JMC Photography of Maui

Happy Sunday.

2011-04-17T21:45:00.000-10:00

Aloha and Happy Sunday!

Felt like I needed to take a sec and let everyone know that yes, indeed, we are alive.

Things have been crazy and exciting around Bonnie-and-John-Land, and somehow time has slipped by without blogging!

Keep your eye balls peeled, because we will be launching a new blog soon, but in the meantime I will be sure to keep everyone posted on all the greatness happening here! We've had so many fabulous couples and equally fabulous weddings to share, and I can't wait to start sharing!

So - I'll leave things at that, and hope to see you grace our blog with your presence very soon...

Goodnight All,

Monday on Maui :: Oh, the reasons..

2011-02-14T23:53:00.000-10:00

Ok, so John and I have never been huge on Valentine's Day.

We're not exactly bah humbug, don't get me wrong.. but for as long as we've owned our photography company, we've spent the day shooting fabulous couples getting married.

But this year somehow seems more romantic to me..

No, we didn't go for a dinner out, or exchange sparkly gifts - we spent the entire day yesterday prepping and painting.

That's right - we scraped and scrubbed and taped and painted. For almost 10 hours. Why?

Because I fell in love with a fabulous vintage credenza that I had to have - and we also had to finish it before we finish our move.

I'll face it, as I glanced over at my husband, hair deep in paint, I couldn't help but think - it doesn't get more romantic than this.

Odd romance? Yes. But never the less, it's one of the many reasons why he'll always be my valentine.

Happy Valentine's Day All,

PS - Check back tomorrow for some lovely details from today's wedding..

Maui Proposal Photography :: John + Jennifer

2011-02-13T23:33:00.004-10:00

Last weekend we did one of my favorite things to do, we got our paparazzi on.

You heard me. No, not the skeezy chase-down-celebrity kind, the hide and take photos while a nervous boyfriend is proposing kind.

As I like to call them, Pop the Question Sessions, or better known as Proposal Photography.

John approached us shortly before a trip to Maui with his girlfriend Jennifer – he really wanted a photo/video package to capture his proposal (can someone say bonus points!?!). I was grinning ear to ear immediately. John (client John - not my John! Yes, confusing) had his heart set on a location that he could lead her out to lava rocks with crashing waves.
We knew this called for Ironwoods since it’s one of the best places to walk out on the jetting lava rocks and get some wave action.

Fast forward to last Sunday, there John (my John) and I are – perched atop the cliffside, gear in hands, as we finally catch glimpse of the couple way down the beach. They leisurely strolled along the beach, stopped to laugh and take photos, and made their way to the lava jetty. John was pretty sure Jennifer wouldn’t think anything of us being nearby, so we 86’d our usual model couple gameplan, and set ourselves up to appear to be casually shooting nature shots. Fast forward way too many photos of the distant horizon (because I couldn't just point the lens in that direction to sell our cover, I had to take the photo too), John got down on one knee, with the backdrop of waves crashing... and she of course said yes! Not to mention she was completely shocked (my favorite!). She had no idea we were shooting them either, and was so excited when he finally waved us over.

Did I mention how cool our job is?

Congratulations to the both of you, thank you so much for trusting us to share and capture such a once in a lifetime moment!

And of course, the photos..

Can you spy the crab? He was kind enough to let me know before scammering away.. oh, Maui.

G'nite All,

Maui Lifestyle Photographers :: Aysha

2011-02-10T22:47:00.004-10:00

Not too long ago we had the amazing opportunity to work with local talent, Aysha Arcilla.

I knew as soon as we started collaborating that this was going to be such a fun shoot! In addition to being an amazing singer and performer, we were convinced she had to be a model too (can you believe this is her first shoot ever!).

Just goes to show I ain't lying when I say I firmly believe every girl has an inner supermodel and deserves her rock star moment!

And speaking of star, keep your eyes out for this one.. she's currently in the running as a part of the Avon Voices Talent Search (Fergie's one of the judges. 'nuff said).

