Atuaia Family Photos:: Utah Family Photographer

I'm a huge fan of "In the moment" photography. It's a good thing too, because trying to get these 2 little guys to stay in one spot for more than 2 minutes is nearly impossible. I had so much fun with the Atuaia family.

The sun seems to be setting so early lately. Starting family photo shoots earlier in the afternoon makes scheduling a little more challenging, but we finally nailed down a time that worked. It also happened to be the last day of "decent" weather here in Utah. Every day after this shoot has been so cold, and even a little snow, so we we're lucky to get this done!

I love the candid shots from this shoot. Capturing these moments and looking at them later when I'm editing always makes me smile!

Thanks for a great shoot guys!

Easiest Family Photos Ever! :: Anaheim, California Family Photographer

Truthfully, this really was one of the easiest family photo shoots ever! All of my subjects were very cooperative, and needed no coaching to look at the camera! LOL!

These are the kids of my dad's cousin Seleana! I don't think I've met a nicer group of kids. Very willing to ham it up for the camera, and give me their best smiles! Very well behaved. Must have some good parenting! It always makes it easier!

I really enjoyed meeting more of my dad's family, and taking their photos. Aren't they some good looking teens! Thanks for the great shoot guys! Hope to see you again soon!

Don, Tolu and kids! :: Anaheim, California Family Photographer

Meet my cousin Tolu and her family! It was so nice to be able to see them on our trip to California! I first met Tolu when we were about 7 or 8 yrs old. Her family visited us in Florida. I remember walking with her to the store and buying some candy! I also remember thinking "Wow, her mom looks a lot like my dad", lol! Up to that point I didn't have a ton of memories of meeting my dad's side of the family because I was so young, and they were mostly still in Samoa or Hawaii. I mostly just remembered my grandparents, so meeting Tolu was a lot of fun for me.

Through the years I've been able to meet more of the family at reunions and weddings. It's even easier now with Facebook and the internet! I was very happy to spend a little time with her family, but we definitely need to plan for more time on my next trip. Still thinking about the good food I probably missed at the house!

What a great looking family! I had a great time, and the location was more than perfect! Great choice Tolu! Thanks for having us!!

Twins!! :: California Family Photographer

Yes, they are twins! They've grown up so much. We took their photos for Christmas last year, and they were so cute back then, but they've grown even cuter now, since they can run around and show off their personalities!

These 2 were so full of energy, and just loved chasing the ducks! We had so much fun seeing them again, and we look forward to even more fun next year!

Back in Action!

Well, things are starting get back to normal, but still life is crazy busy! The baby is now 6 weeks old and we're getting used to him! Before the pregnancy, my wife would accompany me on most of my photo shoots and we would shoot together. It became a lot harder the farther she got into her pregnancy and I would find myself alone or shooting with another friend. I really did miss my wife and all the help she gave me!

Just last week, she said, I need to start shooting again. Of course I encouraged to go ahead and do it. She works with some of the young women at church and she had a planning meeting with them. She decided it would be a great way to get back in to the swing of things if she just took a few shots of the girls after their meeting.

My wife came home very excited about the photo shoot and started editing right away. I love the photos she took. I had nothing to do with any of these photos because I wasn't even there. She shot completely manual and had perfect exposures in her photos! I'm extra proud of her and look forward to having my partner back for upcoming photo shoots! Although the photos have my little logo on them, they should say "Photography by Jeane".

Great job, and Happy 4th Anniversary today! You're the best wife and mother in the world! I love you so much and consider myself the luckiest man ever!

The Midas Touch- Setema Gali

Midas or King Midas is popularly remembered for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold: the Midas touch! Have you ever known such a person? I do!

I've known Setema for a long time now. Can't believe we met over 10 years ago, when he shook my hand and gave me a smile. "You never know how much a smile and a handshake can do". Truer words were never spoken!

We met at BYU and have participated in so many different things together. Performed in various musical groups and it's always a good time with Setema! It seems that this man can do anything and everything. Not just do them, but do them really really well. As if he had the ability to turn anything in to gold. The only things not turned in to gold were the quarterbacks he would sack on the field in front of thousands of screaming BYU fans. After his college career, he was also part of the Superbowl winning Patriot Team in the NFL!

Now, he is a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and business person who inspires so many to reach their potential. For fun, this guy can pick up just about any instrument and play you a song. He's part of an award winning band, Mana Poly All-Stars! Does it ever end with this guy? Apparently not!

What I respect most about this guy is his love for his family. Just watch this guy interact with his son and you will know he loves his family! He's married to his best friend, and together, they truly are a power couple. Endless possibilities and talent in this family.

Setema has a book coming out soon and it's sure to be a hit. Until then, check out his website. I am fortunate to call him a friend. Thanks Setema!

Teach them in their youth!

Our good friends, Fili and Pania Sagapolutele, are truly amazing people with 2 beautiful children, as well as all of these other kids in the UPI Dance Group! Is it fair for so much talent to come from one little family?

For the past several years, they have been teaching Polynesian dance to the youth, and a few adults here in the Utah County area. They have shared the culture, and traditions of the Islands, and helped many to fall in love with it.

I was fortunate that they asked me to take photos at their most recent recital, and it was awesome! These kids were very well prepared and very disciplined. Everything was perfect and it really was a joy to watch. I think one of the biggest benefits for me when I get to photograph these types of events, is that I get the best seat in the house!

Well, I'm not sure if it's been decided or not, but this may have been the last recital for the UPI dance group. Congratulations to Fili for recently graduating BYU Law School. He has so many great things ahead, and they were unsure if they would be able to keep up the school. I know many are hoping and praying that they do.

Thank you Fili and Pania for sharing your talent, culture and love with all of us and for teaching the youth! You're great role models for all of us on how to be great people. You're also great examples of hard work, higher education, and reaching for your goals! Good luck in everything that life has in store for you!