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Five Mistakes to Avoid During Your Maui Ocean Photography Session
Five Mistakes to Avoid During Your Maui Ocean Photo Session
Summer is right around the corner, and that means warmer waters on Maui! If you’re planning an ocean portrait session in Hawaii trust me when I tell you, it’s an unforgettable experience! Whether you’re celebrating love, maternity, or simply capturing the magic of your Hawaiian getaway, a water session is a must - especially if you’re looking for something unique.
However, without the right preparation, even the most stunning locations and perfect waves won’t guarantee flawless photos. To help you get the most out of your session, here are five common mistakes to avoid, plus expert tips from Maui couples and maternity photographer, Amanda Emmes (me!).
#1 Wearing the Wrong Fabrics
Why It’s a Mistake: Not all fabrics flow beautifully underwater! Some materials become heavy, cling awkwardly, or lose their shape once wet, making it challenging to achieve that effortless, ethereal look in your portraits.
What to Do Instead: Opt for light, flowing fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or silk that move beautifully in the water. Avoid thick cotton, denim, or heavy lace, which can become uncomfortable when soaked. Maternity clients should consider dresses with sheer layers to create dreamy, weightless effects in their images.
#2 Skipping Waterproof Makeup 🦝
Why It’s a Mistake: Regular makeup will smudge, run, and disappear in the water, leaving you with raccoon eyes or an uneven complexion.
What to Do Instead: Use waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and setting spray to keep your look intact. Many clients also choose a natural, dewy glow for their session, embracing the fresh, ocean-kissed aesthetic with minimal makeup.
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💦 Shop My Favorite Waterproof Beauty Products! 💦 I’ve curated a list of my go-to waterproof products, from smudge-proof makeup to frizz-fighting hair essentials. Visit my Amazon store HERE to shop my recommendations!
#3 🫧Forgetting to Practice Breath Control🫧
Why It’s a Mistake: If you’re planning underwater shots or even partial submersion poses, not being comfortable in the water can lead to stiff expressions or discomfort in your photos.
What to Do Instead: Spend some time practicing slow, controlled breaths before your session. If you’re nervous, start by submerging your face in shallow water and gradually getting comfortable. And don’t worry, I’m super patient and guide my clients through the process every step of the way, ensuring a relaxed and fun experience in the ocean. Need to take a few breaks? That’s totally fine - just know that it will take away from our shooting time in the water 😉
#4 Choosing The Wrong Time of Day
Why It’s a Mistake: Many underwater photographers choose to shoot at varying times of day so be sure to discuss the “look” you’d like your photos to have before booking with just any underwater portrait photographer. Midday sessions can mean harsh lighting, strong reflections, choppier waves, and unflattering lighting on your face/body (yes, even underwater).
What to Do Instead: Book your session during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting conditions. Golden hour provides warm, dreamy light, while early morning shoots offer calm, crystal-clear waters. My expertise in timing ensures that every couple and maternity client gets the best natural lighting for their session on land AND in the ocean.
#5 Not Trusting Your Maui Photographer’s Direction
Why It’s a Mistake: Many clients feel self-conscious about being in the water, worrying about how they’ll look or whether they’re “doing it right”. Overthinking can lead to stiff, unnatural poses.
What to Do Instead: Relax and trust your photographer! I have years of experience capturing couples, individuals & maternity sessions in Maui’s waters. I’ll always be there to guide you through natural movements, helping you feel comfortable, confident, and radiant. The best photos come when you let go, embrace the moment, and enjoy the experience.
BONUS TIP: BOOK EARLY! MAUI’S SUMMER SESSIONS FILL FAST!
Don’t let your vacation fade into just another set of phone photos. Book your family, maternity or couples session with me today and take home a truly priceless souvenir: stunning, professional portraits that capture the magic of Maui (and you!).
🗓️ Spots are filling fast. Secure yours now!