This is just part one of two fabulous shoots with her - check out the images below from her casual lifestyle shoot, and the other delicious shoot is going to be a live set shoot of this lady in her natural habitat (you'll have to wait for that one!)..

So keep checkin' back ('cuz we really like it when you hang around.. and I've almost convinced John into doing his very first blog post.)

Happy Almost Aloha Friday.

PS - Don't you significant others be forgetting that it's almost Valentine's Day (because no matter what we say, almost everyone wants overpriced flowers, of course.)

Admitting It Is the First Step.

2011-02-07T21:35:00.000-10:00

Hello World Wide Web.

I'm so painfully aware of how long it's been since I've blogged - but I swear, I have good reasons (or at least I tell myself).

We're in the middle of a move - and I hate moving.

You never seem to recognize how many things you have until you have to pack each and every one of them.

Did I mention I hate moving?

As my Mom's favorite phrase goes "Time to Thin the Herd".

(We'll also pretend I haven't been forcing John to help me refinish a massive amount of great vintage furniture.)

Oh yeah, I really don't like moving.

On the upside, we have been SO busy, and 2011 has been treating us fabulously.

I have SO many great things to share (and even more great things to come in the upcoming months) that I commit to keeping up on top of sharing all of the greatness (as long as we forget that I already boofed on my New Year's resolution of blogging more often, that is).

So, here's what we've been working on lately (with more to come!)..

More soon - have a fabulous Tuesday evening,

Maui Baby Photographer :: Little 'L' is 6 Months Old

2011-01-03T10:24:00.002-10:00

Happy New Year All!
The soundwaves have been a little silent from our end, and while we have truly enjoyed our holiday (and hope you did too!), we are officially back in action!
We are so thrilled with what's to come in this new year, and have so much to continue sharing!
My favorite part about what we do, is the fact that we get to document some of the most important moments in people's lives.

And my favorite part about documenting a child's early moments in this world?

Earning the distinct pleasure of watching how much they change and grow throughout time.

You may recognize this little one, her cute tush graces our blog banner as well as our website.
We have been so honored to document her life since she was in Mama's belly, and now she's 6 months old.

Without further adieu, little Miss 'L'.

Keep an eye out for this heartbreaker! I have a feeling our 1 year shoot is going to be even more fab.

Can't decide if we like getting our bubbles on more than she did...

And my favorite shot of the session..

Hope you haven't cheated on your resolutions yet!

Happy Monday,

Bali Hale Estate Maui Wedding :: April + Rod

2010-12-07T18:56:00.002-10:00

They call each other Woody and Penny (like Toy Story).

It was only later that we found out he didn’t know at the time that the character’s name was really Jessie – but Penny stuck, and so did they to eachother.

Last week we had the pleasure of spending time with April and Rod at one of my favorite estates, Bali Hale Estate. They got married in their hometown of Seattle, and since hadn’t celebrated the occasion beyond the ceremony.

They decided that there’s no better way to do it than Maui style, and we gotta say - we tend to agree.

The evening was sparked with laughter and reminiscence. They are such a magnetic couple (we couldn’t figure out who was having more fun shooting – them or us!) and being in their presence made me stop and take a moment to, again, appreciate how blessed we are to surround ourselves with such people for a living.
The celebration was just beautiful, and we had so much fun capturing all of the love and thought out details.

Oh how I love personalized cakes..

and Bullseye.

I had to end on this note.. because all great moments end with dessert =)

Congratulations you two, you deserve all of the best life has to offer!

Just Another Manic Monday..

2010-12-06T23:24:00.000-10:00

Yet another Monday rolls around - where did this year go?!?!

John's reminded me that we've got a bit caught up in the holiday thing and the mass correspondence lately, and I've neglected to blog.

I challenge him to write a blog (his first ever); he reminds me he's allergic to grammar and asks if I'd accept an IOU.

Yeah, anyway.

This month has gotten kicked off in a big way, there is so much more greatness to keep sharing, and I'm so thrilled just thinking about it.

I have such a great wedding in queue for tomorrow, so check back my fabulous blog stalkers.

