What Is a “First Look” and Should You Do One?One of the questions we get asked often as Hawaii wedding photographers is whether or not couples should do a “first look” before their ceremony. If you’re not familiar with the term, a first look is a private moment where the couple sees each other for the first time before the wedding officially begins. Traditionally, couples wait to see each other until walking down the aisle. But in recent years, the first look has become more popular—and for good reason. It can be one of the most emotional and intimate parts of the day. We’ve photographed many first looks over the years, and they tend to be a really special time for couples to pause and soak it all in—just the two of you, without a crowd. It’s a chance to connect, calm the nerves, and share genuine emotions in a quiet space. As Hawaii wedding photographers, we love capturing those raw, unscripted moments. From a photography standpoint, a first look can also help with your wedding timeline. By doing portraits before the ceremony, you free up more time afterward to enjoy your guests and the celebration. It’s especially helpful if you're planning a sunset ceremony—daylight can disappear quickly in Hawaii, and a first look gives us a chance to capture your couple portraits while the light is still good. Of course, a first look isn’t for everyone. Some couples dream of that traditional aisle moment, and that’s beautiful too. The most important thing is choosing what feels right for you. This is your wedding day, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to talk it through and help weigh the pros and cons based on your schedule and the flow of your day. Whether you choose a first look or not, we’ll be there to document the moments that matter most.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Hawaii Photo SessionOne of the most exciting things about planning your Hawaii photo session is choosing the perfect location. Hawaii’s beauty is undeniable, and there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops to make your photos unforgettable. Whether you’re booking Hawaii engagement photos, a family session, or a couple’s portrait, the right location can elevate your session and add a personal touch that tells your unique story. When selecting a location, it’s important to think about the mood you want to create and what fits best with your personality. Many couples dream of a beach setting, with the soft sound of the waves and the open sky. However, Hawaii offers more than just beaches. You might also want to consider unique locations that hold a special meaning for you, like the neighborhood where you first met or a school you both attended. These places can provide a more intimate and personal backdrop, telling a deeper story of your relationship. For a more urban setting, Downtown Honolulu offers historical buildings with a rich past and architectural beauty, perfect for couples who want to incorporate a bit of history and charm into their photos. On the other hand, Kaka'ako presents a modern, vibrant city vibe with colorful street art and murals adorning the walls. This area’s contemporary, artistic flair creates a dynamic backdrop that can add an edgy, creative touch to your session. We always encourage clients to think about what feels most authentic to them when choosing a location. Whether it’s a meaningful spot or a more scenic place, your location should reflect your personality and what makes your relationship unique. And if you're not sure where to start, contact us for a list of the best locations that fit your vision. From urban settings to intimate spots, we’ll guide you toward the perfect place to capture your memories.
Best Time of Day for a Photo Session in HawaiiOne of the questions we often hear as Hawaii photographers is, “What’s the best time of day for our photo session?” Whether you're planning Hawaii engagement photos, a family session, or couples portraits, the timing of your session can play a big role in how your images turn out. For most sessions, we recommend either early morning or late afternoon. These times offer flattering light and tend to avoid the harsh midday sun. Morning sessions are a great choice for families with young children or couples who prefer a peaceful, relaxed feel. The light is soft, the beaches are quieter, and the air is fresh, making it an ideal time to capture calm, intimate moments. Late afternoons are also a fantastic option for many couples and families, especially if you're hoping to capture a stunning Hawaii sunset. However, it’s important to note that Hawaii's sunsets are incredibly unique, and their appearance can vary depending on atmospheric conditions. Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to have clear skies and vibrant, fiery colors. Other times, a hazy or overcast day can bring out unexpected hues in the sky. If the weather conditions are just right, the sunset can give you some of the most breathtaking colors — like those you see in the photo here.
Midday is generally not recommended for outdoor photo sessions in Hawaii. The sun can be intense, especially for those not accustomed to the tropical heat. It tends to be uncomfortably hot, and people can get sweaty, kids can become cranky, and it’s just harder to keep everyone comfortable. The bright midday light can also create harsh shadows and unflattering contrasts, which makes it more challenging to get those beautiful, soft photos we all love. Ultimately, the best time for your Hawaii photo session is the time that feels right for you. Whether you’re early risers who love the calm morning or prefer the chance of capturing a vibrant sunset, we’ll make sure your session is relaxed, enjoyable, and reflects your natural connection. That’s what we love to capture most.
What to Expect During Your Engagement Photo Session in Hawaii
Most couples arrive not quite sure what to expect, especially if they haven’t had professional photos taken before. That’s completely normal. The good news is, you don’t need to worry about how to pose or what to do. We’ll guide you throughout the session so it feels easy and natural. A lot of it just looks like the two of you hanging out — walking, talking, laughing. By the end of the session, most people tell us they were surprised by how much fun they had. As Hawaii engagement photographers, we’ve found that the best photos often come from the small, in-between moments — the ones where you're simply being yourselves. Our goal is to create a space where that can happen comfortably, and where you can enjoy the process instead of feeling like you have to perform for the camera. What to WearWe always recommend wearing something you feel good in. You don’t need to dress a certain way or match exactly — just keep it comfortable and true to your style. That said, lighter colors tend to work especially well with Hawaii’s natural scenery. Soft pastels, whites, and light neutrals photograph beautifully next to the ocean, sand, and greenery. If you’re thinking of bringing more than one outfit, feel free — we can help you decide which one works best for the location and lighting. Choosing a LocationOne of the best things about having your engagement photos done in Hawaii is the variety of locations to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to the beach, the mountains, or something more tucked away, we’re happy to offer suggestions based on the look and feel you’re going for. As Hawaii photographers who have worked all over the island, we know which spots offer great light and a bit of privacy so you’re not posing in front of a crowd. A Meaningful Part of the JourneyEngagement sessions are a great way to slow down and celebrate this season of life. It’s also a good chance for us to get to know each other before the wedding day. The more comfortable we are with each other, the more relaxed you'll feel in front of the camera — and that always makes a difference in your photos. Whether you’re planning an elopement or a larger celebration, the engagement session often ends up being one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the entire experience. And as your Hawaii wedding photography team, we’re here to make that time feel easy, honest, and fun. Ready for Blog Post #2 to be revised in this style?
Why should you have your artwork printed?
Why should you have your artwork printed?
In order to provide the best possible experience for our clients, we offer a full-service experience for all of our portrait sessions. If you’re looking for a way to digitally show off your images, we do offer many solutions like studio proofs, social media albums, digital slideshows, and custom mobile apps. Our clients love that these are web-optimized and perfect for sharing online.
All of our images are created with great care and attention to detail and then edited in the same way. Your favorite images from the session will be fully edited and retouched. What this means is that we go over each photo inch-by-inch, and retouch things as needed such as face slimming, softening skin, calming down background distractions, brightening eyes and teeth, making sure the image is as warm and pleasing as possible. Then, we have it professionally printed using one of the industry's top print labs in acid-free paper and other archival materials.
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