Inspiring Sessions, Expert Tips & Real Client Experiences

FAMILY Amanda Emmes FAMILY Amanda Emmes

Sunrise Family Portraits - Party of 3!

Enter Theodore (aka Teddy), now 9 months old, and another trip to Maui sans extended family. And what better plan than to capture them at the same place, same time, as their maternity session!

Meet Amanda, Chris & Theodore…

In 2018, I was called upon to capture their babymoon here on Maui. Not only was it gorgeous, THEY were the most gorgeous little family to-be!

Enter Theodore (aka Teddy), now 9 months old, and another family trip to capture their adorable growing family with a Maui family photo session! And what better plan than to capture them at the same place, same time, as their maternity session!

Sunrise, Makena Cove, and these three = Perfection ✨ And Teddy? He’ll melt your hearts…Just see for yourself 💕

FLOWER CROWN: HOUSE OF HAKU | HAIR + MAKEUP: MEILI AUTUMN BEAUTY

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FAMILY Amanda Emmes FAMILY Amanda Emmes

Furry Family Portraits

I can’t tell you how lucky I feel when my clients return back for more maui portraits. From Engagement to Honeymoon to Maternity to Family to ??? I feel blessed beyond words. And this family is absolutely, no exception. Just check out all the fun, love & warmth during our session in Makena…

What do you do when you just can’t stand to be away from your beloved pooch back home? You bring him on vacation with you to Maui!

The last time I saw Karen + Brendan was back in January for their maternity photos. Much to my delight, they contacted me upon their return to Maui to this time, capture their TWO little ones during a Family Photo session! Everyone…meet 6 month old Jay and his adorable older (and furry) brother, Nacho (give him a follow on Instagram @nachopup. He’s quite the adventurer (just like his Mom + Dad!).

I can’t tell you how lucky I feel when my clients return back for more family portraits on Maui. From a Maui Engagement to a Maui Honeymoon to Maui Maternity Photos to Maui Family Photos, to ??? I feel blessed beyond words. And this family is absolutely, no exception. Just check out all the fun, love & warmth during our session ;-)

Mahalo Karen, Brendan & Jay (and Nacho!) for being so beautiful (and well behaved) inside & out. I’m so lucky to have you in my photography life!

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MATERNITY, FAMILY Amanda Emmes MATERNITY, FAMILY Amanda Emmes

Beautiful Sunrise Family Session | Makena, HI

Some of my favorite moments from my Maui Sunrise Family Session with this adorable family at one of Maui’s most gorgeous beaches in Makena <3

WHERE: MAKENA, HAWAII | WHO: MINI & HER ADORABLE FAMILY | WHY: FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSION

Mom & Dad contacted me about a Sunrise Maui Family & Maternity Photoshoot with visions of pastels, neutrals, some greenery, lots of lava rock, and some bright sunshine to capture her growing tummy, her husband, and their adorable son. Luckily, this location at Sunrise is perfect for all of the above!

I always arrive slightly early to my sessions in hopes I can be there before my clients so they have a reference point…but in this case, this family had already arrived! And apparently, they’d been there for over 30 minutes just taking in all the beauty! I mean…can you blame them?

Some of my favorite moments from my Sunrise Session with this adorable family at one of Maui’s most gorgeous beaches in Makena <3

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FAMILY Amanda Emmes FAMILY Amanda Emmes

Family Photos Made with Love | Wailea, HI

What do you do when you’re visiting Maui for the first time and you want to capture your genuine family dynamic in a special, unique place? Ya contact me for a beach family photography session!

WHO: THE PENTECOSTES OHANA | WHERE: WAILEA, HAWAII | WHY: FAMILY SESSION

What do you do when you’re visiting Maui for the first time and you want to capture your genuine family dynamic in a special, unique place…with a wiiiild little one who can’t sit still? You contact me!

When Jenilyn first contacted me, she said “capturing our son's wonder and amazement is always our top priority during our Maui family photo sessions, as well as our genuine family dynamic, inspired by the unique location we are set in.” So naturally, I jumped to respond, because THIS is what I live for!

It came down to a few very special locations on Maui, and ultimately, we decided on my most favorite, because it was warmer, and had minimal effort / maximum beauty. Fast forward to the evening of our session, and I finally got to meet little Alexander…who stole my heart from the second I met him <3

Just moments later, I knew we had an adorable little wild one on our hands, so I encouraged Mom & Dad to relax and let me do the talking, while they just entertain him and love him (when they can get their hands on him lol). And that’s just what they did with SUCH grace!

