Inspiring Sessions, Expert Tips & Real Client Experiences
Categories
Five Mistakes to Avoid During Your Maui Ocean Photography Session
Five Mistakes to Avoid During Your Maui Ocean Photo Session
Summer is right around the corner, and that means warmer waters on Maui! If you’re planning an ocean portrait session in Hawaii trust me when I tell you, it’s an unforgettable experience! Whether you’re celebrating love, maternity, or simply capturing the magic of your Hawaiian getaway, a water session is a must - especially if you’re looking for something unique.
However, without the right preparation, even the most stunning locations and perfect waves won’t guarantee flawless photos. To help you get the most out of your session, here are five common mistakes to avoid, plus expert tips from Maui couples and maternity photographer, Amanda Emmes (me!).
#1 Wearing the Wrong Fabrics
Why It’s a Mistake: Not all fabrics flow beautifully underwater! Some materials become heavy, cling awkwardly, or lose their shape once wet, making it challenging to achieve that effortless, ethereal look in your portraits.
What to Do Instead: Opt for light, flowing fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or silk that move beautifully in the water. Avoid thick cotton, denim, or heavy lace, which can become uncomfortable when soaked. Maternity clients should consider dresses with sheer layers to create dreamy, weightless effects in their images.
#2 Skipping Waterproof Makeup 🦝
Why It’s a Mistake: Regular makeup will smudge, run, and disappear in the water, leaving you with raccoon eyes or an uneven complexion.
What to Do Instead: Use waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and setting spray to keep your look intact. Many clients also choose a natural, dewy glow for their session, embracing the fresh, ocean-kissed aesthetic with minimal makeup.
💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦 💦
💦 Shop My Favorite Waterproof Beauty Products! 💦 I’ve curated a list of my go-to waterproof products, from smudge-proof makeup to frizz-fighting hair essentials. Visit my Amazon store HERE to shop my recommendations!
#3 🫧Forgetting to Practice Breath Control🫧
Why It’s a Mistake: If you’re planning underwater shots or even partial submersion poses, not being comfortable in the water can lead to stiff expressions or discomfort in your photos.
What to Do Instead: Spend some time practicing slow, controlled breaths before your session. If you’re nervous, start by submerging your face in shallow water and gradually getting comfortable. And don’t worry, I’m super patient and guide my clients through the process every step of the way, ensuring a relaxed and fun experience in the ocean. Need to take a few breaks? That’s totally fine - just know that it will take away from our shooting time in the water 😉
#4 Choosing The Wrong Time of Day
Why It’s a Mistake: Many underwater photographers choose to shoot at varying times of day so be sure to discuss the “look” you’d like your photos to have before booking with just any underwater portrait photographer. Midday sessions can mean harsh lighting, strong reflections, choppier waves, and unflattering lighting on your face/body (yes, even underwater).
What to Do Instead: Book your session during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting conditions. Golden hour provides warm, dreamy light, while early morning shoots offer calm, crystal-clear waters. My expertise in timing ensures that every couple and maternity client gets the best natural lighting for their session on land AND in the ocean.
#5 Not Trusting Your Maui Photographer’s Direction
Why It’s a Mistake: Many clients feel self-conscious about being in the water, worrying about how they’ll look or whether they’re “doing it right”. Overthinking can lead to stiff, unnatural poses.
What to Do Instead: Relax and trust your photographer! I have years of experience capturing couples, individuals & maternity sessions in Maui’s waters. I’ll always be there to guide you through natural movements, helping you feel comfortable, confident, and radiant. The best photos come when you let go, embrace the moment, and enjoy the experience.
BONUS TIP: BOOK EARLY! MAUI’S SUMMER SESSIONS FILL FAST!
Don’t let your vacation fade into just another set of phone photos. Book your family, maternity or couples session with me today and take home a truly priceless souvenir: stunning, professional portraits that capture the magic of Maui (and you!).
🗓️ Spots are filling fast. Secure yours now!
