Tiare! Tiare is turning 4 on Thursday and shares her birthday with her mommy!
Happy birthday girls!

More to come when I get back from my trip to Maui.

LAGGING

2009-03-13T18:00:00.001-07:00

Lack of blogging in effect...
but don't worry...
because soon there .. will .. be..

A NEW WEBSITE!

Hopefully, that will provide some incentive to forgive me for my serious lack of blogging.

in the meantime,
here's a pic from a night shoot I did with AMITY STREET, a local band that is killing it with their soulful, rock based tunes.

Sexy Time! - Retro inspired boudoir shoot

2009-02-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Camberley was just visiting from California and wanted to do some unique, stylized and SEXY photos to give to her boyfriend as a V-Day gift. Retro inspired shots were an obvious choice because Cam really embodies the rockabilly/swing style - AND she's one of the greatest swing dancers I've met. She's also a ballerina!
Here's a few of my favorites from the shoot. I'll keep the photos posted on the modest side since I'm sure her bf wants to know that a few of the photos are for him alone!
Speaking of retro - I just found this great site that has all kinds of super fun retro inspiration on it: check it out: www.Retrotogo.com

Social Wahines - The Business of Networking

2009-02-24T01:05:00.000-08:00

So last week I had the pleasure of hanging out with the Social Wahines networking group and sharing a little of my photo love with them. I was so impressed by the caliber of professionals that I met! I'm definitely joining and will be haunting all of their events. Fun and professionally rewarding - what could be better? I had a blast -- Thanks Social Wahines AND Pacific Edge Magazine! You guys are the best!
For those of you that aren't familiar with Social Wahines and Pacific Edge - check them out!

While I was there I couldn't help snapping a few photos though! So here's a few, enjoy!

Mustache Martini Madness!

2009-02-19T04:41:00.001-08:00

Woohooo!
The Valentines Day Mustache and Martini Party was a BLAST!
It was definitely a salacious sixties soiree! Awesome outfits (from crazy psychedelic sixties to Mod!) - and even more awesome was the... yep, you know.. the MUSTACHES. Everyone had a great 'stache and we all danced the night away to crazy compilations of euro sixties pop, psychedelic sitar infused jams, classics like the Doors and the Byrds and other amazing tunes!
Here's a few of my favorite 'Stach-Fits (thats officially the way I'm going to refer to the beauty of the Mustache + Hilarious Outfit combo!)

All in all,
it was a night of awesome silly valentine love!
Mustache LOVE!

Nostalgia!

2009-02-12T01:21:00.000-08:00

2009 has already kicked into high gear, but that doesn't mean it's too late for a little reminiscing over 2008.
I'm dedicating this blog to all the little moments that made 2008 special. Here's a few of my favorite random and not so random memories:

Kalalau
Hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai was, by far, one of my favorite memories of 2008. That place is magical-healing-beautiful-challenging-spiritual.

Throw Down the Keys Films
Showdown in Chinatown was a really big part of 2008 for me. Throw Down the Keys, the short film production team that I'm a part of, won our first Showdown event in March. Feel free to watch Survival Guide for Modern Women - always a crowd pleaser.

Shawn Livingston Moseley's 'Aumakua Festival was a great chance to do MORE collaboration! We really enjoyed doing a silent film called Earthly Delights that he scored with his amazing neo-classical piano skills. Here's the girls of TDK at the event.

Vday
Last years annual Mustache and Martini Valentines Day party was SUPERB, as usual, and I'm really really excited about this years rendition! Expect some great 'stache photos!

Models
One of my favorite shoots that I've had this year was with Krista Alvaraz (with SMART magazine) - she is just a phenomenal model to work with - and so versatile.

Other awesome memories (big and small) include:

Alex's Dirty Thirty birthday party!

My fifties themed birthday party!

My close friends Chad and Carrie tying the knot!!

The Maui Lavender Farm

Getting a trampoline!

My yard + sunshine + artsy-fartsy tendencies = pure happiness.

Ninja Turtle costumes!

Secret cave diving

There's so much more that made 2008 amazing, but these are just a few of the little moments that are seared into my memory forever...

I can't wait to see what kind of ruckus we make in 2009....

Portrait session with AnneMarie

2008-06-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of photographing AnneMarie before she went back home to Texas. AnneMarie was visiting for two weeks and wanted to go home with more than your typical point-n-shoot Hawaii shots, so we had an easy-going morning beach shoot together! She was so sweet, fun and mellow! Here's a few of my favorite images..

Let them eat cake!

2008-06-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

Aloha!
So I got to photograph two of the most beautiful (inside and out) people last month and am just now writing about it! Sorry about the delay!
Gary and Ipo were stunning at their May 10, 2008, white themed wedding and it was heartwarming to be around such good energy. Ipo was glowing all day long and it shows in her photos. Gorgeous!

