Inspiring Sessions, Expert Tips & Real Client Experiences
Categories
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
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!
Golden Hour Family Portraits
From my time with Traci & her beautiful family, a collection of natural light photos at sunset, in a dreamy placed called Maui, Hawaii.
When a fellow photographer asks you to capture their family during their Maui family vacation - I’ll be honest…it’s such an amazing feeling! Us photographers are all pretty critical of our own work (and I’m sure other’s as well!), so it’s a HUGE compliment when someone searches high and low and chooses you! Seriously, it is.
Traci of Traci Merrit Photography based in Granite Bay, CA, is nothing short of sweet. And I don’t use the word short out of context…because her and her husband Josh are both on the taller side, super athletic and are the most adventurous parents ever. Just ask their two little ones, Kylie & Zoe. To say I had a blast during this session is an understatement - and I’d do it alllll over again if they come back! Or perhaps next time I’m in Cali? ;-)
From my time with Traci & her beautiful family, a collection of natural light Maui family photos at sunset, in a dreamy placed called Maui, Hawaii xo
Their First Golden Maternity Session | Makena, HI
Sunset aka “Golden Hour” on Maui is by far, the most gorgeous time to shoot ANY session…and especially on the South Side in Makena. The colors, the cooling temperatures, light breezes, the vibe, the hues…it’s just GOLD all around!
Who: Boldt Ohana | Why: Maternity & Family Love | Where: Makena, Hawaii
When locals seek locals for photography services (or anything really…), I get ecstatic 🙃 Because hey… #supportlocal 🙌🏼
David originally hails from Makawao in Upcountry Maui, but he, his wife Lauren, & their adorbz daughter Lucia, currently reside in California. A few times a year they come back for a visit to see family and relax beach side; but this particular time, it was more special than usual…
Lauren was pregnant with their second child, and at 11 weeks along (donning the most gorgeous gold dress ever), she easily took everyone’s breath away. So naturally, they reserved an evening with me for a Maui Family Photo session (and maternity session!) with the recommendation of a mutual friend (Mahalo Jessica - I heart you!!!).
Sunset aka “Golden Hour” on Maui is by far, the most gorgeous time to shoot ANY session…and especially on the South Side in Makena. The colors, the cooling temperatures, light breezes, the vibe, the hues…it’s just GOLD all around!
I must say though, the sun on this particular evening, showed us her best game…and little Lucia? She had her game face (and cheeks) on as well!
Meet the Boldt Ohana & their little bump-to-be…
Her First Family Photos | Wailea, HI
When they contacted me just days before arriving for a last minute Maui family vacation trip, I was so excited to meet their new little bundle of joy, so I made the time to sneak them into my schedule.
WHERE: WAILEA, HAWAII | WHO: ERIN, JEFF + BABY ELLA | WHY: ELLAS 1ST BIRTHDAY
Just a year prior, I had the joy of capturing Erin & Jeff during their Maui Maternity Photo session when they were pregnant with baby Ella & enjoying their Maui vacation and baby moon. So when they contacted me just days before arriving for a last minute Maui family vacation trip (and Ella’s first!), I was SO excited to meet Ella, so I made the time to sneak them into my schedule.
And I’m so glad I did! Talk about a cutie patootie! Erin decided to wear the same outfit she wore while pregnant with Ella so we could coordinate some before/after shots with baby Ella! And you know what Erin also did? She coordinated Ella’s outfit to match hers…and to this day, it’s hand’s down my favorite outfit EVER on a little one!
Side note: If anyone can find this skirt in an adult size, please please PLEASE let me know! I’m obsessed ;-)
After much love, coordination, pom poms, and smiles, baby Ellas first photoshoot (technically 2nd) was a success! See for your self (and seriously…that skirt…) <3
Carefree Family Photos | Wailea, HI
I’m a lifestyle family photographer here on Maui. Do we get sandy? Yes. Wet? You bet. Messy? I hope so. Isn’t that what childhood is about??? We’ll obviously do our best to keep it to a minimum, but in the end, when you let it (and them) be…you’ll get THIS…
WHO: THE HILMES OHANA | WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII | WHY: FOR FAMILY
If you’ve worked with me, you’ll know that I don’t show up to any of my sessions with a plan - especially Maui family photography sessions! Ultimately, I let the kids run the sessions - seriously. Mom & Dad are key parts of the equation, as is some discipline (and bribery), but ultimately, I want your family to show me who they are and not hold hold back in the slightest. Why?
Because it’s what makes for great photos & memories.
I’m a lifestyle Maui family photographer - that means I capture things as they happen, in a moment, not posed, not planned, but maybe strategically placed & coerced if need be ;-) Posed & stiff photographs aren’t in my portfolio, and for good reason - they don’t show any feelings or joy (or craziness). Sure, I’ll grab a couple for the grandparents, but we’ll move away from those immediately, because even I, get uncomfortable when clients start to stand there and smile at the camera. My job is to take you out of your “comfort” zone of the types of photos you’ve grown to adhere to; and make you forget I’m there and just focus on each other. It’s my job and I’m darn good at it.
Do we get sandy? Yes. Wet? You bet. Messy? I hope so. Can hair and clothing sometimes get messy? Isn’t that what childhood is about??? We’ll obviously do our best to keep it to a minimum, but in the end, when you let it (and them) be…you’ll get THIS:
And that is precisely, why I’m here ;-)
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
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