Inspiring Sessions, Expert Tips & Real Client Experiences
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Solo Self-Love Portraits with a Natural Hawaiian Beauty
Every so often, I either see someone completely random or familiar out + about here in Maui, Hawaii and I ask to photograph them; or I have a vision and I need to find the perfect subject to express it with. For this particular creative idea, I already had one natural beauty in mind…
Every so often, I either see someone completely random or familiar out + about and I ask to photograph them (creepy…I know!); or I have a vision and I need to find the perfect subject to express it with. For this particular creative idea, I already had one natural beauty in mind: the younger sister of my dear friend Malia, Tanner.
Honestly, Malia, Tanner and the whole family are just stunning, and beautifully creative & effortlessly brilliant to name a few. I’d worked with Tanner once before as a model in an underwater swimming pool shoot and I knew she’d be perfect - like…up close perfect!
So we met around 7am on Maui’s North Shore and dove right in…
I combined this portrait session along with another one of my creative shoots, “Sand PPL”, which you’ll see soon. I even got some testosterone involved in that one (you’re welcome ladies ;-)).
For now…Meet Tanner.
Adventure Sports Network Feature: Maui’s Suzie Cooney
Stoked to share my work from this article by Adventure Sports Network on Suzie Cooney from Suzie Trains Maui in partnership with Merrell.
Suffering from Ciguatera Poisoning Doesn’t Stop Suzie Cooney from Putting Fitness First
Stoked to share my work from this article by Adventure Sports Network on Suzie Cooney from Suzie Trains Maui in partnership with Merrell.
"When it comes down to it, "I would do voodoo. I would walk on fire. I would do anything to rid myself of this," Cooney shares with a laugh. Joking aside, it seems there isn’t anything that can keep her away from the career and tropical lifestyle she adores. Until someone finds a cure, you’ll find Cooney in the water, taking each bump patiently in stride."
Yup - that’s the Suzie I know! Thank you for sharing your time and story with me - and of course, a big mahalo to Adventure Sports Network for bringing light to such an inspirational story and person!
Read it, learn from it, ADMIRE HER
What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos in Maui
Figuring out what to wear for your Maui Couples photography session is difficult...that's why I'm here to help you slim down your options, OR create some more fabulous ones! But no matter what you wear, be confident that I’ll make you look fantastic…It’s my job.
Figuring out what to wear for any photography session is difficult...that's why I'm here to help you slim down your options, OR create some more fabulous ones!
But no matter what you wear, be confident that I’ll make you look fantastic…
It’s my job.
BASIC TIPS
I love color and accessories, just keep the patterns to a minimum ;-) Solid colors always photograph well. There's no risk of distracting from faces, interactions or the environment around you.
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.
Ladies: choose soft, natural fabrics that drape and flow. These make for gorgeous portraits and give texture and a sense of motion - two things I LOVE!
I like my sessions to be fun and have an element of freedom, so dress in clothing you don’t mind playing in (or getting wet!).
Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes or backup shirt/bottoms - sand, dirt & shoreline fun are inevitable!
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.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Photograph the outfits in advance. Lay out the clothing choices you have in mind and take a quick snapshot with your phone. If you like what you see, this photo can be super helpful when shopping!
Makeup: Less is more - especially during outdoor portraiture. Weather here in Hawaii his HOT & HUMID, so avoid wearing any makeup that is shiny or has metallic minerals because it will catch in the sunlight. And I stress...WATERPROOF MASCARA.
Hair: My best advice? Wear your hair the way you want it to look in the wind (just in case it’s windy). I’m obsessed with movement & hair blowing in the wind, but it can be unflattering when it flies across your face and it begins to frustrate you. Hairspray helps, but I highly recommend bobby pins, clips & hair ties!
Sweat: 100% humidity equals sweat for everyone involved, especially men. Do yourself and your photos a favor and wear a simple tee on your way to your session, then change into your nice shirt when you arrive. I also recommend wearing a light tank under your dress shirt to wick away moisture and keep sweat spots from making an appearance. Small hand towels are perfect for wiping away sweat, especially during sunsets!
Still need some more inspiration for your wardrobe?
Visit my ‘What to Wear’ Pinterest Board!
WHERE TO SHOP:
For Her: Old Navy, Forever 21, Asos, Lulu’s, Nordstrom Rack
For Him: Old Navy, Zara, Gap, Target, J.Crew
COLOR PALETTE SAMPLES
FOOL-PROOF PASTEL COMBOS & INSPIRATION
LOVE NEUTRALS?
THE BOLD + THE BEAUTIFUL
The Most Tropical Maternity Adventure | Maui, Hawaii
With visions of waterfalls on her mind for her Maui Maternity Photos, we set out on a bit of a muddy walk to reach our destination...in sandals of course...and enjoyed every slippery moment of it. After all, it's totally worth it once you reach the falls, right? Totally right...and the photos....beyond magical.
WHERE: HAIKU, HI | WHO: KIMBERLY | WHY: MATERNITY SHOOT
In just one month, Kimberly's life will change forever...(just kidding...I just received an email today that she's officially a momma!)!
With a little girl on the way, her and her partner are beyond thrilled for this new adventure! After just moving to Maui a few months ago, they're not only adjusting to their new life in Hawaii, but now, making way (and room) for this little gem to enter their beautiful world.
With visions of waterfalls on her mind, we set out on a bit of a muddy walk to reach our destination...in sandals of course...and enjoyed every slippery moment of it. After all, it's totally worth it once you reach the falls, right? Totally right...and the photos....beyond magical.
