You’ve officially booked your family trip to Maui, Hawaii and now, you’ve found your perfect photographer to capture your family at their absolute best, and in paradise - congratulations! Now let the fun (and preparation) begin for your Maui family pictures…

Preparing for a family photo session in Maui with kids is crucial to the success of your session. I specifically capture small families with children 10 years old and younger, making me one of Maui’s most trusted early years family photographers. Kids within this age range are always fun, open minded, don’t overthink things, and are beautifully true to themselves…but Mom & Dad are keys to their session success. So let’s dive in, shall we?

Tips for preparing for a successful Maui family photo session with your kiddos:

• Plan ahead. Discuss a location, time of day, and outfit coordination with your family (and photographer) well in advance. This will help everyone be prepared and minimize stress on the day of the shoot.

• Choose comfortable, coordinating outfits that are true to who each of you are. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that. complement each other. Avoid busy prints or neon colors and clothing with logos that can be distracting.

• Pack snacks and small toys. While the beach and ocean are typically distracting enough, bringing along their favorite besties and familiar treats & distractions can help keep little ones happy and engaged throughout our session.

• Schedule around Nap Times if possible. The time change here in Maui can be brutal for some, but that’s why there are either Sunrise or Sunset options for sessions. While there’s typically a time change for all visitors here, work around the timeframe that works best for your kids and when they will feel well-rested and fed. I’ve found that the ocean has a magical way of waking kids up and bringing them to life even if it’s way past their normal bedtime routine. Trust the flow, and most importantly, trust your photographer.

• Involve the kids! Let them help choose poses or fun activities they want to do during the shoot. I like to focus on the kids from the get-go and get a gauge of who they are and what they like to do for fun. Plus, their personalities tend to come out pretty quickly during my sessions, so I’ll be sure to engage them in every way possible, and hope you will, too! We want them to feel more invested and willing to cooperate and just have fun. That’s what makes beautiful images, right?

• Bring a helper. Having an extra adult or relative to assist with keeping the kids focused and entertained can sometimes be very useful. Having them carry some of the toys, snacks and bags is always extra helpful if they’re willing ;-)

• Be patient and flexible. Kids don’t always cooperate as planned. It’s important to go with the flow and be prepared to adapt your expectations as needed. We want to capture who your family truly is…relax!

The key is balancing preparation with flexibility to create an enjoyable, stress-free experience for both the kids and the photographer. With a little planning, you CAN capture beautiful family memories here in Maui - I promise!

preparing Your kids mentally & emotionally for a Maui family photo shoto is also really important. here are some tips:

• Explain the plan. Talk to your kids about when the photo session will be, where it will take place, and what they can expect. This helps manage their expectations. (Don’t worry, I send along a “What to Expect Guide” when you first book with me to help give you an idea…)

• Emphasize the FUN! Frame the photo shoot as a fun, special activity that you’ll all do together. It’s truly another adventure! Focus on the positives like getting dressed up, playing with the photographer, and even playing in the water at the end of the session. That alllllways gets them excited ;-)

• Encourage silly poses (and I’ll always do the same!). Kids often feel self-conscious posing formally, so I’ll do my part to encourage tickles, making funny faces, and fun, playful poses to keep them engaged and loosen up. It’s my job (and it’s the BEST watching them loosen up and be themselves!)

• Manage their fears/concerns. If they express worries about smiling, sitting still, or anything else, validate their feelings and provide reassurance. Let them know it’s okay to feel that way and we’ll be sure to give them enough space to warm up to the session. Be sure to communicate these fears/concerns to your photographer as well so they can help!

• Involve them in the process. Allow them to pick out outfits, choose props, or suggest ideas for poses. This gives them a sense of ownership. I also ask for their help directing Mom and Dad during the session, so they feel a sense of confidence.

• Offer incentives. I’ll bring some special treats along, but parents, you know what they like best, so promise them a special treat or activity after the session as a reward for their cooperation. This gives them something to look forward to.

• Stay positive yourself. If you approach it with confidence and enthusiasm, they’re most likely to feed off your energy and do the same. Mom and Dad, if you can match their energy, even better! Engage them with jokes, games or simply be animated and upbeat!

The MOST important thing is to make your Maui family photo experience feel less like a formal photo session and more like playtime…with nice clothing on 😆 With patience and an open mind, let’s help you and your family shine in your photos.

Note: And don’t worry, random breaks are always included in our sessions so kids (and parents) don’t ever feel overwhelmed or frustrated. I encourage them actually! Everyone needs time to recharge sometimes. 🙌🏼

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!