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2016 Hawaii Trip Report

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February 12, 2016/by
I arrived on the Aloha island and started driving on the familiar road. And of course always with an island vibe, Reggae music! This is my 3rd year coming back to Lumeria, the most beautiful retreat center in Maui. We'll be staying here for 4 days! I remember this guy!! He loves chips too-  He was drooling all over the place! (just like me) Lisa's yoga retreat in Maui is always fun! We always connect our minds and souls. A delicious welcome dinner WITH... MERMAID COCONUT RUM!! Lisa's mom was my awesome roommate! Thank you, Lynette! Food was delicious as always! We had a great underwater photo shoot with everyone and I presented a slide show on the projector. Perfect space to hang out, laugh and eat donuts on the sticks!! yes, donuts on the sticks!!! I also got to meet my friend Kimi for a little bit. She is a busy gal! We always have fun underwater! Beautiful beaches... After Maui, I flew to Oahu by myself. I met my friend Amber at Coffee Gallery. Amber and George are engaged! Congratulations!! See you in July! I went to visit her work in Turtle Bay. She hooked me up with a delicious meal!! And a beautiful sunset! She called it, FIRE BALL. Instead of scuba diving, I did snorkeling tour to see dolphins.  We saw whales! Aaaaaand dolphins! I saw them underwater but not that close... Turtles are always beautiful. and sloooooooow I was also exploring on land. I went on a gorgeous hike, walking in between the beautiful mountains and the ocean. I loved it! Wiiiiii- (not me up...
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Love Is In the Water

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February 11, 2016/by
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!  While I believe you should show your loved one affection 365 days a year, I still love Valentine’s Day and the romantic sentiment behind it.  I’ve been very lucky to shoot some beautiful, caring couples over the years and wanted to share a recent underwater portrait shoot experience with my speaking coach, Travia and her husband. If you attended the San Francisco Apple Store event in October 2015, you saw her speak on her experience briefly.  She and her spouse are so lovely that I wanted to share her story further, and what better excuse that Valentine’s Day to do so! “When I first met Erena, I thought her photos and personality was amazing. It's rare to meet someone with such authenticity, passion and humility. Since she did couples, I knew it would be a perfect experience for my husband and I. We started off with a consultation, then did the shoot a few weeks later. When we arrived to the pool, she greeted us, did all of my makeup for me and assisted with my jewelry. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to hold my breath, however, she coached us through the process and by the end, I felt like a pro. I had a greater level of confidence and sense of peace. My husband and I have never experienced such an amazing activity together as this and will cherish this forever.” If you are interested in having your own couples experience or buying...
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Valentine’s Day Special – How Deep Is Your Love?

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February 3, 2016/by
It’s been a crazy start to 2016.  January was a rollercoaster of laughter, sadness and accolades - just like life.  What will February bring? In honor of what I expect to be wonderful month, and because I love Love, I am announcing a Valentine’s Day promotion! Saturday, February 13th in San Jose, CA, I'm offering a mini package for $250 (that's almost 50% off the full package)!  Show that special someone how deep your love is by diving in with them for an underwater portrait shoot.  It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, engagement shoots or simply just because.  So if you’ve been unsure what to get that special someone this is a perfect last minute option. But act fast, there are four spots available! Also, as an added bonus, a portion of the money will go towards funding three San Diego survivors underwater shoots in March. So not only are your sharing your love with a special someone but also spreading the love.  What a better way to spend Valentine’s Weekend than accomplishing those two things? If you, or anyone you may know, is interested, please contact me for booking.  And don’t forget, if February 13th doesn’t fit into your schedule, I am open for bookings other dates.  Please reach out and I am happy to work with your...
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How We Can Heal Maui Yoga Retreat 2016 Recap