One of the highlights of the day was seeing another one of Rick and Sasha Reichart's (of CAKELAVA) beautiful pieces of art. Literally! Rick took on the challenge of re-creating a cake depicting Auguste Rodin’s “The Kiss” (Le Baiser). The result? Spectacular, as usual!
The CAKELAVA team are so talented and awesome. Please check out their blog and take a look at their fabulous cakes!

Here's a few of my favorite images from the day and the cake!

cake makers and cake lovers unite! Gary, Rick, Sasha and Ipo

Trail Blazers

2008-05-29T15:41:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends!

I've (once again) been neglecting my blog! Sorry!

BUT...
To make it up to you, here's a TON of awesome pictures from my recent adventures on the Kalalau Trail. Two of my girlfriends and I backpacked Hawaii's most awesome 11 mile (each way) trail. It was the most spectacular and challenging experience of my life. That place really challenges your mind and body. Kalalau transformed me into a better version of myself and I'm forever grateful!
The trail traverses lots of valleys and is absolutely stunning, even when scared shitless. I think the Sierra Club's 'Adventuring in Hawaii' book describes it pretty well...

"This coast is aptly named - Na Pali means "the Cliffs." All along this coast sheer rock walls plunge into the sea or stand guard over silent, green valleys. The 11-mile-long coastal trail to Kalalau winds its way over and around the cliffs, sometimes snaking along heart-stopping dropoffs, other times pushing through lush, wet forests. The Kalalau crosses three major streams and many smaller ones, and passes through five valleys and numerous gulches. There are many ups and downs before the trail finally ends at Kalalau Beach. The trail follows an ancient Hawaiian route mapped out in the days when Na Pali valleys were alive with fishing and farming communities. The people are gone now, their house plots and taro patches consumed by the forest, but Kalalau's beauty remains."

Up 400 feet, down 400 feet, cliffs to the immediate right of your feet, a trail laced with slippery kukui nut shells, eroded slopes and mischievous rock tossing goats - my photos don't do the trip justice. I, being the weenie that I am, didn't even try to take my camera out for the last intense 5 miles of the trail. Crossing terrain that almost froze my feet where they were and making my way down steep dirt slopes, where one slip might land you in the ocean covered rocks 500 feet below - thats what kept me from taking pictures till we finally arrived at Kalalau.

It took me 11 hours to hike in, including breaks at the rivers for water and food and photos.. A twisted knee and a few blisters later, I'm home - but I can't wait for the next time I go to Kalalau.

Here you go:

Haena beach, early morning - we camped here the night before we took off on the trail.
Packin' Subs - our LUNCH!

Hanakoa Valley - a message to hippies everywhere.

Good morning sleepy Chreesmas! Our first morning in Kalalau

Kalalau Beach, the first day.

Kalalau Beach

Sita eating lunch, Kalalau Beach.

Kalalau

Bedtime in Kalalau - about midnight

The valleycliffs behind the beach in the morning.

Our own personal spa

8 mile mark bluffs, campfire with Bill, an ex-marine who's been living there and rebuilding the trail for the past 11 months.

Sleeping on the bluffs, 8 mile mark - midnight

8 mile bluffs, midnight

Morning on the bluffs

The Kalalau Queens - Sita, Laura Geneva and myself

Laura Geneva and me, Hanakoa River

Fern love at Hanakoa Valley

Hanakoa Stream

On the trail out

Bye Kauai!

Beautiful Belly!

2008-03-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

I had a beautiful shoot with Emily this week. She's due in a couple of weeks and has the most beautiful, round belly ever! I'm really excited to meet the little guy after such a great shoot. Thanks Emily, you're the best!
Here's a few teasers from our lovely afternoon together.

Beauty that'll kick your ass!

2008-03-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

I had a great shoot with Penny Thomas, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighting champ (www.pennyfighting.com) We went down to the beach, enjoyed the afternoon and got some great shots! Check 'em out!

Aloha 2008!

2008-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a new year and the holidays went by without a hitch! I took a trip to LA and had a great time visiting my family and some friends. I took a little geek out photo trip out to the Salton Sea with best friend and fellow photographer, Stephanie (StephanieWilliamsPhotography). Here's a few of the pictures from the area. I heard there's a great documentary on the Salton Sea, so I'll look into it and keep ya posted!

Christmas family portraits

2007-12-18T01:58:00.000-08:00

I had a great time shooting some Christmas/ Family portraits on Sunday. We started off in the morning at Waimea Valley and then headed down to a quiet beach for some morning beach images. They were loads of fun and little baby Sal was asleep almost the whole time.
Thanks for a lovely morning!

