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A Maui Newborn and Maternity Session to Remember | Wailea, HI
It began with Land & Ocean Maui Maternity photos, and just a few months later, started all over again with a Lifestyle Maui Newborn photography session at their home in Kihei, Maui.
Who: Valorie + Will | Why: Maternity + Newborn | Where: Maui, Hawaii
It began with Land & Ocean Maui Maternity photos, and just a few months later, started all over again with a Lifestyle Maui Newborn photography session at their home in Kihei, Maui.
From wardrobe & location chats, then a TON of pregnancy emails back and forth comparing stories, advice, questions and excitement (yay for us (previous) mom’s to be!), to two of the most beautiful sessions of 2020, Val and Will met my expectations and well beyond.
The colors, the conditions, and most of all, their sweet little Roman. I’m so honored to have been a part of their pregnancy journey and now, parenthood. Cheers you two!
Offbeat Home Feature: How Underwater Maternity Photos Helped Megan Enjoy Her Pregnant Body
If there’s anyone who feels awkward about being pregnant, it’s my recent client Megan. She swore up and down that she’d never have children…then…it happened. STOP THE PRESS! HOLD THE PHONE!
With her body changing, her mind opening and her body changing even more, she was super reluctant but at the same time, ridiculously excited about our Maui maternity photography session. So I told her - just hold your breath, point your toes, and let the water do the rest.
And she did! She literally unleashed her inner mermaid and the results are just….(insert fairy dust here).
Read more from her awesome blog post on Offbeat Home titled: “How underwater Maui maternity photos helped me enjoy my pregnant body”. It’s one for the books for sure. And Meggy? She too, is one for the books!
Sending you & Mike virtual high-fives like no other! <3
(And in case you’re wondering…YES, that’s her and Mike whipping their wet hair like the fabulous parents-to-be that they are!)
SEE THE FULL FEATURE
What to Wear For a Maternity Photo Session in Maui
Figuring out what to wear for your Maui Maternity photography session is difficult...that's why I'm here to help you slim down your options, OR create some more fabulous ones!
Figuring out what to wear for any photography session is difficult...that's why I'm here to help you slim down your options, OR create some more fabulous ones!
The most important rule is to BE COMFORTABLE! But more importantly, be you! I am going to create art that will hang on your walls for years and I want you & your loved ones to look like themselves.
Keep it fun! If you want to bring two outfits, bring two. But no matter what you wear, be confident that I’ll make you look fantastic…It’s my job.
BASIC TIPS
I love color and accessories, just keep the patterns to a minimum ;-) Solid colors always photograph well. There's no risk of distracting from faces, interactions or the environment around you.
Ladies - long maxi dresses are your best bet for EVERYTHING. They’re literally flattering on everyone! Plus they move so beautifully!
Flower Crowns, however, are always encouraged! I just can't get enough of them!
Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes or backup shirt/bottoms - sand, dirt & shoreline fun are inevitable!
In general, shoes aren't necessary for any of my sessions. You can bring standard rubber sandals for walking to/from our location or for walking on any rocks/stones.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Photograph the outfits in advance. Lay out the clothing choices you have in mind and take a quick snapshot with your phone. If you like what you see, this photo can be super helpful when shopping!
Makeup: Less is more - especially during outdoor portraiture. Weather here in Hawaii his HOT & HUMID, so avoid wearing any makeup that is shiny or has metallic minerals because it will catch in the sunlight. And I stress...WATERPROOF MASCARA.
Hair: My best advice? Wear your hair the way you want it to look in the wind (just in case it’s windy). I’m obsessed with movement & hair blowing in the wind, but it can be unflattering when it flies across your face and it begins to frustrate you. Hairspray helps, but I highly recommend bobby pins, clips & hair ties!
Bra: Support is key! If you're wearing a strapless dress, I encourage either no bra (don't worry, I'll edit the obvious...) or a supportive strapless bra that won't show. I want the focus to remain on your new curves, not wrinkles or bumps because of tucked or exposed straps!
Still need some more inspiration for your wardrobe?
Visit my ‘What to Wear’ Pinterest Board!
WHERE TO SHOP:
For Her: PinkBlush, Sexy Mama Maternity, Amazon, Sew Trendy, Asos,
Lulu's, Target
For Him: Old Navy, Zara, Gap, Target, J.Crew
COLOR PALETTE SAMPLES
PASTEL COMBOS & INSPIRATION
LOVE NEUTRALS?
THE BOLD + THE BEAUTIFUL
A Surprise Maternity And Engagement Session | Maui, HI
From the very first moment Vanessa contacted me about a Maui maternity session during their trip to Maui, I was already beaming at the visions we had discussed to make her session as perfect as possible. But then, Tom contacted me separately…
WHERE: MAKENA, HAWAII | WHO: VANESSA + TOM | WHY: MATERNITY & SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT!
From the very first moment Vanessa contacted me about a maternity session during their trip to Maui, I was already beaming at the visions we had discussed to make her session as perfect as possible. But then…Tom contacted me separately…
During their session, he wanted to propose to the love of his life that has made him that happiest man alive for the past 6 years+! I squealed a bit when he contacted me because I had just the place, and at sunset, it was the perfect time!
So we set the cues, confirmed a few times prior, and before you knew it, the session day had arrived!
