It's raining and I have a movie date with the kids ("Up" -- anyone see it?) tonight. They're staying up later than usual because of the holiday tomorrow (Happy Veteran's Day!).

Before the popcorn and ice cream, I wanted to blog these young ladies, all high school seniors. Frankly, it blows my mind that they're only 17 or 18 years old -- just look at them. The world is unfair sometimes. :) Anyway, these have been sitting on my computer for a while, begging to be edited and shared. I adore fashion and photography combined. There's a collection of Neiman Marcus catalogs, Harper's Bazaar, Nylon, and other fashion-oriented pubs building up at my place for whenever I need a bit of inspiration. While I'm nowhere near as skilled as Amy Wenzel with styling for a shoot, I'd happily tag along with a senior girl to help pick out wardrobe for her photo session. Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe, anyone?

I thought this was great for a vintage treatment, but couldn't decide between vintage black and white or vintage gold.








All three had incredibly striking eyes. To go with their other gorgeous facial features...

"Rock that OCF!" in Hawaii?

Just putting this out there to see if anyone would be interested in attending a multi-day workshop given by Ali Hohn of Rock that OCF! My friend and fellow photographer Pinky would host the workshop, here on Oahu. We are looking for at least 10-15 attendees (enough to make it worth Ali's trip here!) with a possible workshop date in February 2010 if there's enough (serious) interest. Comment here or email me or contact Pinky through her blog. Thanks!

eta: not sure what the cost will be but on Ali's site, she quotes $700 for a 3-day workshop.

saying goodbye.

You know your hubby is gone when:
a) you keep all the lights on in the house for a few days after he's left. not energy-friendly at all, but good for your peace of mind.
b) you don't do his laundry for a while. his shirts smell like him, and that's comforting.
c) you sleep in your daughter's bed the first night he's away (and maybe the second night too) because you don't want to be by yourself.
d) all of the above.

My answer is of course d... guilty of it all, and then some.

We've begun our life of Skyping, emails, and care packages. Thank you for the thoughts and support, everyone. Your words and hugs (real and virtual) mean a lot!

I'm an Amy Wenzel groupie.

Distraction in the forms of redoing a room in our house and cleaning like it's Spring has saved me from settling into the reality of my spouse leaving for a really long time. We're getting our important affairs in order of course, but mentally, I'm in denial. I remember going through pre-deployment briefs about having feelings like this so as far as I know, it's normal. Somehow that just doesn't make it easier. Now my wonderful in-laws are in town so I can focus on and enjoy their company, but it won't be much longer after they leave that the reality will hit. At least my house will be clean when I throw a pity party.

I revisited my photos from Amy Wenzel's workshop to further distract the mind. I decided that 1:30 in the morning is as great a time as any to finally blog some images.

But first, a little background. I check my Google Reader daily and while I have tons of blogs on it, there are only a few that I click on when a new post shows up. Amy's is one of them. I went to her workshop not only because of her photography (which is amazing) but also because I wanted to meet this woman who writes so candidly and openly about her life on her blog. Her words are just as touching as her photos are inspirational. You can't help but laugh, cry, and relate.... she articulates what we are thinking or makes us realize it anyway. She doesn't hold back, and I like her for that. It takes guts to reveal deeply personal things to an audience 99% of whom you don't even know. She does it for herself no doubt but it becomes something she does for others whether or not that's her intent. Judging from the comments she receives, many people appreciate that she shares what she does. And a lot of us are rooting for her and David. I do every day.

So I openly admit, I stalk blogs but especially hers. Just to prove it, Amy had a fun little contest on the third day of the workshop to see how well the attendees knew her from reading her blog. We answered questions relating to topics she'd written about -- some dating back a few years. I'm happy to report I tied for 2nd place and nabbed a cool prize. Normally you wouldn't be proud to proclaim you're a stalker but in this case, it helped.



Our models were troopers! They braved 14 pairs of photographer eyes and survived the chilly temps to keep smiling for us. I think it was in the 50s that day but with gusty winds it felt oh so much colder. I was wearing layers underneath my (borrowed) coat and still felt cold. And rather wimpy, too, because look at how these sisters were dressed -- beautifully, I know -- but, gosh, you can just tell they couldn't wait to get in a heated car and sip on hot chocolate.



For readers familiar with Amy's work, you may recognize this beauty from her 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' shoot (the video is on the right sidebar on Amy's blog). Jillian's (Gillian?) portrayal as a mini Audrey Hepburn was so darn cute.








the boys, as equally fabulous as the girls. everyone raved about their hair!

I had written a long, somewhat convoluted post last night about my hubby leaving and how I think I'm turning into Martha Stewart, but I think I'll save it for another day (or for my personal journal) as the words didn't quite match the mood of the pictures below. To recite the chorus from a Yo Gabba Gabba tune (if you're not a parent of a toddler, I'm sorry, you'll have to google 'Yo Gabba Gabba') -- "Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts!"