The ONE Maui Vacation Experience You’ll Regret Skipping
The One Maui Vacation Experience You’ll Regret Skipping
Don’t Just Take Home Memories - Bring Them to Life with a Maui Portrait Session
Your Maui vacation is more than just a getaway, it’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm ocean breezes, time to do nothing (and everything), and unforgettable moments with the people you love. But here’s the truth: photos taken on your phone can never fully capture the magic of being in paradise. That’s why a professional portrait session with a Maui Photographer is the one experience you’ll regret skipping. And let’s be even more honest, not having a session with ME is even more regretful! 😉
Sunset Mini-Session on Maui’s North Shore
Why a Maui Portrait Session Is the Ultimate Souvenir
Unlike t-shirts and keychains that gather dust, professional portraits last forever, transporting you back to those golden Maui beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant blue waters of Hawaii every time you look at them. I specialize in capturing stunning land and ocean portraits, giving you a unique keepsake that stands out from the typical vacation snapshots. If you think the beaches here in Maui are gorgeous, wait until you see what’s under the ocean!
Ocean & Land: Choose Your Perfect Backdrop
One of the best parts of booking with me? You get to choose between (or combine!) two incredible sessions for your session:
🌊Ocean Portraits: Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Maui, with stunning underwater and shoreline shots that make you look like you stepped out of a dream. Imagine floating effortlessly in warm waters while I capture the sun’s golden glow reflecting off the waves and you with your loved one actually living the dream.
🏝️Land Portraits: From lush rainforests to sun-kissed beaches, Maui’s landscapes create the perfect setting for intimate family moments, romantic couple shots, and breathtaking maternity sessions. Every session is tailored to showcase your unique story in paradise.
Underwater Maui Maternity Photo Magic at Sunset
Maui’s Summer Magic Won’t Last Forever!
Summer in Maui is the best time for portraits. Longer days, golden sunsets, and the warmest ocean temperatures of the year. Did I mention less rain? But here’s the catch - my availability is limited in summer and summer sessions book up fast - especially in July! Please don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your spot!
Affordable For Everyone - Capture Your Story Without Breaking the Bank
Think a professional Maui portrait session is out of reach? Think again! I offer a variety of packages, including affordable mini-sessions on Maui’s North Shore, making it easier than ever to invest in lasting memories. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, a honeymoon, or simply want to freeze this moment in time, there’s a package that fits your budget.
Ready to Make Your Maui Memories Last Forever?
Don’t let your vacation fade into just another set of phone photos. Book your family, maternity or couples session with me today and take home a truly priceless souvenir: stunning, professional portraits that capture the magic of Maui (and you!).
🗓️ Spots are filling fast. Secure yours now!
If you’d like to learn more about my Maui Couples, Maternity and Family Photo Sessions, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s plan the perfect, adventurous session for you & yours 💕 Reach out HERE!
When to Schedule a Maternity Photo Session in Maui
The timing of your Maui maternity photo shoot (on land or in the water) is critical - especially during your baby moon in Hawaii…
The timing of your Maui maternity photo shoot (on land or in the water) is critical - especially during your babymoon in Hawaii…
Schedule it too early, your baby bump will not be as visible and won’t take as prominent of a role in the photos. Alternatively, if you schedule your maternity shoot after the 34 week mark, you might be dealing with swelling, aches and pains, and generally feel like a photo shoot is too much work!
EVERY WOMAN IS DIFFERENT…SO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, SEE HOW IT’S CHANGING, AND MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR YOU.
Some women are showing earlier in their pregnancy, so booking a shoot near the 6 month mark may work great! Plus you’ll be more mobile, adventurous, show less fatigue, and generally, happier and more comfortable. And trust me, you’ll want to be mobile during your time here in the islands ;-)
In general though, the best time to schedule a maternity session during your baby moon is typically anywhere between 26-34 weeks, or at the 7 to almost 8 month mark, when your bump is big enough to be seen, and you’re still in your comfortable zone.
At this point in your pregnancy, your baby will not have started to move downward - that means you’ll have a higher tummy that looks much better in a portrait than after the baby has started to move its way lower in your body. In the third trimester, your belly will be just the right size - big and beautiful, but not so big that it’s difficult for you to move around, change positions, swim, and pose for the camera.