In the meantime, here's something just way too cute. Maybe it's just me.

"A face only a mother could love."

This is what I call the "mommy-won't-let-me-chew-on-the-big-spikey-green-monster-in-the-living-room-so-I'mma-give-Daddy-the-Look" Look.

**Sidenote: My Maui friends and fans - this Saturday is the Birken and Bailey's Christmas Pawty, so pack up your own furry kid and come hang out with us (ok, and Santa too).

Happy Monday,

Maui Maternity Photography :: Tamil

2010-11-24T13:01:00.004-10:00

You may recognize this fabulous Belly from Sunday's Sneak Peek.

We recently got the opportunity and pleasure of creating some maternity images for beautiful Tamil...

and seeing as I'm already in the whole eating spirit of the holiday, and I'd much rather be cooking than blogging - I'll cut this one short.

As my mom would say, cut the potatoes and get to the meat.

Happy Almost-Gorge-Yourself-Until-It-Requires-Unbottoning Day,

Durable, Like Leather..

2010-11-22T19:40:00.000-10:00

I don't remember much of the day.. it flew by in whirl of sushi and emotion.

I always tell my brides to breathe, and enjoy the moment, because it goes by too fast.. this in when I learned it first hand.

Thinking back I see clips of smiles, and tears, and remembering exactly how we told eachother we wanted to spent the rest of our lives with one another.

3 years ago yesterday (because yes, John hid the computer and gave us a little forced staycation) we married eachother.

Leather is the symbol for 3 years, because it's strong and flexible.

I've learned over the past three years how important it is not just to be strong, in life and in love, but to be flexible.

This isn't always an easy lesson, but one that's so important.

Nothing is perfect, and I wouldn't want it to be. Because nothing good comes free.

Photo Credit :: Linda d'Avella - Tropical Photography

Happy Anniversary to my dear, John

and Best of Luck to All of My Lovely Couples.

May you learn all of your lessons together for a very long time.

It's Rainin' Babies and Bellies..

2010-11-21T03:05:00.000-10:00

As I sit up editing to sounds of dual snoring..

(Sidenote: Still can't figure out who's louder, my little furry baby girl, or John. It's a bear cave in this joint.)

I couldn't help but throw out a quick blog post - for the sake of being on top of everything and all.

Seeing as it's the wee wee hours of the morning, I'll keep this one short ;)

Earlier today we wrapped up a fabulous maternity shoot, and as I reflect on this week coming to a close, babies and bellies seem to be the common theme!

Keep checkin' back for some fabulous blog posts to come, but here's a peek..

I just had to sign off with this photo. Too adorable for words - what can I say, it's a tough job.

G'nite,

Just Another Manic Monday..

2010-11-15T23:16:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday World Wide Web.

Welcome to yet another late night post in the world of us!

Amidst all of the madness and chaos that is the holiday season, I wanted to take a minute to slow down. Which could be quite a feat for me, of course.
As John says, I only have two modes - On, and On-er.

As I awoke this morning to find a very recognizable little pink surprise and two big furry smiles (3 including John's) I was reminded that it's often more about the little moments that create that big picture. It's reminded me that you just have to slow down sometimes..
That the memorable moments in life are often right in front you; and that it's always worth seeking.

So as you make your way through your Tuesday, I challenge you to pause your daily tunnel vision,
and see if you can grasp some of the great moments of your life.

Sidenote: I have THE best husband in the World

(I mean, seriously, Betsey Johnson AND Camera in JEWELRY FORM?!)

Goodnight for Now,

Trick or Treat :: Birken + Bailey's Too Howloween Pawty

2010-11-02T23:46:00.001-10:00

Ack! Ok, so better late than never.. I swear on Halloween night I wrote this blog, yet it was only today before I noticed it didn't get published!
So here goes.

