Oahu based family and wedding photographer providing family photographer for all Hawaiian Islands.

Ko Olina Hawaii Photographer | Fun family photos

07.08.15

On the rare occasion I find the time to get my hair cut, I use that time sitting in that cool, twirling chair to ponder deep, meaningful questions like “I wonder who does my hair stylist’s hair?” Seriously, does anyone else ever wonder that? Salons are always covered in mirrors so all you can see is the stylists and they are always sporting such stylish looks. When your livelihood is about knowing great hair, who you choose to do your own hair says so much. I guess I feel the same way when I am lucky enough to be chosen to photograph another photographer. It comes with a different level of pressure, but I am always blown away by the honor.

Debbie is a fabulous photographer from Washington but found a way to carve in some quality family time visiting Hawaii. Debbie and her family were staying at the beautiful Hilton Hawaiian Village on the south shores of Oahu. We chose a gorgeous location away from the busy city, a location that showed off Hawaii’s natural treasures, blue crystal waters alongside a white sandy beach dotted with swaying palm trees. It’s summer in paradise so beach space is a hot commodity. We planned it so we hit the beach nice and early to enjoy it all to ourselves. I knew they had spent the night before enjoying a Hawaiian luau so I expected a slow-paced start to our photo session. But they popped out of the car smiling brightly looking like they had enough energy to run a marathon. It was wonderful contagious and after a few minutes laughing with them, even I, the non-morning person, felt ready to run.

As with all my families, I had sent them a style guide as we planned for their session and one thing I always encourage is incorporating multiple outfits into your photo shoot. Debbie smiled shyly and said “we were having trouble narrowing down so we just thought we would bring it all” and revealed an armload of clothes. I loved it! We found the perfect tree and set up our own little on-location wardrobe organizer…it was awesome!!

a hawaiian closet at family shoot at ko olina

Family photos are always special, no matter the milestone. For Debbie, this was a way to capture photos of a special trip with her husband, Kevin, and her son, Adam. Adam is entering his senior year this Fall and will going off to college in less than a year. Knowing this would be their last family trip together before he graduates from high school, they really wanted to remember this time together.

senior photos hawaii oahu

senior photo Hawaii Oahu

Ko Olina Photography_03

hawaii photo of couple standing in ocean

Thanks, Jones family!!

Looking for a Hawaii family photographer? Keao is a Honolulu family photographer available for all of Oahu, including sessions near but not limited to Ko Olina, Waikiki, and the North Shore. Specials are available for the Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai and Lanai. If you would like to schedule a family photo shoot or book one of her amazing wedding packages, fill out the contact form found above in the menu. Mahalo!

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Family Photos on Oahu | Hawaii Photographer | the Li Ohana

03.17.15

“Let’s see if we can get you out of Waikiki.”

It was exactly one day from the time Vivian called me until the moment we met on an empty stretch of white sand for their Hawaiian family photos. It’s not my only 1 day booking but it is a rarity. Most of my clients book their photo sessions months in advance as soon as they have their Oahu vacation planned out. And on the occasion I do get a last-minute inquiry, I am usually booked. But it breaks my heart to turn anyone away. I am such a softie for families who realize “Oh my gosh, we’re in Hawaii!! We need to get family photos before we leave!” So, when Vivian called to say that her family was leaving in just 36 hours to go back to their home in California, I hated having to tell her that I was unavailable. I hesitated as I mentally ran through my calendar shifting things around and figuring out where I could squeeze in more rounds of editing… “We can make it happen!”

And I insist that every family still gets the full experience of working with Keao’s Photography, even if I have to fit it into one day of planning. We went over tips on what to expect, what to wear, and of course…location, location, location. They were staying in Waikiki but they really wanted something a little less crowded and a little more island style. I remember telling them “let’s see if we can get you out of Waikiki.” I don’t know if it is just from growing up in Hawaii country, but I love getting my families away from the hubbub and busy-ness of the more congested areas on Oahu. If you’re staying in Waikiki, I will come to you and we will get absolutely lovely photos. But Waikiki is one of the most populated areas on Oahu. I had one grandpa turn to me halfway through their Waikiki Beach Photo shoot. He gestured to the towering hotels surrounding us and asked “can we try not to get this in the photos? I’m not a real fan of buildings.” Me neither!

I am so glad they trusted me because we ended up on a sandy stretch of paradise. Vivian and her husband have two beautiful little girls. These sweet sisters held hands as they ran through the sand, peals of laughter ringing out over the serene beach. We climbed on tree swings, ran through the foamy edge of the ocean, and twirled until we fell in giggling heaps on the sand. And not a person or building was in sight. Just one very beautiful family enjoying their last day in Hawaii together!

Looking for a Hawaii family photographer? Contact Keao’s Photography for more information on how to book your own family photo session. Keao is a Honolulu family photographer available for all of Oahu, including sessions near but not limited to Ko Olina, Waikiki, and the North Shore. Specials are available for the Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai and Lanai. If you would like to schedule a family photo shoot or book one of her amazing wedding packages, fill out the contact form found above in the menu. Mahalo!

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