DREAMING OF AN UNDERWATER MATERNITY SESSION IN MAUI, HAWAII?
THE EARLIER IN YOUR PREGNANCY, THE BETTER!
Think about it - you, the ocean, a dress/bikini, your growing bump, and Mother Nature - it’s a lot to manage! What we really want to avoid is you performing a water birth during our session (I’m SO serious) - so be sure to time our session when you’re not too far along and your tummy is still in it’s “floatation device” stage (usually no more than 7.5 months max).
If your tummy is too heavy, it’ll feel like a weight in the water, and that’s no fun for anyone ;-) I’ll be with you every step of the way, so rest assure that I’ll do the managing - you just show up feeling & looking your best (and lightest!) .
Salt water is super buoyant, but there are currents, sometimes waves, and you may need to tread water if you really want some of the deep, underwater shots (like the ones above + below). Fabrics like chiffon and tulle do really well in the water and look amazing when you can get them to float just right - so plan accordingly to make your time in the water, as effortless as possible.
See some wardrobe tips from my blog on “Planning your Wardrobe for Your Maternity Session”.
My biggest advice? Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your photo shoot! Plan ahead with your photographer and get on their calendar well in advance - especially if you’re in the process of planning your Maui BabyMoon. Trust me…it’s worth it!
Maui Maternity Love + Laughter
When Ryan first contacted me about a maternity session on Maui for her and her husband Dan, I could immediately tell they were a match made in laughter…
When Ryan first contacted me about a Maui maternity session for her and her husband Dan, I could immediately tell they were a match made in laughter…
Maybe it was the way she answered her Questionnaire, or maybe it’s because I started following them both on Instagram and adored the way they entertained each other; whatever it was…I was SO right! (Go me!)
From the parking lot, to the beach, then to the ocean, they made it really hard for me keep my camera focused b/c they couldn’t resist being so cute with one another. And the conversations we had together were even more great! Can we say “flooooowing”?! If these two lived on Maui, I would totally adopt them as friends!
Top 3 things I love about these two:
1) Even after almost 10 years, they STILL flirt as if it’s Day 1
2) They’re practically fish in the water 🐟
3) Their amazing hair!
So Ryan + Dan, thank you for bring along your whits, your love, your bump, and your all around awesomeness. I can’t wait to see the three of you again!
Maui Maternity Photos on Land & In the Ocean
In search of beauty, uniqueness, and someone to truly capture “them”, Mary + Bart (and their bump full of twins) waltzed into my life in 2020. On the agenda? A Land + Ocean Session at Sunset…
In search of beauty, uniqueness, and someone to truly capture “them”, Mary + Bart (and their bump full of twins!) waltzed into my life in 2020. On the agenda? A Land + Ocean Session at Sunset…
At 27 weeks, Mary was feeling like a million bucks, and the two dresses she chose for each portion of her session were drop dead gorgeous! Did I mention these two couldn’t wait to get into the ocean? I swear, it wasn’t because it was hot + humid 😉
I like to get to know my clients before, during, and in the moment, at my sessions; so when Mary + Bart told me they’d been practicing their swimming for this session, I was so excited to see what they had in store (especially Bart). And seriously, Bart if you’re reading this, I’m STILL so in awe of your skills! Mary - you’re full of grace, patience, and absolute beauty - you’re a complete natural as well!
Some of my favorites from our evening together…
Hair + MUA: Melissa from Maui Makeup Artistry
#1 Reason You Should Have Your BabyMoon on Maui
#1 Reason You Should Have Your Babymoon on Maui
LEMME GUESS…
A) You just found out you’re pregnant (yay!)
B) You’re currently pregnant and JUST started thinking about a baby moon trip..
C) Or, you’re about to pop and haven’t even thought about a baby moon until RIGHT. THIS. MOMENT.
Well…let me help you make one of the most important decisions of your pregnancy! Whether it’s your 1st, 2nd, or 5th child, every pregnancy is special and deserves to be in the spotlight…especially during your baby moon to Maui!
SO WHAT’S THE #1 REASON YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR BABY MOON ON MAUI YOU ASK???