It was so good to see the Marrero family again. Darcie did a fabulous job with their wardrobe, don't you think? She also brought props and bubbles -- I think she's an old pro at this thing called prepping for a session! Darcie and Keith, I enjoyed catching up with you all and seeing how much the kids have grown. Same time next year? ;)

growing together.

Rylen today


Rylen last November


I think a goal in any business is retention of their clientele. Repeat clients are, in my book anyway, one sign that you're succeeding in keeping them happy with your service and product (in this case, photos). When I started portfolio-building last year with a bunch of new faces, I hoped to see some of those folks again in the future... it meant that I was doing something right! I'm happy to say that a few of you have stuck it out with me a year later. For that, I am grateful. Cheers to clients who make it all worth it!

thawed out...

and inspired after spending an amazing weekend in Grand Rapids. I wish I could bottle up all the emotions and creative energy I feel right now... think overwhelmed, but in a good info-overload-kind-of-way. Credit the high that I don't necessarily want to come down from to Amy Wenzel. She is as genuine and sweet in person as she comes through on her blog. I was privy to her thought and work processes during her intense three-day workshop. Check out her latest post, and you'll see how generous she is with her knowledge, too.

I guarantee there will be another post with pretty pictures.

out of town

I'm off on a jet plane tonight to Grand Rapids, Michigan to attend my first in-person workshop with the incomparable Amy Wenzel. I'll be back (said in my best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression) next Tuesday, Oct. 13. I'll have limited to no internet access so I'll answer any emails when I return.

See you next week!

~Athena

Welcome to the world, Baby Nine.

This sweet girl made her long-awaited appearance more than 2 weeks after her due date. Being born on the 29th day in the 9th month of '09, her parents named her accordingly. :) Now had she only arrived on the 9th day...

Congrats, Alison and Brant on your darling little one!

Thanks Alisa and Nysa for coming and assisting, and to Leslynne for the gorgeous knit creations (hat and diaper cover) she made just for this session.

seven days fresh.








I am a complete meanie for doing this to her when it's glaringly obvious that baby does not like being suspended from a tree at all... but Mom and Dad said to keep the shot :) It's another side of her that's the total opposite of the sweet, sleeping poses you've seen so far -- had to mix it up a little!

Here are more of Sharon and her family... such a good-looking one at that. She and Steve were constantly playing and singing to little Arianna and she loved it!

Thank you, thank you LeeYen for revealing a couple of locations, especially the beach with the swing. It was perfect.

2009 Holiday Cards Set 1

Introducing the first set of holiday cards offered for 2009. I love these! They have a vintage feel to them, and I adore the illustrations (my favorite is the first, being that my hubby is in aviation. It might be the design for our family card this year!). Thanks to a fellow photographer (C.P.) for sharing where she found these.

These are 5x7 flat cards that come in sets of 25 with white or parchment envelopes. Beautifully printed on your choice of standard (semi-gloss), art linen, or pearl paper. Pricing starts at $55 per pack of 25 (standard paper). Orders for holiday cards must be placed by November 15 in order to ensure timely arrival.

Email me for more info or to book a session, and look out for additional holiday card designs, coming soon!

rockstar mama

Sharon's a singer. And a 4th-grade teacher. And mommy to an adorable 7-month-old. She (literally) rocked out her individual shots, below. I liked so many that I've made a separate post. Look for her family shots in a couple of days.





















Sharon's performing at the Pipeline Cafe on Saturday, October 17 for the Barrio Fiesta:


(image courtesy of pipelinecafehawaii.com)

Sneak peek: Sharon...

and her cute little fam! It's just not fair she looks this good 7 months after giving birth. Thanks for the fun afternoon you three -- promise to post more this week :)

disappointment.

Remember this image (minus the 'no' sign)? I posted it when I announced our move to Bahrain.



Before anyone gets the wrong idea (whatever it may be), I'll come straight out and say with immense regret that we are no longer moving there. My husband still is, we (me and the kids) are not. The details on the why/how come aren't necessary to share on the blog but I have to say that we tried and it just didn't work out the way we'd planned.

Our family will be split in two for approximately 15 months. I know that families everywhere go through this all the time, and this helps me keep it in perspective. Still... it's 15 months. He will miss birthdays and holidays, milestones like my son potty-training and going to preschool, and the everyday insanity that is our household. It's disappointing, and the reality is what it is (though I'd like to say I'm showing remarkable restraint in expressing my feelings). My initial announcement was premature -- I have a tendency to jump the gun when excited about something. Even though I knew of the bad news for a couple of weeks already, I'd learned my lesson and didn't say anything until we were sure the move wasn't happening.

The positives are:
1) we plan to visit him at least a couple of times next year (just please think of me when I fly alone with 3 kids across the globe)
2) opportunity for a summer vacay in Europe. one can hope, right?
3) we may get a nice Persian rug out of this
4) Athena Plichta Photography is staying in business in Hawaii in 2010 :)

Sorry that the only photo in this post was the one above. I'll have some fresh faces up soon, weather permitting!

