FAQ's For Waikiki Beach Photos

We like to start off with the "normal" posed portraits as it lets everyone warm up. It's also easier to keep young children's attention at the start, and it insures we've got the "safe" shots before you get wet or sandy. Once all the safe shots are done, then we get to play with more creative and fun ideas.

What’s the difference between a Morning Session and a Sunset Session?

Morning sessions typically start between 8:30 and 10:30am, but most often at 9am.  Sunset sessions start an hour before sunset and go until the sun sets. Sunrise sessions start about ten minutes before sunrise and last for 60 minutes.

Morning/Afternoon sessions are typically bright & sunny, with a cheerful & casual look. The ocean is blue/aqua and colors are vivid. Sunset sessions are more contrasty, dramatic & moody due to the reduced light and low sun angle. The ocean is dark & gray but the sky is usually quite lovely.

What to bring

Bring as little as possible, especially for beach photo sessions. We tend to move quickly from spot to spot and need to be as mobile as possible. Sometimes you'll be standing at the edge of surf, sometimes you’re on a rock wall for that cool silhouette shot. Bring sunglasses and sandals/flops. Don’t leave purses in your car so if you need to bring a bag, just bring one. Have a change of clothes in your vehicle in case you get wet/sandy during your session.

What to wear

Whatever makes you feel comfortable and attractive. Bright bold colors work really well for Waikiki beach photography sessions. Black not so much unless it's a formal portrait. White works if you have a tan or warm-toned skin, and does not looks good if you're pale unless it's paired with colorful accessories. Stay away from stripes, logos or fad clothing. Hawaii-themed shirts and clothes are ok if they're not too loud or busy, but be wary of all wearing the same as you’ll all just blend together.

Don't bother with shoes. Wear sandals or slippers (flip flops). You'll be barefoot in the sand with waves tickling your toes for 90% of your session. You’re in Waikiki after all!

Generally guys should wear shorts and ladies always look great in sundresses or shorts. Long pants only if they can be rolled up some or they just end up getting wet at the bottoms.

Change of Clothes
I recommend having a change of clothes available for after the shoot. You can change outfits during a session but beware that session time is limited and you'll need to be able to change in public on location. If you really want to change it up, keep it simple by just changing shirts or accessories. 

Weather Rescheduling

The local weather report for Oahu nearly always indicates a chance of rain. That’s because it rains nearly every day in the mountains of the interior and yet very seldom rains in Waikiki and the beaches. And when it does rain, it's usually just a short 15 min squall moving thru and very localized.  When it's a truly a bad day, we try to reschedule if at all possible.

With our expensive camera gear we don’t want to work in the rain either. Be flexible, be open. Some of our best images were taken in inclement and chaotic weather. It adds drama and passion to photos. And don't forget rainbows!

What if we want more Edited images than our package offers?

You will have the option to purchase additional edited images ala carte, either individually, or in packages of 5, 10, 15 & 20.

How much do you edit photos?

We lightly edit for color, white balance, exposure and composition. “Photoshop” work is not included. All the images you see on this website were delivered as shown.

Why do you shoot so “wide?”

1) We want to capture some of the beautiful Waikiki and Hawaiian landscape around you.
2) Leaving lots of space leaves the option to print wide or crop tighter. You can always crop a photo tighter but you can’t zoom it out.