Not every family session needs perfectly coordinated outfits or everyone looking at the camera. Daniel first reached out because his family wanted photos together while visiting Maui, but with one clear request: no traditional, stiff and cheesy posing. They wanted something real, playful, and full of life. And they delivered exactly that!

Shena described her vision perfectly: “photos, that capture our youthful, candid, adventurous spirit — with a cinematic feel”.

So instead of a typical beach location, I suggested something a little different — a North Shore cow pasture with beautiful ocean views. Wild, open, raw.

Ironwoods Beach is one of my favorite locations on Maui for maternity and couples photography — especially for those who want their photos to feel romantic, and a little wild. This maternity session with Richelle and Kevin, who were visiting Maui from Australia on their babymoon, was the perfect example of why I love this spot so much. They wanted photos that felt candid, emotional, and effortless — not overly posed — and Ironwoods gave us the perfect setting to tell their story.

Poʻolenalena Beach (aka Chang’s) is one of my favorite locations on Maui for photography sessions - and one I often recommend to couples, families, and expecting parents. Located in South Maui near Wailea, this beach offers a combination of beautiful light, diverse backdrops, and a relaxed, uncrowded feel that makes photoshoots more enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to work on a very special creative project at Ho‘okipa Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore. I filmed my friend and local artist Olesya Orlova as she created a new painting inspired by the ocean, wind, and raw energy of this place. The painting is called The Ocean’s Breath, and the entire process unfolded right by the water.

They wanted photos that felt relaxed and honest - nothing too posed, just the two of them enjoying this moment together. They chose a casual outfit combo of jeans and white tops. It was effortless and timeless, and it fit the Maui vibe so well!

If you’re thinking about proposing to her on Maui, Po‘olenalena truly has it all:

• It’s a wide beach, and people are spread out, which creates plenty of private spots

• Lava rock formations for variety of backdrops

• Golden sunsets

• Palm trees and kiawe

• A calm, peaceful atmosphere

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.