Last weekend we had a fabulous opportunity to donate our services to Birken + Bailey's Too [my favorite EVER dog store]. They were hosting their annual Howloween Pawty, and we were so thrilled to donate our services with all of the photo proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. Joining us was the awesome crew of Sit Means Sit Dog Training (and yes, I'll pretend like I'm not jealous of their hand-standing dog). We also our own sleeping beauty, foster mommy to a young fawn from the Boo Boo Zoo (if you haven't checked out their organization yet you MUST - what they do for Maui is great). They are such a fantastic store, and have so many great customers (and furbabies). Oh yes, and did I mention there was bobbing for hot dogs? 'Nuff said.

We had such a great time, and if only we didn't receive the official jealous sniff down when we got home from our furbabies, I'd say the day was pretty perfect!

John gettin' some love from Simon, the newest addition to the Sit Means Sit family.

Show off =)

By FAR my favorite costume. Ever.

As John calls it "Love Bribery" for our own furry kiddos

Happy Halloween my dears,

Maui Maternity Photography :: Ashley

2010-10-05T21:58:00.000-10:00

We've recently gotten over a lovely bout of the most recent cold that's been going around. I know, I know.. just a cold you say? Except it was a mammoth, I-cannot-possibly-survive-it-kind-of-cold... and that was just me. No doubt John was doubly worse (something to do with the man thing).

Nevertheless, we survived!

Last week we had the pleasure of working with Ashley to capture her maternity photos. Ashley is absolutely adorable (and can someone say tiny!), and we had such a great time working together!

Oh blog stalkers keep your eyes out, there's more fabulous bellies coming soon..

Happy Tuesday All,

5 Palms Maui Wedding :: Jamie + Andrew

2010-09-14T23:53:00.003-10:00

Makena's misty skies lent themelves as a backdrop for Jamie and Andrew's wedding day. The breeze was cool, and the air filled with the aromatic fragrance of plumerias as the guests settled in to their seats. The sounds of the harp played in the background, as the girls chatted and laughed from inside the restaurant; meanwhile he nervously paced, chatting with guests. There it was, their wedding day.

We knew early on from our correspondence with Jamie that she was going to be a fabulous bride to work with - can someone say nailed it?!? Their ceremony and reception took place on the 5 Palms lawn and restaurant, overlooking the ocean with great views of Molokini not too far in the distance. We had our moments of brief fear of rain throughout the evening (all the while crossing fingers and praying to rain god to just wait til later. duh.). But as always, in true Maui fashion, we didn't get much more than a sprinkle, and things cleared up beautifully for the remainder of their reception.

We are so thrilled to be present during their special day, and had such a great time working with such an amazing couple!

I've gotta give it to Miss Jaime - fierce, even walking down the aisle!

Mirrored aviators and Patron - what more could a guy ask for.

With such beautiful rings, it's tough to narrow it down to only one ring shot, so why should I?

Oh yes, and forgot to mention... best dippers ever.

Oh yeah, and Andrew, you've got the GQ thing down pat.

All the love in your future endeavors Jaime & Andrew, you two are fabulous!

Maui Photo Festival + Workshops..

2010-09-02T10:40:00.003-10:00

John and I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2nd annual Maui Photo Festival and Workshops, held at the Hyatt in Ka’anapali. First off, what a GREAT event! We look forward to this time each year to take a breather, and get back in touch with our creative drive – and boy did this year do the trick.

We had a fab time with all of our peers and presenters – but now, for what everyone really wants: event photos.

Shooting with the fabulous Lou Freeman (pink shirt)!
*For those who don’t know who Lou is (other than being awesome), she’s most notably known for being Playboy’s first female photographer, and has since gone on to shooting beauty and fashion. Major. ‘Nuff said.

Yep, thaaat’s me. We found ourselves model-less, and well, Lou asked. I’m not a fan of being paparazzi’d, but c'mon - I couldn’t say no. Three cheers for new headshots! Of course, John catching all the action like always.

Here are a few shots from our awesome hula on the beach session lead by great Maui based photographer, Randy Jay Braun.