Travel
January 27, 2016/by
I can’t believe the How We Can Heal Maui Yoga Retreat has come and gone!  I had an amazing time of relaxation and meditation with a wonderful group of people.  We laughed so much this past week - we all have amazing memories that we have taken home.  In fact, we had so much fun we forgot to take yoga pictures!  But have no fear, we did take underwater portraits!  You saw a few sneak peeks earlier this week on Facebook (see below!), stay tuned for more! I wanted to share feedback I received from two of the retreat participants.  It warms my heart to hear I have made a difference in someone’s life and also confirms I am on the right path with my work.  Feedback is critical and I am so thankful for their kind words! First is Participant A, who had a strong fear of water. Notice, I said had! :) “I was very apprehensive about the underwater photography session because I've always had a very strong fear of having my head under water. Erena has a wonderful gentle, beautiful spirit that touched me and helped me want to try to face and overcome my fear. I've come back to the yoga retreat for 3 years--and getting to work with Erena to face my fear was a major part of why I wanted to keep coming to Lumeria.  I Just finished my third year and I had so much fun in the water-- and more importantly, I feel so...
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Underwater Healer Now Listed on Helpsy!

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December 30, 2015/by
Over the past three years, I’ve been blessed to have been able to influence so many cancer survivors’ lives. I am thankful that my talents are used to help others transform from pain to joy. Because of this, I am excited to say that I have a new outlet to reach cancer survivors and help make a difference!   Introducing Helpsy - a solution for cancer patients to assist them in finding the best solution for their health needs. Still in beta mode, Helpsy is part of UCSF’s Lean Launchpad program and Stanford’s Entrepreneurship Program. Patients use their online service to help determine the most effective therapies, then help guide them through all health systems and care options in their area. They not only connect patients with care providers, but also with other patients to help them build additional supportive relationships. I’m happy to announce that I am one of their first therapy practitioners! As a visual therapist on Helpsy, I am able to share my Underwater Healer project with a very large network of patients in need in the Bay Area. As you can see in my provider profile, it shares my background and experience, education, and lets patients book a session with me online. Convenient and informational all in one. It’s very exciting to be part of a new project that was founded to make a profound difference in people’s lives and wellbeing. I encourage all of you to check out Helpsy, especially if you have health needs and are...
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The Gift That Keeps On Giving

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December 9, 2015/by
The holiday season is officially in full swing!  I love this time of year.  Despite it being colder, I love all the lights, the smiles, how everyone makes time to get together.  It’s the season of love and giving.  Nothing is better than those two things. The season of giving means a lot of stress unfortunately as well.  Maybe you’re unsure what to give to a special loved one.  Maybe they already seem to have everything.  Or maybe you are looking for something extra special and unique.  Something that can’t be found on Amazon ;) Nothing is more precious that a photograph - it’s a never-ending memory.  It’s what your mom used to embarrass you with when dates would come to pick you up.  Or what grandma would pull out when she told you stories of her life experiences.  It’s the most precious item that most would save first in the event of a fire.  It’s a tangible expression of remembrance. If this resonates with you, please reach out and book an incredible unique memory - an underwater photography shoot!  I am now open for holiday bookings.  Or if you’re looking to put a gift under the tree, gift certificates are available.  I service The Bay Area with two pool options: one in Pacifica and the other in San Jose.  If your curious what an underwater shoot entails, you can find information here.  I would love to be a part of your special holiday season.  And as an added bonus - proceeds...
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Last Call for How We Can Heal Yoga Retreat in Maui!

Travel
December 2, 2015/by
It’s hard to believe December is here!  As this year comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking of what next year will bring.  I encourage you to enter 2016 with a healing start and sign up to join me in Maui for the How We Can Heal Yoga Retreat before it sells out! Held January 18-22, this year marks the fifth anniversary of the annual yoga retreat with Lisa Danylchuk, a Psychotherapist, yogini and educator who works as a trauma therapist in The San Francisco Bay Area.  Hosted at the Lumeria Retreat Center, you will spend 5 days focusing on finding rest and relaxation to form a greater connection with yourself.  Registration covers all classes, 3 daily meals and double accommodations. Everyday begins with energizing vinyasa yoga practice and in the evening we end with yin, a restorative practice and meditation lead by Lisa.  Each day focuses on a different series of poses, natural element, psycho-spiritual theme and includes a sprinkle of Hawaiian dance and language.  Her wonderful classes help mitigate the impact of extreme stress we face in our daily lives.  The time in between classes is yours to enjoy as you wish.  Lumeria offers beautiful contemplative spaces, salt water pools, hot tubs and farm to table dining.  Hiking, swimming, surfing and more are all just steps away.  The retreat focuses on filling your soul with healing and joyful experiences.  Everyone brings some of the island peace home. There is a special added bonus for attending - I will...
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Giving Thanks

