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Top Reasons You Should Hire a Photographer During Your Maui Vacation
Top Reasons Why Hiring a Photographer During Your Maui Vacation Is Totally Worth it
Are you planning a trip to the breathtaking island of Maui? I hope so! 🌴🌈🍧
As you prepare to embark on your Hawaiian adventure, there's one essential aspect you shouldn't overlook – capturing the unforgettable moments of your vacation. While smartphones are convenient for snapping quick photos, nothing quite compares to the expertise and creativity of a professional Maui photographer. There's something truly special about professional photography, especially when it comes to capturing moments with young children, babies, and toddlers. In this post, we'll explore the top reasons why booking a photographer during your Maui vacation is an absolute must - and hopefully it’s with me, Amanda Emmes 😉
Here are the top reasons why hiring a photographer on your Maui vacation will elevate your experience to new heights:
Preserve Precious Memories: As a parent, you know all too well how quickly children grow and change. One moment they're crawling on the sand, and the next they're running along the shoreline. By hiring a professional photographer, you can freeze these fleeting moments in time, preserving them for years to come. Imagine being able to look back on these photos years down the line and relive the joy and wonder of your Maui vacation.
High-Quality Images: Professional photographers invest in top-of-the-line equipment and possess the technical skills to produce high-resolution images with exceptional clarity and detail. While smartphone cameras have come a long way, they simply can't compete with the quality and clarity of images captured by a professional photographer using high-end equipment. Whether you're posing against a dramatic sunset or diving into the crystal-clear waters, you can trust that your photographer will deliver stunning photographs that you'll cherish for years to come. You can expect crisp, vibrant images that truly capture the essence of your Maui vacation.
Expertise in Capturing Children's Authenticity: Photographing young children, babies, and toddlers requires a special skill set. Professional family photographers have a genuine way of connecting with children, putting them at ease, and capturing their true personalities. From spontaneous giggles to curious expressions, you can rest assure that your photographer will how to capture those authentic moments that make your family's vacation truly memorable.
Stunning Backdrops of Maui: One of the unique advantages of booking a photographer for your Maui vacation is the stunning natural beauty of the island itself. Whether it's the stunning cliffs in Kapalua, the lush greenery of one of Maui’s jungles, or the breathtaking sunsets at any of South Maui’s pristine beaches, Maui offers an endless array of picturesque backdrops for your family photoshoot. You can rest assured that every backdrop will be expertly utilized to create stunning images that you'll treasure forever.
Stress-Free Experience: Planning a vacation with young children can be stressful enough without having to worry about capturing the perfect photo moments. By entrusting your family photoshoot to a photographer, you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that every precious moment is being expertly captured. From scheduling the shoot to selecting the perfect location, they’ll handle all the details, allowing you to focus on making memories with your loved ones. Now, you can relinquish the responsibility of taking photos and focus on enjoying every moment of your Maui getaway, knowing that your memories are in capable hands. Plus, Mamas…you need to be in photos, too!
Creative Vision: Professional photographers possess a keen eye for composition, lighting, and storytelling. Whether you're seeking candid shots that capture the spontaneity of your adventures or posed portraits that exude elegance and charm, your photographer will transform your vision into captivating images that tell the story of your Maui vacation.
Local Insights and Recommendations: Beyond their photography expertise, Maui-based photographers often double as unofficial tour guides, offering valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your vacation experience. From the best spots to watch the sunrise to hidden culinary gems serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine, your photographer can help you uncover the island's hidden treasures.
So, have I convinced you yet? Hiring a photographer on your Maui vacation is an investment in preserving and celebrating the memories you create in paradise! From expertly curated photo sessions to personalized guidance and stunning imagery, the benefits of working with a professional photographer extends far beyond the duration of your trip. So, why settle for fleeting snapshots when you can capture the magic of Maui in timeless photographs?
If you’d like to learn more about my Land & Ocean Sessions, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s plan the perfect, adventurous session for you & yours 💕 Reach out HERE!
When to Schedule a Maternity Photo Session in Maui
The timing of your Maui maternity photo shoot (on land or in the water) is critical - especially during your baby moon in Hawaii…
The timing of your Maui maternity photo shoot (on land or in the water) is critical - especially during your babymoon in Hawaii…
Schedule it too early, your baby bump will not be as visible and won’t take as prominent of a role in the photos. Alternatively, if you schedule your maternity shoot after the 34 week mark, you might be dealing with swelling, aches and pains, and generally feel like a photo shoot is too much work!
