How exciting on your vacation here to Hawaii and with such a special trip it is the perfect time to schedule a photoshoot ! I 100% understand how prepping for a vacation can feel a little overwhelming - while I can’t offer help with packing I can help with photoshoot prep. Though Hawaii may sound small there is no shortage of talented photographers that call the islands home. With that said that means there is a photography style fit for everyone which is fantastic meaning there should be no problem with finding the photographer who’s style you find you gravitate to most. Once you do find the right fit here are some tips on how to best plan for your photoshoot here in Hawaii :

Schedule a shoot at the beginning of your trip -> With the time difference here in Hawaii about 98% of the time everyone is up much earlier than they are back home which is helpful for waking up for an early sunrise session. The biggest bonus of planning at the beginning of your trip means a) if weather blows in that causes a reschedule you have the option to go with a different date b) no sunburns - It is no fun doing a photoshoot when burned but also it’s not something you want to remember looking back your photos and being bright red.
Time of day -> With how beautiful the sunsets here in Hawaii are it’s no surprise that evening sessions for golden hour into sunset are the most popular here in Hawaii. However, if your kiddos are little it’s best to plan for a morning session since most little ones are exhausted from the adventures of the day/the time difference before we hit that early evening timeframe here in HI. If you go this route know you can still get some gorgeous colors for morning photoshoots.
Do not go into a session on an empty stomach -> Let’s avoid anyone feeling hangry, but really. No one is in a good mood if they’re feeling hungry so make sure to grab a small bite to eat or at least a solid snack before your session. ** If you are eating in route to your shoot DO NOT have the clothes you plan to wear for your session on. Instead wear comfy clothes and change into your photoshoot outfit once you park at your session location.
Change of clothes for babies + younger kiddos -> Outfit accidents happen . It’s always helpful when you have little ones to have a second outfit on hand in case this occurs OR in case your kiddo gets super sandy/wet during the session where you want to pop them into some dry clothes after the session.
Choose a photographer that is the right fit -> I know I touched on this above but this is SUPER important. Every photographer is different and has their own unique photography style. It’s so important to go with a photographer who you feel aligns with what you are looking for style wise for photos and for how they photograph their sessions. To elaborate on this with my lifestyle photography I do not view myself as a fine art film photographer but instead view myself as a creative film photographer. As much as I love to give my clients a few classic posed shots in their gallery I value capturing photos of playing on the beach + colorful Lisa Frank vibe photos included in the typical Hawaii captures. It’s okay if someone’s style is not for you but it’s good to know that before you book a session that way you are not expecting something from a photographer that is not what they offer.
Trust your photographer -> With being a tropical destination us Hawaii photographers have learned to navigate changes when it comes to weather/lighting/high tides. The weather radar can read 100% sunshine but can have a 10 minute downpour that blows in out of the blue. Every photographer friend I know is always on it for being aware of the weather pattern if a session needs to be rescheduled or moved to a different location. I know when planning a trip it’s not ideal to have any of the plans change but it’s important to listen to your photographer if a change in the plan does need to happen.
Show up and go with the flow -> I know it can be stressful getting ones family ready for a photoshoot but try to take a few deep breaths and enjoy the experience. You are in Hawaii all together and about to make memories that truly will last a lifetime during your trip here. A photoshoot is just another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian scenery and time here all together.

Hopefully the above tips help and of course any questions you may have always always reach out and ask your photographer. Happy vacation planning and have the most wonderful time here in Hawaii !

If you think I may be the right fit for your Hawaii vacation photoshoot send me an inquiry here and let’s plan something fun !