Want some Maui family photography tips?

You are visiting Maui or maybe you live here.

You want to book a family photography session but have no idea what to expect or how to prepare.

Relax its easy.  The best advice is be yourself and have fun.

Best Maui Family Photography Tips:

1.  Set a time that works for your family.

I usually recommend early mornings.  The kids are fresh, the day is ahead of you and you can get it done and still have the day to play.  If you are visiting from the mainland, you will find the kids are getting up early anyway. The light is pretty and the beaches are empty.  But only you know your family.  Pick the time that works for you.

2.  Feed your kids.

Bring the kids with full stomachs. And save the sugar for a treat for after the photography session.  Hungry kids or kids going through a sugar crash are not happy campers.  If you have little ones, bring a snack and some water with you.  Just in case.

3.  Wear fun and comfortable clothes

Dress down for the beach.  You want your photos to be pretty and to be authentic.  On the beach, pastel or bright colors work well.  Sundresses, t-shirts, shorts are easy to work with.  Don’t try to match each other.    I advise against black or navy – its harsh in the bright sun – and also against the everyone wear white group shot.  Be yourselves.  I discourage collars but encourage barefeet and swim suits.

Let teenagers be teenagers and kids be kids.  You will look back and love having memories that show your kids as they really are, not dressed up to please a camera.

For large groups, picking one or two main colors (or even rainbow!) and having everyone choose their own clothes in those colors usually works well for a nicely coordinated but not matching look.  Stripes, polka dots, plaid.. I love them all.

4.  Choose your Maui location.

Most families opt for the beach.  They want to show Hawaii off (and rightly so) and its a pretty place filled with light and sea and sand and the kids are happy there.  I love the beach.  And lucky for you, there is sure to be a gorgeous beach right near where you are staying.  But you have other choices.  There are gorgeous fields here, rainforest type locations, locations with big bougainvillea bushes or a pool.

5.  Be Laid Back and Laugh

Nothing makes photographs better than a relaxed attitude.  So your kids aren’t listening and won’t sit still?  Don’t stress or worry, I know what I am doing and its all going to work out.  Sometimes the best photos are the unplanned ones.  Just go with the flow.  I will pose you guys and then let that pose fall apart.  Click.  All you have to do is hang out and listen to me.  It is actually a relaxing time where you can hug, snuggle, and kiss your loved ones and not be in charge.

6.  Smile, Laugh, and Hug

You choose me to photograph your family because you wanted to see the love and connection between you guys.   So show me.  Maybe your child won’t look at the camera, maybe he won’t sit still.. its all fine.   I’m not worried and neither should you.  The best photos are where you guys are looking at each other, not the camera.  Sometimes some kisses are in order or a few tickles.  No pressure.  Your love will shine through in the photographs.

7.  Talk to me and Trust me.

You have several poses you just have to have.  Tell me.  Its easy to work them in.  You hate posed photographs and want all candids.  Tell me.  I can structure the session around your preferences.  But also trust me.  I find the best sessions are a mix of the posed and the candid.  I’ll put you in the right light, lightly pose you, and then watch it all fall apart in a fit of laughter or tickles.  That is where the magic is.

Want to book a Maui family photography session? click here. or email me at wendylaurelphoto@gmail.com.