If you’re thinking about having your photo session at Ironwoods Beach, you’re in for something special! This blog post will give you a feel for what makes this location so unique — from the lighting and atmosphere to outfit ideas and practical tips like parking and access. I’m also sharing some of my favorite photos taken here in different lighting conditions, so you can get inspired and see how versatile this spot can be.

Justin and Libby wanted this session to feel more lifestyle - less posed, more real moments. The kind of photos that capture who they are right now: playful, affectionate, growing, and excited for what’s next.

I like to mix posed photos with candid moments, letting personalities shine. By the end of the session, the kids are usually ready to play - and that’s my favorite part! The kids at this session were full of energy, and we captured the most joyful, carefree moments of them running through the sand, splashing in the water, and laughing with their cousins. Meanwhile, the grandparents watched with so much happiness - those are the kinds of memories worth preserving forever.

Can you believe, that Timara crocheted the dress herself?! And it was absolutely stunning - delicate, timeless, and full of personality. It felt like such a beautiful symbol of the care and intention behind their entire celebration.

Po‘olenalena Beach in Wailea is one of my favorite proposal spots. It has wide stretches of golden sand, dramatic lava rocks, and dreamy sunset light - all the elements for a romantic atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal or an engagement session, it’s a location that never disappoints!

We made the session feel like playtime. We ran along the beach, splashed in the water, and played simple games that let Bridger’s personality shine. All these giggles, hugs, smiles - are what make lifestyle family photos so full of life.

Before the proposal day, Jeremy and I went over every detail. I even created a map showing exactly where we’d meet, and we stayed in touch by text to keep the plan seamless. I arrived about 10 minutes early to settle in and blend into the scene, pretending to be just another beachgoer while keeping my camera in a bag.

Edward and Brittany envisioned their day as a ceremony of initiation - a moment of unity, spirit, and connection to the land and ocean. To honor this vision, they invited uncle Kimokeo, a local Hawaiian officiant, to guide them through a soulful experience.

We met in the early morning when the tide was low, revealing calm, crystal-clear natural pools. Tatiana chose a few simple, beautiful outfits that matched the setting and reflected her laid-back, grounded energy. She started in a classic black bikini, later changed into a one-piece swimsuit, and then into a breezy skirt and crop top combo - perfect for adding movement and variety to the gallery.

For this session, we wanted to create the “moody” aesthetic with serious, unsmiling expressions, dramatic posing, and the use of natural contrast between light and shadow. The result was a gallery full of emotive, cinematic images that felt both intimate and powerful!

Fleming Beach turned out to be the a great location: peaceful, spacious, and absolutely breathtaking at sunrise. With hardly anyone around, we had the whole beach to ourselves.

The session was relaxed and playful, and the images turned out beautifully - soft, playful, and full of joy.

When Taylor and Teo reached out about their honeymoon session, they told me two things: they wanted to capture lively, candid moments and a cinematic, adventurous feel. This is my favorite kind of sessions!

So instead of heading to a crowded beach at sunset, we came to one of my favorite spots on Maui’s North Shore: a cow pasture overlooking the ocean.

Instead of stiff, posed images, we focused on movement and connection. I encouraged them to walk along the beach, hold hands, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Carley’s smile and D'Marco’s admiration for her created moments that were effortless to capture!

As the sun was about to show up, Brandon and his girlfriend walked along the shore. At just the right moment, he dropped to one knee, and the look on her face was pure surprise, and joy! After the proposal, we continued with a beautiful engagement session. The morning light created the perfect glow, making every photo feel so romantic.

Planning a surprise proposal is one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking!) moments in your life. Maui is a perfect place to pop your question - with it’s gorgeous beaches and breathtaking sunsets it is one of the most romantic spots on earth. To help you plan your surprise proposal, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Elizabeth reached out to me to book a photoshoot to celebrate her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Belen and Jose have been together for 30 years, and came to Maui to celebrate this special occasion with their four kids and son-in-law. Watching them interact was truly heartwarming!

Ironwoods Beach is one of my favorite spots to capture proposals. It’s usually not very crowded at sunset, which is perfect for a private experience. I always scout the beach as I get there, and choose the least crowded spot - usually somewhere in the middle of the beach. For Nick and Claudia’s proposal, I pretended to be just hanging out, keeping my camera hidden in a beach bag. This way, Claudia had no idea what was about to happen!

Zach and Karen had spent the day exploring Hana, but the highlight was yet to come. After checking out the sea turtles chilling on the shore at Hookipa, Zach took Karen to the cliffs above the beach, where I was waiting. I’d shared a Google Maps pin and a screenshot of my handwritten map to ensure he could find me easily. While they approached, I pretended to be taking landscape photos.

The workshop took place in Kelsey’s shop in Haiku, where three curious surfer girls gathered, eager to learn the art of repairing dings. The energy in the room was vibrant, with Kelsey guiding everyone step by step through the process. She shared her knowledge with enthusiasm, creating a welcoming environment.