TO HAVE THE MOST ADVENTUROUS, AUTHENTIC & FUN LAND/OCEAN MATERNITY SESSION WITH ME OF COURSE!!!
So let’s get this process started shall we?
STEP 1) Book a flight to Hawaii! Any island is gorgeous, and they’re all ridiculously magical & full of images of paradise you’ve only dreamed of. But Amanda…we’re kind of in the middle of a global pandemic…are you nuts?!? By nature, yes 🙃 but I’m not talking about now! I’m talking about planning for your future, especially if timing lines up right for you & yours and it’s anytime after June 2020 (maybe later, I’m just being optimistic)! Obviously travel is restricted right now, but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking into the future and reserving those dates!
STEP 2) BUT!!! You should know I’m located on the Island of Maui, so keep your costs down and come here for a visit, book a Maui maternity photo session with me, and instead, invest those pesky travel fees to other islands into your child’s future college fund! Maui is totally worth a visit, even if it’s only for a few days (and even if it’s only to see me!), so if it’s the latter, I can guarantee it’ll be even MORE worth it!
STEP 3) Let’s talk about a Land or Ocean session (or BOTH!), capturing your growing bump & love for one another! The water here is practically as warm and cozy as a nice warm bath, so consider having your session in the ocean - it’s fun and the results? STUNNING and unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
STEP 4) Let’s get you locked in, discuss wardrobe, hair, makeup, location, and all those other fun things us gals can’t get enough of. Plus, we’ve got plenty of time to get to know each other via text, email, phone, whatever you prefer. I’m all yours and here to assist in planning for your session in any + every way possible!
And these photos below? From a beautiful growing family that scheduled a VERY last minute maternity session on land + in the ocean✨
Majestic Hawaiian Maternity Photos
Visiting Maui or the Hawaiian Islands in general, for the first time is magical…am I right? But when it’s your first time to Maui AND your first pregnancy?!? Wow. Combine that with a maternity photo session on one of Maui’s gorgeous beaches? Consider your minds blown!!!
WHO: ASHLEY + COLIN | WHERE: MAUI, HAWAII | WHY: MATERNITY/BABYMOON SESSION
What’s your favorite place to escape to? What about for your baby moon? For many, it’s Maui, Hawaii, and for good reason!
Visiting Maui or the Hawaiian Islands in general, for the first time is magical…am I right? But when it’s your first time to Maui AND your first pregnancy?!? Wow. Combine that with a maternity photo session (with me) on one of Maui’s gorgeous beaches? Consider your minds blown!!!
Living here has it’s plethora of benefits…but when I get to meet clients who are just in awe of every corner they turn WHILE beaming from ear to ear because they’re expecting? I’m speechless every time!
So when I met Ashley & Colin, they were as laid-back, adorable, and majestic as they come. Not only was their love for each other so obvious it could break a lens…their sense of adventure with one another was one for the books - and blogs (ahem…).
And ladies…take note on her dresses - they just FLOW! And believe me when I tell you, the more they flow, the better! ;-)
FYI her blue dress is from Free People…
Golden Maui Maternity Portraits
Ever wonder where those who used to live on Maui, go on vacation or for their baby moon? Yup…still Maui!
WHO: MELODY + JEFF | WHERE: WAILEA, MAUI, HAWAII | WHY: BABYMOON
Ever wonder where those who used to live on Maui, go on vacation or for their babymoon? Yup…still Maui!
Enter Melody + Jeff. Two lovebirds who currently live on the West Coast and fell in love after years of working together with children. If that isn’t a qualification for an “already awesome parents” award, I don’t know what is!
Melody is originally from Maui, but hadn’t been back for a visit for quite some time (and I mean QUITE some time!). So for these two, it was almost as if it was their first time all over again. But this time…it was for their very first baby moon - and they were just “over-the-moon”!
To say our time together during their Maui maternity portraits wasn’t well spent, would be a lie. I had a blast - even when the ocean decided to creep up on us a few times unexpectedly! Thank you both for being so genuinely you & letting down your guards on your first professional Maui photo session ever! You’re both naturals and I can’t wait to meet your little one next year <3
Gorgeous Haku Crown by: @Petite.Maui