Underwater Healer About Face
November 25, 2015/by
Before I share my wonderful news, I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past 2.5 years.  To my amazing clients, supporters, friends and family, know that I am thankful for you.  Not only this week, but forever and always. I am excited to announce that for the first time, I was interviewed by Japanese media!  On Saturday, at the World Affairs Council, Magic Bell TV of Los Angles filmed me for an upcoming segment.  I am thrilled to have spoken about my life, my Underwater Healer project and my client experiences in Japanese for the very first time!  I am humbled and appreciate how supportive the interviewer was of my project.  She said was felt very inspired and told me to keep talking to the world, which is exactly what I plan to do.  My hope is that this interview leads to more opportunities outside of the US and in Japan. I am also happy to share that after the interview, I assisted underwater photographer Ikeya Tomohide!  As you read last week, I very much admire his work and am incredibly thankful I had the opportunity to assist him and learn from such a master.  We began at 5:30 PM at Anderson’s Scuba in Pacifica and ended at 2:30 AM the next morning!  I and a second underwater assistant were responsible for setting up the background fabric, scuba gear, being a test model to check the lighting and the camera setting.  It took many...
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What Inspires You?

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November 19, 2015/by
As the year comes to a close and the holiday season is knocking at our door, it’s easy to feel tired and lose yourself in the hustle and bustle around us.  I encourage you to take some time  to self reflect, renew yourself and concentrate on what inspires you. Possibly you find inspiration in your family and loved ones. Take the time to be with them. Maybe you find inspiration in being outdoors. Go out an enjoy a fresh snow fall, or if you’re lucky to live in a warm winter climate, enjoy the warm on your face. Or maybe you find inspiration in someone who is living your dream (or one similar). Learn from them and let them motivate you to find your own success. As an underwater photographer, I find my inspiration most in the ocean.  Since I was a child I loved water.  I would eventually grow up to love diving, beautiful underwater sea creatures and meld my passion for photography with the submerged world.  No matter how many dives or portrait sessions I do, I find inspiration in it all. I also find inspiration in others.  I am continually blow away by London-based underwater photographer Zena Holloway.  Her photos possess a beautiful dream-like quality.  It’s as if your fantasies popped into real life.  The light and beauty in each photo is breathtaking. I highly encourage you to check out her work. I also am inspired by Tomohide Ikeya, a Japanese photographer who brings light into darkness underwater.  His photos are raw with emotion; both...
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Strengthening Your Self Image Through Photography

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November 11, 2015/by
It’s harder than ever, thanks to the media dictating unrealistic beauty standards, to not feel insecure about yourself and your looks. In fact, a reported 91% of women feel unhappy with their appearance and body. That’s an overwhelming number that is sure to include a super model or two! This often leads to a plethora of ways individuals react to their perceived bodily flaws. One of the biggest surrounds having your photo taken. There is no statistic around how many people don’t like to be photographed, but suffice it to say, it’s a lot! A common reaction to physical insecurities is to avoid having a photo taken altogether. Maybe you think you need to lose weight, or don’t like how your hair has greyed, or you feel you have a crooked smile, the reasons are endless. The old adage is true - we are our own worst critic. It’s important to remember that what we see is not what everyone else sees. Do your friends and family look at you and see your physical flaws? No, they see the person they love and who makes a difference in their life. Love yourself as much as they love you. Make it a personal challenge to have yourself photographed often and from all angles. You’ll eventually discover your flaws aren’t really flaws and find self acceptance. Another common coping method of poor self image is never taking a serious photo, but instead always doing something silly. Maybe you make a funny face, use...
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