EVERY WOMAN IS DIFFERENT…SO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, SEE HOW IT’S CHANGING, AND MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR YOU.
Some women are showing earlier in their pregnancy, so booking a shoot near the 6 month mark may work great! Plus you’ll be more mobile, adventurous, show less fatigue, and generally, happier and more comfortable. And trust me, you’ll want to be mobile during your time here in the islands ;-)
In general though, the best time to schedule a maternity session during your baby moon is typically anywhere between 26-34 weeks, or at the 7 to almost 8 month mark, when your bump is big enough to be seen, and you’re still in your comfortable zone.
At this point in your pregnancy, your baby will not have started to move downward - that means you’ll have a higher tummy that looks much better in a portrait than after the baby has started to move its way lower in your body. In the third trimester, your belly will be just the right size - big and beautiful, but not so big that it’s difficult for you to move around, change positions, swim, and pose for the camera.
DREAMING OF AN UNDERWATER MATERNITY SESSION IN MAUI, HAWAII?
THE EARLIER IN YOUR PREGNANCY, THE BETTER!
Think about it - you, the ocean, a dress/bikini, your growing bump, and Mother Nature - it’s a lot to manage! What we really want to avoid is you performing a water birth during our session (I’m SO serious) - so be sure to time our session when you’re not too far along and your tummy is still in it’s “floatation device” stage (usually no more than 7.5 months max).
If your tummy is too heavy, it’ll feel like a weight in the water, and that’s no fun for anyone ;-) I’ll be with you every step of the way, so rest assure that I’ll do the managing - you just show up feeling & looking your best (and lightest!) .
Salt water is super buoyant, but there are currents, sometimes waves, and you may need to tread water if you really want some of the deep, underwater shots (like the ones above + below). Fabrics like chiffon and tulle do really well in the water and look amazing when you can get them to float just right - so plan accordingly to make your time in the water, as effortless as possible.
See some wardrobe tips from my blog on “Planning your Wardrobe for Your Maternity Session”.
My biggest advice? Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your photo shoot! Plan ahead with your photographer and get on their calendar well in advance - especially if you’re in the process of planning your Maui BabyMoon. Trust me…it’s worth it!
#1 Reason You Should Have Your BabyMoon on Maui
#1 Reason You Should Have Your Babymoon on Maui
LEMME GUESS…
A) You just found out you’re pregnant (yay!)
B) You’re currently pregnant and JUST started thinking about a baby moon trip..
C) Or, you’re about to pop and haven’t even thought about a baby moon until RIGHT. THIS. MOMENT.
Well…let me help you make one of the most important decisions of your pregnancy! Whether it’s your 1st, 2nd, or 5th child, every pregnancy is special and deserves to be in the spotlight…especially during your baby moon to Maui!
SO WHAT’S THE #1 REASON YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR BABY MOON ON MAUI YOU ASK???
TO HAVE THE MOST ADVENTUROUS, AUTHENTIC & FUN LAND/OCEAN MATERNITY SESSION WITH ME OF COURSE!!!
So let’s get this process started shall we?
STEP 1) Book a flight to Hawaii! Any island is gorgeous, and they’re all ridiculously magical & full of images of paradise you’ve only dreamed of. But Amanda…we’re kind of in the middle of a global pandemic…are you nuts?!? By nature, yes 🙃 but I’m not talking about now! I’m talking about planning for your future, especially if timing lines up right for you & yours and it’s anytime after June 2020 (maybe later, I’m just being optimistic)! Obviously travel is restricted right now, but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking into the future and reserving those dates!
STEP 2) BUT!!! You should know I’m located on the Island of Maui, so keep your costs down and come here for a visit, book a Maui maternity photo session with me, and instead, invest those pesky travel fees to other islands into your child’s future college fund! Maui is totally worth a visit, even if it’s only for a few days (and even if it’s only to see me!), so if it’s the latter, I can guarantee it’ll be even MORE worth it!
STEP 3) Let’s talk about a Land or Ocean session (or BOTH!), capturing your growing bump & love for one another! The water here is practically as warm and cozy as a nice warm bath, so consider having your session in the ocean - it’s fun and the results? STUNNING and unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
STEP 4) Let’s get you locked in, discuss wardrobe, hair, makeup, location, and all those other fun things us gals can’t get enough of. Plus, we’ve got plenty of time to get to know each other via text, email, phone, whatever you prefer. I’m all yours and here to assist in planning for your session in any + every way possible!
