The Most Beautiful Maui Babymoon Portraits

WHO: Sarah + Kuali’i | WHERE: Lahaina, Hawaii | WHY: 7 month Maternity Shoot

First off…I just LOVE underwater Maui maternity sessions! They literally feed my soul - they honestly and wholeheartedly “complete me” <3

So when I met Sarah & Kuali’i via Instagram, I just knew that our session was going to completely rock the casbah for so many reasons…

We started on land as all my MAKAI Land & Ocean sessions do, then we slowly worked our way into, then under the water, because the clarity was THAT good at Sunset!

Thankfully they both were even more experienced in the water than we had initially discussed (to book my water sessions, it’s a “must” that my clients are experienced to expert swimmers. Hawaiian oceans are no joke!). Kua, who is originally from Maui, also paddled for Hawaiian Canoe Club like myself, so naturally, we had ALOT of mutual friends and tons of experience with the ocean and it’s conditions. Sarah is a beautifully talented dancer and hair/makeup artist, so believe me when I say, this girl worked it in the water! Her toes? ALWAYS POINTED 😉. Her swimming abilities? Flawless.

The finished product was exactly what I had hoped for and so much more. See for yourself…

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

Golden Hour Family Portraits

When a fellow photographer asks you to capture their family during their Maui family vacation - I’ll be honest…it’s such an amazing feeling! Us photographers are all pretty critical of our own work (and I’m sure other’s as well!), so it’s a HUGE compliment when someone searches high and low and chooses you! Seriously, it is.

Traci of Traci Merrit Photography based in Granite Bay, CA, is nothing short of sweet. And I don’t use the word short out of context…because her and her husband Josh are both on the taller side, super athletic and are the most adventurous parents ever. Just ask their two little ones, Kylie & Zoe. To say I had a blast during this session is an understatement - and I’d do it alllll over again if they come back! Or perhaps next time I’m in Cali? ;-)

From my time with Traci & her beautiful family, a collection of natural light Maui family photos at sunset, in a dreamy placed called Maui, Hawaii xo

Underwater Maternity Dreams

WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII | WHO: SOON & NICK | WHY: BABYMOON

It’s Soon’s first pregnancy and she’s known from the beginning that she wanted to do an underwater Maui maternity shoot with gorgeous crystal clear water…and where else than on Maui!

Now, let’s be clear (no pun intended), finding clear waters on Maui for an underwater photography session isn’t always guaranteed, but at Sunrise & at some of my personal favorite locations, our chances can be higher than usual, giving us those breathtaking & dream shots!

Luckily on the morning of our session, the water Gods were watching over us, as were the weather Gods! But really, clouds don’t scare me…they offer more dramatic skies and that’s kiiinda my thang ;-)

Did I mention these two lovebirds were just as beautiful as the Sunrise & Ocean itself? Soon & Nick, you two were made for each other…and your little one? Easily the luckiest!

A big mahalo to these to magic makers <3

A Salty Maui Elopement

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

The Most Stunning West Maui Babymoon

WHO: MADELEINE + AUSTIN | WHY: BABY MOON | WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII

It’s funny…I feel like many of my blogs have begun with “weather issues” here in Maui - but honestly, and I PROMISE when I say - weather in Maui is 9/10 days PERFECT. Seriously! It’s only occasionally that we get weird rain, storms, etc. I just mention it because a bunch of my clients worry when they look at the weather forecast for the islands and they start thinking about rescheduling, new locations, etc.

I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again - weather here moves quick! I swear, those weather folks at The Weather Channel just look out the window and give a forecast - don’t listen - they’re typically wrong. Just wait and if there’s ever anything to worry about, I’ll be in touch couple hours prior to your session ;-) I promise, you’ll never be left wondering what’s next with our session!

With that said, Madeleine & Austin’s first trip to Maui hadn’t been going very well - it rained the whole time they were here and they didn’t get to explore how they wished they could have. With our luck, the heavens cleared and the sun brought out it’s “A” game - but not without a few clouds in sight and a small sprinkle prior to our session.

We went ALL out for their Land & Ocean Maui Maternity photography session - three outfit changes, land + ocean photos, rocks & beach, as a couple + solo - this gal and her 34 week (super adorable) bump toughed it out and all I have to say is….wow. Mahalo to the both of you for being so beautiful, so in love, and so adventurous!

Sunset Maternity Portraits in Wailea

WHO: GABBY + JERRY | WHY: BABY MOON @ 8 MONTHS PREGNANT | WHERE: MAKENA, HAWAII

Maui Maternity photos are my most popular sessions…and for good reason. I LOVE witnessing women blossom into motherhood! There’s a quiet beauty & strength surrounding every mother-to-be; and witnessing it as they make their way along Hawaii’s shorelines is seriously beauty at it’s finest to me. They don’t have to try…they just are.

Case in point - Gabriella (and Jerry of course).

A calm, quiet beauty who’s never had professional photos taken before and without effort, performed gracefully in front of the camera. Jerry was as understanding and patient as they come, so he helped her along the lava rocks and guided her to safety and stability when needed (but really, I think she may have guided him along more than her lol). The power & strength of a woman in general is what I live for - and my time with Gabby was no exception.

See for your self below…

Their First Golden Maternity Session | Makena, HI

Who: Boldt Ohana | Why: Maternity & Family Love | Where: Makena, Hawaii

When locals seek locals for photography services (or anything really…), I get ecstatic 🙃 Because hey… #supportlocal 🙌🏼

David originally hails from Makawao in Upcountry Maui, but he, his wife Lauren, & their adorbz daughter Lucia, currently reside in California. A few times a year they come back for a visit to see family and relax beach side; but this particular time, it was more special than usual…

Lauren was pregnant with their second child, and at 11 weeks along (donning the most gorgeous gold dress ever), she easily took everyone’s breath away. So naturally, they reserved an evening with me for a Maui Family Photo session (and maternity session!) with the recommendation of a mutual friend (Mahalo Jessica - I heart you!!!).

Sunset aka “Golden Hour” on Maui is by far, the most gorgeous time to shoot ANY session…and especially on the South Side in Makena. The colors, the cooling temperatures, light breezes, the vibe, the hues…it’s just GOLD all around!

I must say though, the sun on this particular evening, showed us her best game…and little Lucia? She had her game face (and cheeks) on as well!

Meet the Boldt Ohana & their little bump-to-be…