FAQs
all you need to know about your Hawaii shoot
Are the underwater shots done way out in high seas?
No. We walk into the ocean from the shore and swim out a little just so it’s nice and deep and also clear.
I can't swim, can I still do underwater shots?
I won't risk your safety or mine if you cannot swim. We can get shots of you in shallow water, either sitting, kneeling or even diving down if you can do that without holding your nose, but I won’t risk your safety if you can’t swim.
Do you bring any floatation devices for underwater shoots?
No, I don’t. Any objects like a boogie board or pool noodle will drift away once we let go of it and that will just add one more layer of worry. All my clients feel more comfortable in the water if they have to float on their own. Expect to be treading water and not touch the ground for these. I recommend floating belly up to catch your breath if needed.
I want to try underwater shots but also want those beautiful beach shots, can we do both?
Yes, we can! I have packages that include both land and water shots.
Do you shoot just couples? I didn’t see any photos on your website.
I don’t, sorry! I only work with couples for maternity photos. I like to stick to what I specialize in: maternity, families and birth stories.
Do you only shoot in deep water?
No. I also shoot in shallower locations where you can stand and water will be up to your neck/chest area. A shallower spot is recommended if you have kids participating in the shoot, and also if treading water makes you nervous.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Please ask me when we talk via email.
Do you offer any military discounts?
I don’t sorry.
How far in advance should I book?
I am constantly booking year round. The sooner you get in my calendar the better! So don't wait too long to contact me, but if you made a last minute decision, please contact me asap and I'll do my very best to fit you in. This also applies for Birth Stories. I only book 2-3 births per month, so make sure you contact me as soon as possible.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my shoot?
I’m super flexible and will always be ok with rescheduling. If you need to cancel your shoot, of course I’ll be so sad, but I will understand. My deposit is non-refundable so you won’t be getting that part back. For beach sessions if you made other payments, I will refund that. For Births, I have a timeline for refunds because of my on-call period.
looking for pricing?
What's the best spot for our session?
Beach sessions are obviously the most popular! But we also have amazing mountains and jungle-like scenery, rivers and waterfalls. There are so many amazing places in Oahu and we will decide together where the best place for your session is once you book your shoot with me.
Is “golden hour” the best time to shoot our session?
I love using different kinds of light, so I am not tied to sunrise or sunset. We will discuss based on the look you’re wanting and if we’re getting in the water or not.
What should we wear?
I will send you a lot more information on what to wear once we book your shoot. I got you, don’t worry! I’ll guide you every step of the way to help you pick the best colors and best outfits for everyone participating in the shoot.
Are you going to take drone shots during my shoot?
Drone shots will depend on the light and the location we shoot at. There are some “no-fly zones” in O’ahu and I have to respect that. Also, drone shots will depend on the dynamic of the shoot since it takes me a few minutes to set it up and get it up in the air, but I will try my best to at least get you one or two drone shots.
Can I combine my shoot with another family that is coming to Hawaii with me?/ Do you do extended family shoots?
Unfortunately, no. I don’t do extended family shoots anymore and I don’t do combined family shoots. I can’t produce the photos you see on my portfolio if I can’t take my time with your family unit. A set of grandparents is ok, but no more than that.
let’s start planning your shoot!
Do you provide those gorgeous floral crowns a lot of your clients wear?
I don’t provide those. I can suggest the best floral vendors on island and you can arrange for one with one of the vendors.
Do you photoshop us?
I don't do any crazy photoshopping on my images... meaning, what I get on camera that day will be the reality of your portraits. No made-up skies and non of that "please make me look thin or taller" sort of thing. I truly believe that every single person is beautiful just the way they are! And that if you're looking for a photoshopped version of your family, sadly, I am not the photographer for you. I will remove any random people from your shots though!
I am feeling super insecure about my pregnant (or post-partum) body and am questioning if I should even book a shoot. Can you help?
Yes, yes and yes. The reason I don’t photoshop my clients is because I 100% believe we should document every stage of our lives even with those massive insecurities that might arise when our bodies change to have babies. I will do my best to help you pick outfits that make you feel and look amazing, and I will also help with how to carry yourself so that you walk out of our shoot feeling freaking amazing!
Do you give out RAW photos?
No. Editing is the other half of my art. I only give out fully edited high resolution jpegs.
How many photos do we get? Are they edited?
All my images are fully edited with the coloring style you see throughout my website and instagram.
The number of images you receive will depend on the package you book me for (this applies to birth stories and beach sessions). The lowest amount will be 35-40 and it just builds from there. Please inquire to know more about my packages!
When do you arrive at my birth?
I typically come once you’re in active labor.
What if you miss my birth?
I have only ever missed births because of very unexpected speedy deliveries. In that case, I still come and photograph all the moments after the birth and tell your story that way. Communication between you and me is the key to me making it on time though!
Are you taking hospital births again?
I’m stoked to be taking hospital births again as of March 2024!
Do you offer video?
Yes! Check out my Birth Stories page to see some of video work. I have a video add-on option if you want to book me for that as well.
