Family Photoshoot in Lahaina
A Winter Hawaii Photoshoot
Winter light here in Hawaii is truly something special ! It is the only time in the year that our sun rises later in the morning with this gorgeous soft glow and brings in an early sunset with a hazy golden hour that makes everything seem to be illuminated in the dreamiest light.
The location that this family photoshoot took place at is a popular beach located in Lahaina, Maui. Though popular for a reason with how it brings those stunning tropical vibes summer, spring, and winter - all year round overall goodness ! A huge highlight ( other than the stunning glow from the sun ) in the winter timeframe is that this location fronts the channel where the humpback whales love to hang out at during whale season. A beautiful beach for those updated family photos AND a great view for on shore whale watching makes for a pretty stellar combo.
If you are coming to Hawaii and planning to book a photoshoot during your time here it is important to make sure you check the boxes for the following ( especially if visiting in the winter months since we have a bit moodier weather ) :
Choose a photographer whose style you love. Each photographer has a unique style that they excel in. Some love moody/dark, others very bright/airy, overall the style of editing out there is endless with a lot of unique looks. However, a super important note is do not look at work and expect every detail to be the same for your session. Lighting from weather plays a HUGE role in how images turn out if using a photographer (like myself) who favors natural light aka the sun . You want to be able to go with a photographer than when looking at photos with sunshine, overcast weather, or dark rainforests you love how each scenario looks.
Go with a legal photographer. I hate to say it but it is a big issue here in Hawaii. A photographer cannot just show up at a beach and start snapping photos. Permits with the state need to be pulled to legally operate here in Hawaii which is something your photographer will do upon you booking a session. There are listed locations here in Hawaii that allow photography so it is a good note to make that a photographer who is legalized to operate will suggest permitted locations for you to choose from AND ask you the number of people included in the session since this is needed to be placed onto the permit.
Do not overbook yourselves with activities. This is SUPER important when it comes to winter time. If there is a big storm with winter weather activities such as boat tours, bike tours, and photoshoots will be canceled. You want to be able to have some wiggle room to go with the flow if needed. This is the tropics where weather can change on the dime so make sure you do not have X,Y,Z, etc. with each day chalk full of things to do. I 100% understand wanting to do as much as you can while here in Hawaii but you also will not be able to fully soak up paradise if you are go go go.