From my time with this lovable, picture perfect family. And Alexander…the cutest little wild one you ever did see!

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Note: Parents…it’s easy to get flustered when your little ones are running around and playing at the beach. But it’s what they’re supposed to do! I’ve got some wisdom in my pockets that I’ll share with them, and I may even take your little one aside and get to know them so we can be on our own (and super cool buddy) terms…but that’s what I’m here for…to make your session go smoothly! So trust me…I’ve got you 😉

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FAMILY Amanda Emmes FAMILY Amanda Emmes

Family Photo Magic with Littles | Wailea, HI

When a fellow photographer reaches out to you to capture her & her family on their first trip to Maui, you jump up; raise your hand; and say YES!

When a fellow (and amazingly talented) photographer reaches out to you to capture her & her family on their first trip to Maui, you jump up; raise your hand; and say YES!

Immediately upon meeting Claire & her family (did I mention they’re all gorgeous?), I knew this sunset session was going to be SO much fun! With open hearts, beautiful flower crowns, flowing dresses and the perfect sunset & backdrop, we jumped right in and made the most of the high tide & lava rock surroundings…

Not only were their outfits coordinated to perfection; the fabric was comfortable with plenty of beautiful textures, and their small accents like leis and crowns were just magic!!!!!

Need help coordinating your wardrobe for your upcoming family session? Be sure to check out my recent “Planning Your Wardrobe: Hawaii Family Photography Session” Blog!

As for Claire, if you’re in the area of Phoenix, Arizona and looking for an amazing newborn photographer, be sure to visit her website HERE <3

Much love to you & your family Claire…and of course, thank you for choosing me x

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Sunrise Ironwoods Beach Family Photos | Kapalua, HI

The last time this dynamic duo had Maui family photos done was over 4 years ago…except it was just the two of them. Fast forward 4 years, and now, two happy kiddos strong!

WHERE: KAPALUA, HI | WHO: AUSTIN, SARAH & THEIR TWO KIDDOS | WHY: FOR LOVE

The last time this dynamic duo had photos done was over 4 years ago…except it was just the two of them.

Fast forward 4 years, and now, two (happy) kiddos strong! Introducing Kennedy (2 yo) and Luke (6 mo) - the cutest, most happiest lil siblings ever…AND at Sunrise! Honestly though, a majority of my families with little ones choose the Sunrise session because of the time change here in Hawaii - they’re already up hours prior to our session - so by the time I see them, they’re bright eyed, awake, and smiling from ear to ear!

The beach was all ours and the light? PERFECT as always. Some moments from our vibrant, casually formal, Hawaiian photoshoot featuring this loving family and SO much love <3

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FAMILY Amanda Emmes FAMILY Amanda Emmes

Adorable Sunset Family Moments | Wailea Beach, Maui

WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII  |  WHO: VI, ARIEL, JALEN, KIAN  |  WHY: FAMILY PHOTOS

My family sessions typically last up to 60 mins (depending on special circumstances of course)..and this particular session, was one of those circumstances...

When we first spoke, Vi mentioned her two boys were a bit "restless", but incredibly sweet, cute and absolute best friends with one another....joking with each other more than fighting. I didn't think much of it because 99% of children at every session are the exact same - and trying to make a child (especially on a beach in Hawaii) focus on family and NOT the water?! Not the easiest! 

Along comes the session and from the moment I laid eyes on the boys...I couldn't agree more.

These two lil guys were absolutely adorable, incredibly sweet, cute to the "T" and SO stylish! How could these two be restless?! With positivity on my side, a perfect location and a beautiful Maui sunset...we headed right for the beach. 

Fast forward a few minutes later...

And they were off! Running, playing in the shoreline and completely dismissing all of us! What charmers! ;-) With some sweet talking from us all, paired with a little direction, and stealing little moments here and there when we could, we absolutely nailed this session, despite their infinite amount of energy, water splashes and quick footing. And all in about 25 minutes!!!

Honestly - this session was so much fun...I'd hit repeat any day! Vi - thank you and Ariel for your patience and trust - this session wouldn't have been the same without it! <3

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