Family Photos Made with Love | Wailea, HI

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 😉

Carefree Family Photos | Wailea, HI

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 (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

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

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

A Dreamy Wailea Maternity Session

WHERE: WAILEA, MAUI  |  WHO: ERIN + JEFF + ??  |  WHY: MATERNITY

Magicians never reveal their secrets...but this new mom-to-be revealed her natural inner & outer beauty instantaneously, making my job feel less like a "job" and more like an experience I"ll never forget.

The weather was perfect. Their love was even more perfect. And this new momma...breathless. A blimps into the perfection that took place on this gorgeous Wailea sunset...

Dreamy Maternity & Family Session | Kihei, Maui

LOCATION: MAUI, HAWAII  |  MOOD: HOPEFUL  |  SESSION: OHIA MATERNITY

It started with some sprinkles and unforgiving breezes and ended with a sky that left us all breathless. Photo by photo, I was nearly taking away my own breath as the skies over Maui just kept giving and giving...and so did this adorable growing family from Florida. 

Mahalo to this Tampa beauty and her family who were less than stunned by stormy skies and innocent threats of bad weather. The result was better than we ever imagined...