WHAT IF WE AREN’T SURE WHAT TIME WE SHOULD HAVE OUR SESSION?

I’ve got it covered with location-based timing recommendations! But no matter where we’re headed, sunrise sessions are most often ideal. The crowds are quiet, the traffic is minimal, and the morning glow is perfect for island photography! Now, I know a sunrise to-do doesn’t really sound all that “vacation-y,” but remember: Hawaii is three hours behind even the latest U.S. time zone. That means, even if you’re coming from California, it will actually feel more like 9 a.m.! And if you’re really not feeling an early session, we can absolutely find a spot that accommodates sunset sessions, too!

WHAT IF WE WANT A COUPLE’S SESSION BUT AREN’T REALLY TOUCHY-FEELY PEOPLE?

You don’t have to be all over each other to come away with a romantic gallery of photos! During our planning call, we’ll cover exactly how much affection you can reliably show in front of a camera without blushing or bursting into laughter. Then, we’ll plan your session around it! We can introduce activities and props that feel more natural than a seaside makeout, including hiking, splashing in the ocean, or grabbing shaved ice. Once, I even transformed an engagement session into a totally kissless sushi picnic, and the photos are some of my favorites ever!

WHAT IF MY KIDS HATE TAKING PICTURES?

The secret to great children’s photos isn’t about perfect posing; it’s about a connection with the photographer that makes the giant camera feel less intimidating! That’s why I dedicate ample time in each family session planning call to help you prep your kiddos. Whether it’s showing them my picture and calling me “our friend Hannah” or “Auntie Hannah” or sharing their favorite cartoon character with me so I can drop a reference when we meet, we’ll find the perfect way to their heart! Best of all, my sessions aren’t needlessly drawn out because my prep process guarantees we’ll capture gold from the very start.

WHAT IF WE WANT SOME POSED PICTURES ALONG WITH ALL THE CANDIDS?

You’ll get ‘em! While my approach is centered around movement and sincere connection, I’ll still send you home with images Grandma can’t wait to frame. Thanks to my proficiency in wedding photography, I’m a pro at wrangling even the most unruly groups and massive families for posed portraits. But remember, we want this session to be about memory-making, not “smile and say cheese” perfection. So, while we will grab those posed images, at least 80% of your images will be dynamic and filled with movement!

WHAT IF I DON’T LOVE HOW I LOOK IN PICTURES?

This is yet another reason why my planning calls are so important! During that call, I want to hear about even the smallest insecurity or past-session horror story, so I can make sure to prompt you in ways that highlight features you love and minimize the ones you don’t. I guarantee anyone can love the way they look in photos—it’s all about lighting and angles, baby! And while I won’t totally Photoshop you beyond all recognition, I’ll still smooth away those blemishes or do a quick head swap if someone blinks during the best family photo.

WHAT IF WE ARE INTROVERTS?

I’ll never try to force you to behave in a more outgoing or extroverted way than you’re comfortable with! I just don’t believe you have to be a party animal to fill a gallery with images radiating joy. But it is important for your photographer to know your comfort level in advance so we can plan for it! For example, if you’d like a little more privacy for your session, we’ll find an alternative to that super-crowded hiking trail that still has an unbelievable view!

WHAT IF WE NEED HELP CHOOSING A LOCATION?

Oh, I hope you do! As soon as you’ve booked, I’ll send over a curated guide (organized by scenery, popularity, and location) filled with my favorite photo spots. From beaches to jungles, from difficult treks to so-accessible-your-grandma-could-jog-it, I cover the whole spectrum! Then, we’ll decide during your planning call which of the locations is perfect for you based on vision, timing, crowds, and other factors (i.e. whether or not the drone photography you have your heart set on is allowed). And if you’ve already got your eye on a location I haven’t listed, let’s take a look!

WHAT IF WE NEED HELP CHOOSING OUR OUTFITS?

I’ve gotchu! My rule to live by when planning session wardrobe is that YOU should be the star of the show…not those matching bright pineapple print ABC tourist shop button-downs. And let’s agree to agree that the only palm trees in your images should be the ones behind you, OK? Between my style guide, blog posts, and planning call, you’ll be overflowing with location-specific wardrobe tips. And I’m always down to give my thoughts on fitting room selfies as you shop for the perfect look!

WHAT IF IT RAINS ON OUR SESSION DAY?

I’ve got great news: most Hawaii rainstorms only last about ten minutes, so just waiting them out is usually the way to go. But if your session day is looking super rainy, we can scoot it to a different time on the same day or choose a different day that week. There’s always another option, though, for the most adventurous among you… We could always just go with it! You’d best believe I’m always down to play in the rain, and I keep my car stocked with clear umbrellas just in case. Plus, if we get lucky, we’ll end a rainy session with one of those famous Hawaiian rainbows!

OK, I’M CONVINCED! HOW CAN WE SAVE OUR DATE?

As you probably expect, Hawaii is a popular vacation spot, so portrait calendars fill fast. That means it’s best to inquire ASAP to ensure your date doesn’t get snapped up! To begin the process, all you have to do is submit an inquiry, and I’ll be in touch within just 24 business hours to keep the conversation going. From there, we’ll talk specifics, and a signed agreement and paid retainer save your date!