A name derived from "rays of sunlight," which seems fitting, since photography is the art of light, there's always been an invisible string tying me to highlighting moments.
Photography is my love language (introvert here). I'm fascinated by people and their stories, and I can't help but document the honest moments because it's the truest way I know how to communicate. My hope is that my photos say something to you every time you look at them.
Obligatory life TDLR:
* Born and raised in Coronado (Navy family) from an early age it was ingrained in me to live a life of purpose and serve the greater good. That thread runs through everything I do.
* Virginia Tech grad (let's go Hokies!!!)
* Corporate career for 10+yrs with music photography as my side hustle.
* I married my Graham Memorial preschool sweetheart (even though we didn't know it at the time), who now serves in the military and as a first responder.
* In 2026, after our second daughter was born, I stepped back from my career to be a full-time mom (best decision EVER) and found my way back to photography and entrepreneurship.
My "why" is my girls. They're watching everything I do and don't do. And I want them to see that you can make something meaningful by leading with your heart and serving people well. Being a creative entrepreneur takes a lot of courage, but in my bones this is something I know I should be building.
Thank you for being here and for your support. Let's capture your legacy.
Hey, I'm Raelena!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Poa Poa
first generation
She came over from China when her father could afford it. Eldest of eight, she worked at her dad's grocery store in San Diego; and became one of the first Chinese women to graduate from U.S.C. Pharmacy School. She had an herbal cure for anything. Only wore ruby-red lipstick, to match her name, should you not forget it. The boldest woman I've ever known.
Goung Goung
second generation
He grew up in his brother's laundromat in Los Angeles, and remembers no shoes and living off street tacos. Before starting community college, he spent 3 years in the hospital with TB and was left with one lung. He became a civil engineer for the City of LA. A quiet soul, and never without a camera by his side (wonder where I got it from).
Stacey
mom
An unmatched work ethic. She was a Monterey Park Princess, played tennis for Cal State LA, and then joined the Navy. She continues to spend her time in service of others as a civil servant. Relax isn't in her vocabulary.
Adopted from Ireland and worked at a lumber yard. Graduated from the Naval Academy and retired a Colonel, USMC. He taught me early that I was no better than anyone else until I'd walked in their shoes and carried what they carried. I hold that perspective close, and is why I'm so fascinated by people. You have so much story to tell.
first generation
Tim
Mom's Side
Raised on a fruit farm in Michigan and went off to become a WWII Navy radioman before he built a construction busines. He spent his life turning dirt into something, and he never let a day go by without a glass of red wine to admire sailboats go by at sunset.
third generation
Grandpa K
Remembers 'picking bones and pennies' during the Great Depression. She joined the Nurse Corps as part of the WWII effort, then worked part time as an anesthesiology nurse while raising four kids. The voice of a songbird, there wasn't a joyful tune she didn't know. The "lena" part of my name is derived from her (and my love for music).
second generation
Grandma K
Greg
Air Force Academy graduate, BUD/S class of '83. Retired Navy Captain and pilot. He has never stopped aspiring to do more and be more. Makes a mean batch of oatmeal cookies and coffee. Will probably ask me to put a picture of his '86 Land Rover here instead.
dad
Dad's Side
Before kids, I only thought about impact in terms of my own lifetime. Then I became a mom and that horizon shifted. Suddenly, I was thinking in generations, digging through old photos, asking questions I'd never bothered to ask. I started to truly appreciate my parents' and their parents' legacy. Immigrants who arrived with nothing, service members, people who worked hard and helped where they could. It took courage to start something in pursuit of a dream, and I don't think any of them realized that they were making history in those modest years.
That's what inspires me with every photo session. So much of what makes your family's story worth telling happens in the early years, the humble years, before you've "made it." If you're in those years right now, it probably feels ordinary and even challenging, but those are the ones worth documenting.
~Play "Heroes" by David Bowie~