“Can I get a quick photo shoot?”
“Do you offer mini-sessions?”

It’s a common question, but I do not offer mini-sessions.  Mini-sessions are usually special sessions by photographers and they work only because it’s a standard set-up and posing with several families booked back-to-back in one afternoon.  It’s not something I enjoy doing.  I’ve been photographing families for well over a decade and that experience has taught me what type of photographer I am and the kind of photographer I want to be.  And there is so much joy in taking time when things are really important.  It’s why I don’t put time limits on a photo session and I encourage you to plan for more than just 1 or 2 photos.  Way more! Trust me, as long as your family is having fun, you won’t want to stop!  And it just keeps getting better and better as a photo shoot goes on.  The light changes giving you all these different looks and colors.  Everyone begins to relax and forget there’s a camera.  Moments become more genuine and precious.  It’s amazing!!  I’m infamous for saying “just one more” at least twenty times before we finally wrap up.  One such photo shoot was with the family of Jenna and Matagi.

I’ve been fortunate to know Jenna and Matagi for years now.  My hubby even officiated their wedding! Jenna is a talented photographer, she specializes in birth photography (check her out at Captivating Creation Photography).  She’s incredibly talented and creative and she did a beautiful job choosing outfits for their family photos.  I offer all my families a style guide with tips and photos but here’s a personal tip Jenna offered from her own experience to all the other moms out there scouting for outfits.  Jenna said “Kids are much easier. So, I started with me and found something I loved and built the family outfits around that.”  So wise, Jenna!!  I loved her dress, the color was gorgeous and it was perfect for an outdoor session.  The light, flowy fabric danced in the wind and golden sunshine.  The boys looked handsome and sweet Avery was enchanting in her sweet, ruffled dress.  When I asked Jenna where she found their beautiful dresses, she said “Macys!!”

The lovely ladies wore lei po`o, floral crowns which are a local favorite for photos.   Many people call them haku, although that just refers to the braided technique used to make the lei.  Make sure to find lei that match the style of your portrait session, dramatic and bold styles work for some photos but not all.  These lei po`o were so delicate and beautiful that I inquired where they had bought them.  Jenna laughed and said she picked the flowers that morning and made them herself. Woman of many talents!!

Jenna is a photographer and so her kids are amazingly comfortable and complete naturals in front of the camera.  One of our favorite family photos came from the first fifteen minutes.  We found a beautiful spot with wild grass and light filtering through the trees and started the snuggles and silly jokes.

But we didn’t stop there.  They kept exploring. playing. hugging. loving. dancing. laughing.  And the camera kept clicking.

And don’t count on staying dry forever. I highly recommend bringing towels and extra clothes because beach + kids = water fun!! How can anyone resist?  And they always turn out to be my favorite photos.  But what kids love even more than playing in the water, is when you play in the water with them!  Matagi and Jenna jumped right in.

And then, by the light of the setting sun, we captured one of my favorite photos of my favorite families!  “Just one more!”

If you’re interested in photos of your own family and adventures here in Hawaii,  use the contact form in the menu above or email keao@keaosphotography.com to set up a complimentary phone consultation!