Inspiring Sessions, Expert Tips & Real Client Experiences
Categories
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
Getting Grounded with Maui’s Miss Valley Isle 2020
Some time with Lindsay Takekawa, Miss Valley Isle 2020. On land & in the sea, under the sun, on Maui, Hawaii.
WHO: LINDSAY TAKEKAWA | WHY: MISS VALLEY ISLE 2020 | WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII
Meet Lindsay Takekawa, your Miss Valley Isle 2020.
She’s tough. She’s fierce. She’s ambitious & bright and her own light under the sun. Did I mention she’s one of the best long boarders I know? And in case you were wondering…she’s a total sweetheart.
But it doesn’t stop there…
She’s Grounded, too.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing & surfing with Lindsay for almost 3 years now, but it honestly, feels like forever. She has this presence about her that makes you feel like you’ve known her for a lifetime…even a past lifetime. She’s THAT personable and SO positive. She’ll make you exude rainbows out your ears if you’re open to it ;-) What I’m trying to say is - she’s beautiful inside and out, and she’s definitely in a class of her own.
So we chatted, we surfed, and we got creative and combined forces. Her soul of gold mixed with my camera. And the results are just gorgeous. But I had no doubts…
Some time with Lindsay Takekawa, Miss Valley Isle 2020. On land & in the sea, under the sun, on Maui. And don’t worry, this isn’t her real crown - it’s way too precious to go in salt water…
Follow Lindsay on Instagram @alohaimlindsay
Gorgeous bangles & jewelry provided by Jasmine Honey Designs <3
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
Solo Self-Love Portraits with a Natural Hawaiian Beauty
Every so often, I either see someone completely random or familiar out + about here in Maui, Hawaii and I ask to photograph them; or I have a vision and I need to find the perfect subject to express it with. For this particular creative idea, I already had one natural beauty in mind…
Every so often, I either see someone completely random or familiar out + about and I ask to photograph them (creepy…I know!); or I have a vision and I need to find the perfect subject to express it with. For this particular creative idea, I already had one natural beauty in mind: the younger sister of my dear friend Malia, Tanner.
Honestly, Malia, Tanner and the whole family are just stunning, and beautifully creative & effortlessly brilliant to name a few. I’d worked with Tanner once before as a model in an underwater swimming pool shoot and I knew she’d be perfect - like…up close perfect!
So we met around 7am on Maui’s North Shore and dove right in…
I combined this portrait session along with another one of my creative shoots, “Sand PPL”, which you’ll see soon. I even got some testosterone involved in that one (you’re welcome ladies ;-)).
For now…Meet Tanner.
Adventure Sports Network Feature: Maui’s Suzie Cooney
Stoked to share my work from this article by Adventure Sports Network on Suzie Cooney from Suzie Trains Maui in partnership with Merrell.
Suffering from Ciguatera Poisoning Doesn’t Stop Suzie Cooney from Putting Fitness First
Stoked to share my work from this article by Adventure Sports Network on Suzie Cooney from Suzie Trains Maui in partnership with Merrell.
"When it comes down to it, "I would do voodoo. I would walk on fire. I would do anything to rid myself of this," Cooney shares with a laugh. Joking aside, it seems there isn’t anything that can keep her away from the career and tropical lifestyle she adores. Until someone finds a cure, you’ll find Cooney in the water, taking each bump patiently in stride."
Yup - that’s the Suzie I know! Thank you for sharing your time and story with me - and of course, a big mahalo to Adventure Sports Network for bringing light to such an inspirational story and person!
Read it, learn from it, ADMIRE HER
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
