How To Choose A Good Family Photographer in Maui
Searching for a Family Photographer on Maui can be an adventure in itself - there are so many talented ones to choose from! Some use social media like Instagram and Facebook Groups and posts that include hashtags like #mauifamilyphotographer or #mauifamilyphotos to search for an aesthetic they like; some use Google and search (and search and search); but some heavily rely on the old-fashioned “word of mouth” from friends and family. Either way, it can be overwhelming to say the least! So, how do you possibly choose?
Here are some helpful tips to narrow down your choices…
Tips for choosing a great family photographer in maui
Look for experience photographing families. Seek out photographers who specialize in family, children, and group portraiture. Some specifically spell out their specialities on their social media or websites. Their portfolio should demonstrate expertise with posing, lighting, and capturing natural interactions.
Read Reviews. I cannot stress this enough! Check sites like Yelp, Google, or the photographer’s website for reviews from past clients. Look for feedback on things like professionalism, creativity, how their kids reacted, overall feeling of session, and satisfaction with the final results.
Consider their photography style. Different photographers have varying aesthetics - some may lean more toward classic, posed shots, while others favor a more candid, lifestyle approach. A majority of photographers on Maui like the “light and airy” beauty aesthetic, while I gravitate more toward rich & warm colors, varying textures and a session approach using a combination of posed and candid/organic shots.
Make sure their portfolio is consistent. It’s also extremely important to make sure their work is consistent. There are alot of upcoming photographers everywhere who are still figuring out what their “style” is and learning how to shoot/edit, so their work may not yet be consistent - and you want to make sure you’re getting what you envision when you book with them, not what they feel like doing for the day.
Meet with them beforehand. Schedule a quick phone call consult to get a feel for their personality and communication style. You want someone who makes you and your family comfortable. Make sure you connect well and feel comfortable with them.
Ask about their process. How responsive are they to you and your emails already? Do they seem organized? Dependable? Ask about their approach to planning the session, directing the poses, and providing guidance. A thoughtful, organized workflow is important. So is trust ;-)
Compare Pricing and Packages. Family photoshoots in Maui can range widely, so shop around to find the right balance of quality and value. Look at what’s included, like digital files, prints, outfit changes, # of locations, etc.
Get referrals from Friends & Family. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family, or your hotel concierge can be very valuable when choosing a photographer in a tourist destination. Keep in mind when talking to a concierge, they may only recommend the photographer within the hotel per regulation, OR they may only recommend those photographers that pay them a percentage to market them.
Taking the time to thoroughly vet Maui family photographers will help you find the perfect match so your upcoming photography session feels more like another adventure, not a stressful burden.
If you’d like to learn more about my Maui Family Photo Sessions, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s plan the perfect, adventurous session for you & yours 💕 Reach out HERE!