~Athena

{Wedding}: Laci and Jeremy 09.19.09

Here are the rest of the images from Laci and Jeremy's wedding last weekend. Many mahalos to Alisa (main photographer), Laci, Jeremy, and all the wonderful people I met that day. I'm not sure I'm ready to go solo on weddings but this one has definitely made me consider starting out really small. ;)

I missed the reception and am excited to see what Alisa got... for now she's posted pre-ceremony and ceremony shots. Please check her amazing work at: A.L. Greig Photography Blog.

the view from Laci's hotel room at Turtle Bay (scroll down to the end to see another "fun" version of this photo)


Meet Laci


Laci's lovely hair and make-up was done by Laura Aguon, who is also a portrait/wedding photographer!




Laci's sister, Vanessa, maid of honor and one funny gal!




Just beautiful.






one of the cutest flower girls I've ever seen


Laci with her dad, getting ready to walk down the aisle


Meet Jeremy :)


Laci and Jeremy saw each other for the first time in front of their family and friends. He was overcome with emotion when he laid eyes on his bride




to say they make a gorgeous couple is an understatement.




Alisa mentioned to the crowd that she had a fisheye lens so what did they do? Made fishy lips of course!


here is the "miniature model" version of the beach photo... it's a simulated tilt-shift effect, and makes the people look like toy figures!


Stay tuned for some news (or rather, an update).

~ Athena

Airshow

Just sharing some pictures from the airshow this past weekend. I loved going to the shows as a kid, and naturally I get excited when they come to Hawaii (the last time was '07). I grew up a Navy brat and am now married to a Navy guy, so I'm a bit partial to the Blue Angels, but I must say the Air Force Thunderbirds were impressive. A definite crowd-pleaser.

After the airshow we went out for ice cream (to celebrate my daughter's goal in her soccer game the day before) and rented movies to top off a great afternoon. I've had a lot on my mind lately and spending time with my family is really so important right now. I hope to squeeze in more of these sweet and simple days before change sets in.

all I had was my 50, not ideal for long-range shots


but at least I got this...


and these


and especially this

{Wedding}: Laci and Jeremy - Details

I had the pleasure of working with my good friend Alisa again, this time as a second shooter at one of her weddings this past Saturday. And what a gorgeous wedding it was! We started out at the Turtle Bay Resort and ended at beach front property about 5 minutes away.

I loved all the details of this wedding and didn't shy away from shooting everything I could. Thank you Alisa for inviting me along, and to the bride and groom, Laci and Jeremy, I appreciate that you welcomed me to take part in this very special day in your lives. Congratulations! More soon.

bridal and maid-of-honor bouquets

Laci's light, divine gown

another ring shot

Laci's mother's dress, the bridal gown, the MOH's (Vanessa, Laci's sister) gown

I had to leave early and perhaps missed out on one of the highlights of the reception -- 5 cakes! I know I'm going to regret it when I see Alisa's pictures of the displays... I'm sure it was nothing short of amazing (and probably out of this world delicious).

Thursday thoughts...

Aren't my day of the week titles so clever? Hehe, but seriously...

*****
I'm looking for graduating seniors to add to my rather scarce senior portfolio! Pricing is different for seniors and not listed on my website. Anyone who refers a student who books will receive a little something as a thank you. Email janda03 @ gmail dot com for info if you are or know someone who is a 2010 senior.

*****
Look for a holiday card post soon!

*****
I received these a while back and thought I'd share once I had a chance... these are metallic prints from one of the labs I use for my personal and client work. This was my first time ordering images printed on metallic paper and I must say I'm very impressed. Metallic prints have a glossy finish and impart a nearly 3-D effect, truly making images stand out. The colors are vibrant and bright, perfect to dress up a wall.

I opted to mount the prints (which vary in size from 5x7 to 5x10)




you can kind of see the glossy finish at this angle


the display I had up in my office


All images are from the photowalk held this past July.

Kwyn

This is my friend Alisa's girl, Kwyn, who reminds me a lot of my daughter when she was a baby -- very happy-go-lucky, go-with-the-flow kind of kid. She's only 10 months old but already standing and taking wobbly steps. Even though she took a few tumbles during our shoot, Miss Kwyn remained unfazed, picking herself up and brushing off her leggings each time. ;) Behind that sweet exterior, she's quite the toughie ... we all witnessed her push down a tire because it was in her way. Boys -- don't mess with this little lady. And is it just me or is she Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's doppelganger -- a teensy, eensy bit? The darker-hair, Hawaiian version, obviously!















smart as a whip, baby Kwyn is already taking calls for mommy


no post is complete without at least one black and white


Alisa is also a photographer (a superb one at that) but on this day she totally trusted me with taking the pictures. Now I know why Kwyn is so happy -- she has a super cool mommy! Our friends, Pinky and Ashley joined us and brought their boys (they received a little camera time too. of course). Occasionally the four of us like to take over restaurants and school parking lots :) Thanks for another great get-together, ladies! Kwyn, you're a (baby) rockstar!

sneak peek: Baby K

I just want to squeeze this one all day long! She's the easiest, happiest 10-month-old I've ever encountered. I couldn't wait to try out some ideas... just one to share for now. Thanks to my mom-tog friends for coming out! More of Miss K very soon.