The ONE Maui Vacation Experience You’ll Regret Skipping
The One Maui Vacation Experience You’ll Regret Skipping
Don’t Just Take Home Memories - Bring Them to Life with a Maui Portrait Session
Your Maui vacation is more than just a getaway, it’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm ocean breezes, time to do nothing (and everything), and unforgettable moments with the people you love. But here’s the truth: photos taken on your phone can never fully capture the magic of being in paradise. That’s why a professional portrait session with a Maui Photographer is the one experience you’ll regret skipping. And let’s be even more honest, not having a session with ME is even more regretful! 😉
Sunset Mini-Session on Maui’s North Shore
Why a Maui Portrait Session Is the Ultimate Souvenir
Unlike t-shirts and keychains that gather dust, professional portraits last forever, transporting you back to those golden Maui beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant blue waters of Hawaii every time you look at them. I specialize in capturing stunning land and ocean portraits, giving you a unique keepsake that stands out from the typical vacation snapshots. If you think the beaches here in Maui are gorgeous, wait until you see what’s under the ocean!
Ocean & Land: Choose Your Perfect Backdrop
One of the best parts of booking with me? You get to choose between (or combine!) two incredible sessions for your session:
🌊Ocean Portraits: Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Maui, with stunning underwater and shoreline shots that make you look like you stepped out of a dream. Imagine floating effortlessly in warm waters while I capture the sun’s golden glow reflecting off the waves and you with your loved one actually living the dream.
🏝️Land Portraits: From lush rainforests to sun-kissed beaches, Maui’s landscapes create the perfect setting for intimate family moments, romantic couple shots, and breathtaking maternity sessions. Every session is tailored to showcase your unique story in paradise.
Underwater Maui Maternity Photo Magic at Sunset
Maui’s Summer Magic Won’t Last Forever!
Summer in Maui is the best time for portraits. Longer days, golden sunsets, and the warmest ocean temperatures of the year. Did I mention less rain? But here’s the catch - my availability is limited in summer and summer sessions book up fast - especially in July! Please don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your spot!
Affordable For Everyone - Capture Your Story Without Breaking the Bank
Think a professional Maui portrait session is out of reach? Think again! I offer a variety of packages, including affordable mini-sessions on Maui’s North Shore, making it easier than ever to invest in lasting memories. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, a honeymoon, or simply want to freeze this moment in time, there’s a package that fits your budget.
Ready to Make Your Maui Memories Last Forever?
Don’t let your vacation fade into just another set of phone photos. Book your family, maternity or couples session with me today and take home a truly priceless souvenir: stunning, professional portraits that capture the magic of Maui (and you!).
🗓️ Spots are filling fast. Secure yours now!
If you’d like to learn more about my Maui Couples, Maternity and Family Photo Sessions, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s plan the perfect, adventurous session for you & yours 💕 Reach out HERE!
A Memorable Maui Elopement in Kapalua
What do you do when your partner lives in Shanghai and you live in LA? You make long distance work like magic, and then you make it official…in Maui ✈️
Who: Candice + Colin | Why: ForEVER | Where: West Maui, Hawaii
What do you do when your partner lives in Shanghai and you live in LA? You make long distance work like magic, and then you make it official…by hiring me and eloping in Maui ✈️
To say this was an adventure, would be a complete understatement. We began in the jungle, conquering spot after spot, and losing battle after battle with more mosquitoes than we could ever possibly count. And bug spray? Ha! Like it helped…
Nevertheless, we conquered! Did I say that already?
Our next location was the ever amazing Ironwoods Beach in Kapalua, where there were NO mosquitos, and plenty of gorgeous sunlight to expose this beautiful couple.
Were they troopers? Absolutely! Were her dress & veil out of this world? You bet! Will their love last forever and ever? If they can take on millions of mosquito bites without crying…I can guarantee it!
Named in Top 10 Best Engagement Photographers on Maui
Amanda Emmes Photography is Featured in The Top 10 Best Engagement Photographers on Maui!
A Maui Engagement Photo Session to Remember
Recently engaged, J + D came to Maui to celebrate their love in the most adventurous way possible. So they booked a Land + Ocean session with me and we utilized two different locations to get the very best that Maui has to offer - because sometimes, one location doesn’t have it all (I know…hard to believe!).