And these photos below? From a beautiful growing family that scheduled a VERY last minute maternity session on land + in the ocean✨
What to Wear For A Family Photoshoot in Hawaii
What to Wear For A Family Photoshoot in Hawaii
Figuring out what to wear for your Maui family photography session is difficult...that's why I'm here to help you slim down your options, OR create some more fabulous ones!
I love color & accessories, just keep the patterns to a minimum. This goes for your kids too. If you or they are uncomfortable in their clothing, it will show in the photos. Choose clothes for everyone in the same color palette (see optimal palettes below…). The goal is for you guys to look great, but we want the focus to be on you, not your clothes. The outfits should blend together and blend a bit into the background.
Keep it fun! If you want to bring two outfits for everyone, bring two. And if you have little kids, we know how they like to get dirty, so bring some back ups.
But no matter what you wear, be confident that I’ll make you look fantastic…it’s my job.
BASIC TIPS
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 your family to look like themselves. This goes for your kids too. If you or they are uncomfortable in their clothing, it will show in the photos.
I love color and accessories, just keep the patterns to a minimum ;-) Try to have only 1 patterned outfit for every 3 people for family shoots. Then dress everyone else with color coordinating looks.
Try to coordinate outfits without looking overly “matchy”. Avoid wearing same colors and instead, find a color palette you love and piece together items from that palette that are complimentary to one another (see examples below to help get you started!).
Ladies - long maxi dresses are your best bet for EVERYTHING. They’re literally flattering on everyone! Plus they move so beautifully! When in doubt…maxi dress it out ;-)
But keep in mind…beaches tend to be windy! So those cute dresses, shirts & skirts with all the multi layers and ruffles, won’t work well on the beach. All these layers will drive you craaaazy as you try to make them stay still & flat (plus they’re distracting to the eye). So keep it simple…
I like my Maui family photo sessions to be fun and have an element of freedom, so please dress your children in clothing you don’t mind them playing in. And that goes for you too! *Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes or backup shirt/bottoms for littles ones & a towel - sand, dirt & shoreline fun are inevitable!
No visible logos or branding on the clothing itself.
Dress babies as babies. For anyone under 2 years old, steer clear of collared shirts and jeans, as they tend to make the little ones look a lot older. Try onesies for boys and sweet little dresses for girls…
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.
Still need some more inspiration for your wardrobe? Visit my ‘What to Wear’ Pinterest Board!
WHERE TO SHOP:
For Mom: Old Navy, Forever 21, Asos, Lulu’s, Nordstrom Rack
For Dad: Old Navy, Zara, Gap, Target, J.Crew
For Kids: Target, Baby Gap, Old Navy, Pop Real, Bitsy Bug, My Modern Kid
COLOR PALETTE SAMPLES
FOOL-PROOF PASTEL COMBOS & INSPIRATION
(NOTICE THE 1 PATTERNED OUTFIT & HOW THE OTHERS COMPLIMENT IT IN A SIMPLE WAY…)
LOVE NEUTRALS?
THE BOLD + THE BEAUTIFUL
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
What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos in Maui
Figuring out what to wear for your Maui Couples photography session is difficult...that's why I'm here to help you slim down your options, OR create some more fabulous ones! But no matter what you wear, be confident that I’ll make you look fantastic…It’s my job.
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!
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.
Try to coordinate outfits without looking overly “matchy”. Avoid wearing same colors and instead, find a color palette you love and piece together items from that palette that are complimentary to one another.
Ladies: choose soft, natural fabrics that drape and flow. These make for gorgeous portraits and give texture and a sense of motion - two things I LOVE!
I like my sessions to be fun and have an element of freedom, so dress in clothing you don’t mind playing in (or getting wet!).
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!
Sweat: 100% humidity equals sweat for everyone involved, especially men. Do yourself and your photos a favor and wear a simple tee on your way to your session, then change into your nice shirt when you arrive. I also recommend wearing a light tank under your dress shirt to wick away moisture and keep sweat spots from making an appearance. Small hand towels are perfect for wiping away sweat, especially during sunsets!
Still need some more inspiration for your wardrobe?
Visit my ‘What to Wear’ Pinterest Board!
WHERE TO SHOP:
For Her: Old Navy, Forever 21, Asos, Lulu’s, Nordstrom Rack
For Him: Old Navy, Zara, Gap, Target, J.Crew