And Maui Photo Festival’s first ever wedding shoot on Ka’anapali Beach, lead by Maui wedding photographer Mike Sydney

Ok, so I admit, I’m more about behind the scenes images. It’s so great to see so many photographers working together, and learning from some really great minds. We are so thankful to all of the great teachers and leaders in this industry that make growing and learning as a photographer so easy.

So *exhale* I’m refreshed, and buzzing (as always). And also realizing getting back into the grind isn’t always easy either. So on that note, I leave you with one last photo.

Vision Monger himself, David duChemin – letting us all know it’s hard work.

This is the hardest work I’ve ever done, but it’s the only thing I could imagine doing.

Until later,

Long time, no talk.

2010-08-31T16:49:00.000-10:00

Hey all!
We all know we've failed miserably at keeping up on our blogging.. but, along with our neglect comes some very exciting new changes! All of our non-blogging time has been directed towards to launch of our website (SO soon), and we are thrilled to debut our new "look" - first seen right here! Take a scroll and check out our new header, complete with our new logo and all =)

We've been busy busy the last week attending the Maui Photo Festival, and have gotten back in touch with our creative juices and are ready to hit the ground running!

Anyways – just a long needed hello, and a promise of so much greatness to come.

Keep checkin’ back in,

West Maui Mountains Ablaze

2010-06-14T20:54:00.001-10:00

As it tends to happen so often, our West Maui Mountains were recently ablaze. Again. As of today the fire's been 90% contained after burning 6,200 acres since the fire began a week ago. For us over on the south side we've gotten a direct view of the fire on the mountains, and not-so-luckily all of the smoke that's come along with it.

We're just glad our fabulous families were so flexible in rearranging our schedule (ack!) due to the Pali closure the first day of the fire (thanks guys!), and none of our brides and grooms have been affected.

Check out the highway view of the mountains, and our night-time view from the Kihei Canoe Club..

It's Aloha Friday..

2010-05-28T13:39:00.003-10:00

We are finally coming up for air, and are very excited that after much wait and anticipation our new site will be live very soon! We are so excited to share our work, and our new company aesthetic! This week has definitely built up to be the week of editing, and in the process of sifting through lots of photos I kept finding myself stumbling on some great details, so here it is! Your Aloha Friday gift (I knew it's exactly what everybody wanted of course), here's a sneak peak of some details of fabulous things to come..

Be sure to keep checking back to much much more, and have a wonderful weekend,

Bonnie

Life on a Rock | 2010 Tsunami

2010-03-16T14:38:00.002-10:00

The blog about the 2010 Tsunami. Ok, it's a little late, but we'll cut ourselves some slack...

Ok, I'm not sure if we can still call it a Tsunami... since, there wasn't even really an 'it' to begin with, but never the less..

Saturday began at 3:30am in a 1/2 hour line at the gas station.

Ok, who am I kidding, that's how John's day began - I was frantically packing all the important things in life; photo equipment, computers... and dog clothing.

Yes, you heard me right. But let me take a quick moment to dwell on that. Our dogs aren't just any dogs. They are South Maui dogs. and it's hot here (as in they shiver when they go to the beach). If we could potentially be camping out up the mountain for days (my overreacting mind already hard at work) I could not handle my furbabies being cold.

Fast forward 8 hours, we found ourselves all propped up with family up the road from Ma'alaea Harbor. Laptop connected to live feed from the news, and long lenses in hand - we were ready for the action. Sirens went off intermittenly, fire trucks drove up and down along the coast with loud speakers making evacuation announcements, and boats cleared the harbor.

Then 11:19 came and went.

We sat, eyes glued to the shoreline. All we could see was a pod of whales breaching offshore.

The evacuation orders were cancelled at 3:30, and we headed home.

So after our forced day off, I must conclude with (while anticlimactic) I'm incredibly happy we didn't actually get hit by a tsunami. We were forced to take our first day off together (no work of any kind) for the first time in as long as I can remember, and got really good evacuation practice =)

As I walked through the front door, I couldn't help but be incredibly thankful for everything in our lives - there's no place like home.

Sunrise Over Ma'alaea Harbor..

An Eerily Empty Ma'alaea Harbor