Nineteen Owls Photography

2007-12-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

I'm back!
Just to let everyone know, I'm going to start faithfully updating this blog with my favorite images from different shoots. So keep checking out the blog to keep up with my latest photo adventures and the wonderful people I get to shoot with!!

But don't worry,
I'll also keep you updated with other random documentation about other adventures- work and play!
Like this:
floating for my roommate Angela's 28th birthday. Decadence, I'm telling ya - it was a day of decadence.

Aloha,
Christen

Cherry Blossoms

2007-09-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hey all ( and by all, I mean all two of you that may occasionally look at my blog!),

I've been pretty bad about posting regularly.. but that's okay - because there's very few of you that read it anyways...

In any case,
look ---> a picture I took in the Star Bulletin - It's always nice to see your pictures somewhere new.

I'll try to do more photoblogging .. someday.

Kauai

2007-08-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

John and I went to Kauai last weekend for his 30th birthday. It was so beautiful. I didn't take as many pictures as I normally would ( I was too busy enjoying my wonderful company and RELAXING!) But here are a few for ya! As usual, you can click on the images to get a bigger view.

kilauea lighthouse

Path to our pool

The most obnoxious fountain I've ever seen. Such an eyesore! Why would they put something like THIS in Hawaii? It has no Hawaiian or polynesian origin at all!!
Crazy underwater caves. Beautiful and all, but I wouldn't want to go swimming in there.
This was the BEST food ever. Vegan Spanokopita from the upscale, vegan restaurant, The Blossoming Lotus, in Kapaa.

The view from our hotel/condo room at the Hanalei Bay Resort.

Haleiwa Jodo Bon Dance

2007-07-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend, I attended my first Bon Dance. The Bon Dance tradition originates in Japan but has evolved slightly after being a part of our culture in Hawaii for so long. Originally called the O-Bon Festival, the event celebrates ancestors as they join their living relatives for a dance. It normally takes place towards the end of July.

In Hawaii, we have an entire season dedicated to Bon Dances (early June through late August) with Bon Dances held on various weekends throughout the state at various temples. The Haleiwa Jodo Mission has an extra special bon dance tradition based in lighting lanterns and/or straw boats and sending them to sea as a farewell until the next time they are invited to dance with the living.

The rules at the Hawaii Bon Dances are a little more lax (depending on the temple). Everyone is encouraged to light a lantern and join in the dance, even if they're not dressed in the appropriate bon dance attire. If you want to see more pictures and learn some more about Bon Dances, check out my feature @ www.mixedplatespecial.com

Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite. Check www.mixedplatespecial.com on Friday for more pictures and a more detailed description of bon dances and their history!
Please click on the images for a larger view.

ahhh, life.

2007-07-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been spending a lot of time at home. In doing so, I've reacquainted myself with my yard.
I know what you're thinking: " Your YARD?"
Trust me...
it's beautiful.
Here's a few pictures I took while escaping from the computer today.

growth

FreeSurf Fashion Favorites!

2007-06-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

After constant harassment, I've finally conceded to putting up my favorite images from my May fashion shoot. It was a great experience and I'd love to learn more about fashion photography. The models were all great to work with. Jessica, the blonde, was my favorite: so pretty and professional!
Here's your special blogger sneak peek:

A bird in the hand is worth... what?

2007-06-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Although I haven't blogged..... at all! I'm about to start. First off though, I'd like to introduce everybody to this little guy:

John and I found him outside his apartment and couldn't leave him out to die. He's a 2 week old mynah bird. Just a word of warning to everyone who may find a wild baby bird: Even though you may start to think of it as a part of your family within a day or two: DO NOT SNUGGLE.
Yea yea - this seems like common sense right? You'll be amazed at how much you'll really want to snuggle.. Then next thing you know: BIRD FLU.
No no, not media hyped bird flu - Just the flu. But a flu that takes a while to go away and is pretty incapacitating.
I've been resting up and saw my herbalist/acupuncture/fix everything with chinese medicine guy, and I'm feeling a lot better. John's been watching the bird while I'm sick.
Well that's all for now!

Christen

Blog Beginnings

2007-05-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'd like to start this blog thing off by saying thanks to Stephanie (of the one and only Stephanie Williams Photography)for continually harrassing me to start a blog. Thanks to her relentless quest for my betterment, I have officially entered the world of BLOGS. I'll mainly be using this forum to keep the world updated on my photography endeavors, but will more than likely share my thoughts on life, humor, justice, peace, fashion, music, culture, (etc etc etc)also.

Please check in later this week for an update on my latest photography gig: FreeSurf Magazines Fashion Issue, out in June. And, as always, Free in Hawai'i!

Aloha!
Christen