Some moments from my time with the brave & beautiful, Kimberly <3
Rain or Shine: The Most Stunning Maui Babymoon Photos Ever
With my state-of-the-art weather reading abilities, I knew we’d have some sunshine soon or our Maui Maternity Session, but not for long. Then, came a shift in winds, and more clouds…
WHO: ALLYSON & ERIC | WHY: BABYMOONIN IN MAUI | WHERE: MAKENA, MAUI (HAWAII)
The skies in these photos are stunning, am I wrong? In fact, they were beyond stunning…but only for a short time. First, let me introduce Allyson & Eric...
Allyson & Eric are visiting Maui, Hawaii for their very first time, choosing to bask in the sunshine for the best baby moon ever. Allyson is about 34 weeks pregnant with their first child (a baby girl - woop woop!) and an absolute trooper & ray of sunshine (more on that shortly…). Eric, her patient, awesomely adventurous and positive husband, stands by her side as one of the luckiest guys ever. They’re both, in fact, extremely lucky!
Maternity photography is hands down, my favorite type of photography. Mix it with the ocean & Maui, and you’ve got me hooked for life! The forecast called for partly cloudy skies, sunshine and 5 mph winds - pretty perfect if you ask me! We arrived at our location optimistic, however, Mother Nature decided to surprise us with clouds rolling in deep, sprinkles and lots of white wash in the ocean. After much discussion, laughs, and an option to reschedule, we decided to roll on to the empty beach and make it our own. And I’m so glad we did…
With my state-of-the-art weather reading abilities, I knew we’d have some sunshine soon, but not for long. Enter Mr. Sun - for about 10 minutes - it was gorgeous! Sprinkles, rainbows, the whole gamut. Then, came a shift in winds, and more clouds…and a downpour. Allyson & Eric didn’t bat an eyelash though - they said “the show must carry on!” (Gawd I love these two!). I promised them the sunset would be worth it…and I swore by it with my life & camera (in water-housing of course)…
An outfit change, soggy sand, more rain and lots of love later, we made our way into the ocean to get whatever underwater maternity shots we could with the semi-clear waters. It was just then, the rain stopped, the sun angled perfectly through the clouds, and we were blessed with the most gorgeous conditions & sunset ever. Not going to toot my own horn…but I kinda knew this would happen - and I’m SO glad these two (and their mini) held on with smiles!
From our Rain & Shine, beach & ocean photography session in Makena, Hawaii. One of my favorites and definitely, one for the books!
Photos in order of weather progression…
Strong and Edgy Maui Fitness Portraits with Momo{Muscle}
Meet Morgan aka Momo{Muscle}. In the very beginning of her amazing fitness training career, there was Morgan “MomoMuscle” here on Maui, at Sunrise…with me & my cameras.
Meet Morgan aka Momo{Muscle}. In the very beginning of her "(to-be) amazing fitness training career, there was Momo here on Maui.
She's got stories...attitude...motivation...heart...and muscles galore. But what she's got the most of is strength. Infinite strength to be honest. So she's making moves...BIG moves...because she's got so much creativity and drive within her, that it can't be contained. And I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
LA, watch out. Fitness world, watch out. Check her programs out HERE to change your body, mind & soul.
Self Love Maui Portraits
We kicked off our Maui Solo Portrait Photo session bright and early and she was chipper as could be and full of so much energy & confidence - it’s no wonder her beach photo session blew her own mind! And mine, of course.
WHERE: MAKENA, HI | WHO: COCO | WHY: FOR SELF LOVE
The lovely Coco doesn’t need much of an intro…but if you must know, she’s as smart, intelligent and driven as she is beautiful (and did I mention hella FUN?!).
We kicked off our session bright and early and she was chipper as could be and full of so much energy & confidence - it’s no wonder her beach photo session blew her own mind! And mine, of course. What made her own this session, you ask? Her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone. THAT’S IT! Simple right? Hey, it’s 2019…take a chance ;-)
Solo sessions can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not one for having your photo taken on a regular basis or even at all! Feelings of vulnerability & insecurity like “OMG do I look like a fool? Did that person see me do that? Please direct me…please, I’m awful”; mixed with feelings of “I’m fierce and I WANT to rock this because I LOVE MYSELF - I don’t care what anyone thinks - no even my photographer!”….are totally fine and natural…and completely welcomed! I’m here to help you see a beauty in you that you never knew you had (or you knew you had, but needed a little reassurance)…
I’ve heard it all, I’ve seen it all, and nothing phases me…especially because I think everyone is beautiful, inside + out. Plain. Simple. Boooooom.
Mahalo Coco, for being so magically you and embracing all that makes you so wonderful! New England is lucky to have ya!
A True Upcountry Maui Wedding
LOCATION: UPCOUNTRY MAUI, HAWAII | OCCASION: NOHELANI & KOA'S WEDDING DAY
Casual barbeque's take on a whole new meaning when meeting the love of your life is on the menu...
When they first met, it was by chance at a friend's BBQ and from that point on, they were inseparable in every way. Fast forward about a year or so later and it's now their wedding day in beautiful upcountry Maui. Two of the kindest hearted people in love shared their vows in front of over 350 friends & family at their beautiful home while the rain clouds cleared way and the peacocks cheered them on from beyond the forest. And maybe a few chickens and roosters too!
Cheers to Nohelani & Koa and your beautiful new family! Mahalo for letting me be a part of your big day <3