Now Vanessa? She had NO idea! So while Tom and I were dropping little hints to each other about when & where behind her back at our session, Vanessa was too busy taking in all the gorgeous scenery around her. And honestly, you can’t blame her ;-)
I set them up, mentioned our cue, gave Tom a swift & reassuring pat on the back, and he nailed it! After an obvious yes, some tears, iPhone photos & outfit changes, we jumped in the water and celebrated with the most adventurous sunset water session! And these two? Yea…they walked off into the sunset & the rest of their lives.
And as for me? I followed them like the creeper w/ a camera that I am, snapping away! Sorry folks, that’s just how I work!
And now, some of the best YES moments from my time w/ Vanessa & Tom <3
The Most Tropical Maternity Adventure | Maui, Hawaii
With visions of waterfalls on her mind for her Maui Maternity Photos, we set out on a bit of a muddy walk to reach our destination...in sandals of course...and enjoyed every slippery moment of it. After all, it's totally worth it once you reach the falls, right? Totally right...and the photos....beyond magical.
WHERE: HAIKU, HI | WHO: KIMBERLY | WHY: MATERNITY SHOOT
In just one month, Kimberly's life will change forever...(just kidding...I just received an email today that she's officially a momma!)!
With a little girl on the way, her and her partner are beyond thrilled for this new adventure! After just moving to Maui a few months ago, they're not only adjusting to their new life in Hawaii, but now, making way (and room) for this little gem to enter their beautiful world.
With visions of waterfalls on her mind, we set out on a bit of a muddy walk to reach our destination...in sandals of course...and enjoyed every slippery moment of it. After all, it's totally worth it once you reach the falls, right? Totally right...and the photos....beyond magical.
Some moments from my time with the brave & beautiful, Kimberly <3
Rain or Shine: The Most Stunning Maui Babymoon Photos Ever
With my state-of-the-art weather reading abilities, I knew we’d have some sunshine soon or our Maui Maternity Session, but not for long. Then, came a shift in winds, and more clouds…
WHO: ALLYSON & ERIC | WHY: BABYMOONIN IN MAUI | WHERE: MAKENA, MAUI (HAWAII)
The skies in these photos are stunning, am I wrong? In fact, they were beyond stunning…but only for a short time. First, let me introduce Allyson & Eric...
Allyson & Eric are visiting Maui, Hawaii for their very first time, choosing to bask in the sunshine for the best baby moon ever. Allyson is about 34 weeks pregnant with their first child (a baby girl - woop woop!) and an absolute trooper & ray of sunshine (more on that shortly…). Eric, her patient, awesomely adventurous and positive husband, stands by her side as one of the luckiest guys ever. They’re both, in fact, extremely lucky!
Maternity photography is hands down, my favorite type of photography. Mix it with the ocean & Maui, and you’ve got me hooked for life! The forecast called for partly cloudy skies, sunshine and 5 mph winds - pretty perfect if you ask me! We arrived at our location optimistic, however, Mother Nature decided to surprise us with clouds rolling in deep, sprinkles and lots of white wash in the ocean. After much discussion, laughs, and an option to reschedule, we decided to roll on to the empty beach and make it our own. And I’m so glad we did…
With my state-of-the-art weather reading abilities, I knew we’d have some sunshine soon, but not for long. Enter Mr. Sun - for about 10 minutes - it was gorgeous! Sprinkles, rainbows, the whole gamut. Then, came a shift in winds, and more clouds…and a downpour. Allyson & Eric didn’t bat an eyelash though - they said “the show must carry on!” (Gawd I love these two!). I promised them the sunset would be worth it…and I swore by it with my life & camera (in water-housing of course)…
An outfit change, soggy sand, more rain and lots of love later, we made our way into the ocean to get whatever underwater maternity shots we could with the semi-clear waters. It was just then, the rain stopped, the sun angled perfectly through the clouds, and we were blessed with the most gorgeous conditions & sunset ever. Not going to toot my own horn…but I kinda knew this would happen - and I’m SO glad these two (and their mini) held on with smiles!
From our Rain & Shine, beach & ocean photography session in Makena, Hawaii. One of my favorites and definitely, one for the books!
Photos in order of weather progression…
Dramatic Maternity Waterfall Dreams | Haiku, Maui
Gabriela contacted me because she was 1) Looking for a Maui Maternity Photographer to accentuate her 23 week bump; and 2) produce artistic & dramatic photos capturing her very first baby bump. But also…in a place that’s not your typical place on Maui.
WHERE: HAIKU, HI | WHO: GABRIELA + CARLTON | WHY: MATERNITY (IT’S A BOY!)
Gabriela contacted me because she was 1) Looking for someone to accentuate her 23 week bump; and 2) produce artistic & dramatic photos capturing her very first baby bump. But also…in a place that’s not your typical place on Maui ;-) With some tedious planning, plenty of communication and preparation about precautions, and alot of hand holding (for balance of course!), we set off on our adventure!
SPECIAL NOTE: This adventure & location is NOT for everyone! It wasn’t easy as it involved a super muddy hike, plenty of time both in and out of the trails, and cold cold water. I don’t do shoots here often, but when I do, they’re always magical!
Sunset is my best friend, especially at this particular location. And it seems, the sun was really happy to have us, as she put on a gorgeous show of lighting that completely blew us all away. Was it cold? Yes. Was it muddy? HECK YES….
Was it even worth it??? YOU BET.
See for yourself <3
A Dreamy Wailea Maternity Session
Magicians never reveal their secrets...but this new mom-to-be revealed her natural inner & outer beauty instantaneously, making our Maui Maternity Photo session feel less like a "job" and more like an experience I"ll never forget.
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...