Recently engaged, Jessica + David came to Maui to celebrate their love, in the most adventurous way possible. So they booked a Romantic Couples Photography Session with me, specifically my Land + Ocean session! We utilized two different locations to get the very best that Maui has to offer - because sometimes, one location doesn’t have it all (I know…hard to believe!).
They didn’t really want romantic photos, but they naturally fell into it, because who can hide the love when it’s literally all over the place?! These two were absolute magnets. They were fun. They were completely down for anything. And the ocean? It loved them too.
It wasn’t at its clearest, but it was good enough to get in some beautiful moments that for us all, were pretty unforgettable ;-)
Here’s some of my favorites from my time w/ Jess + David <3
A Dreamy Maui Engagement Session in Wailea
Do you like mini-adventures around the Hawaiian Islands? What about that feeling you get when you’re experiencing it alongside the one you can’t get enough of? A sunset engagement session in Wailea…
WHO: CRYSTAL + TJ | WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII | WHY: ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
Do you like mini-adventures around the Hawaiian Islands? What about that feeling you get when you’re experiencing it alongside the one you can’t get enough of?
That’s just what Crystal and TJ experienced during our Sunset Maui Engagement Session in Wailea. They were already engaged back home, but that didn’t stop them from acting like it was the moment she said “yes” all over again. I always like to know how the men propose, so when I asked Crystal, the romantic story she told me of how he did it not only brought her to tears yet again…but I admittedly brewed up a few myself as well!
I kept giving TJ high-fives through out the whole shoot because I was so gosh darn proud of him (men…take note!)…
So here’s Crystal + TJ in all their genuine sweetness, during our Maui couples portrait session...
Romantic Maui Anniversary Photos
With visions of warm colors, breathtaking scenery and tons of love for one another, A+M arrived at our Maui photography location and were so excited to start shooting! If you want these dramatic colors and skies…that’s what you’ve gotta opt for! And believe me, it’s worth it every time…take it from this Maui photographer.
WHERE: MAKENA, HAWAII | WHO: AMBER & MIKE | WHY: ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS FOR LOVE!
Where do I even begin with how sweet and fun these two were?!
With visions of warm colors, breathtaking scenery and tons of love for one another, Amber & Mike arrived at our Maui Couples session location and were so excited to start shooting! What time was it? SUNSET. Yup! If you want these dramatic colors and skies…that’s what you’ve gotta opt for! And believe me, it’s worth it every time…
After 5 years and two children, these two wanted to celebrate each other and their accomplishments on Maui, they’re most favorite vacation spot ever! Can you blame them?
Cheers to these two for loving hard, laughing even harder, and making me laugh the hardest ;-)
A Salty Maui Elopement
Misa + Curtis arranged a quick & super private maui elopement the hour prior to our session. They wanted their elopement to be intimate, focused, and full of love - so they reserved me for after their session so we could then, capture all their excitement & of course, her trashing the dress!
Misa + Curtis arranged a quick & super private elopement the hour prior to our session. They wanted their elopement to be intimate, focused, and full of love - so they reserved me for after their session for a romantic Maui couples photoshoot, so we could then, capture all their excitement & of course, her trashing the dress!
Her dress was just immaculate - I was in awe of how beautifully she wore it too. Curtis was looking as dapper as ever, and he was such a good sport, even if he had to keep his sport coat on a little longer than he may have liked ;-)
From land to the ocean, their love will for sure, last a lifetime. And their Maui photos? Well, I’m sure they’ll last much longer….just look at these two!
And because their Google Review was so sweet, I just had to include it below:
“Amanda is hands down one of the most talented photographers out there. She captures emotion and human essence so beautifully in her photos. And her underwater photos are absolutely breathtaking! Amanda made my partner and me feel so comfortable during our shoot that my partner (who generally hates any camera pointed at him) said he actually enjoyed having pictures taken of him and repeatedly kept talking about what a wonderful experience it was. The memories Amanda captured are the most beautiful photos I have ever seen of myself and my husband and we will cherish these for rest of our lives as some of the best moments from our wedding trip to Maui! Thank you so much Amanda!” -Misa + Curtis
