Planning Your Oahu Hawaii Photo Session

50th Wedding Anniversary Family Portrait - Secret Beach, KoOlina, Oahu Hawaii

Planning is the key to a successful on-location Photo Shoot!!!

See: Photography Gallery - Photo Rates - Popular Photo Session Locations - Clothing Tips - Maps & Directions - Photo Session Reservation Procedures

Aloha, welcome to my website's "Planning Your Session" section. My name is Anthony, and I am an Oahu portrait photographer. I created this page to help you plan the perfect photo session in Oahu.

An on-location photo session differs significantly from a studio session, as we will be in the elements. In Hawaii, it can be windy, so it's essential to choose appropriate clothing and prepare your hair to ensure the best possible photos.

If you're visiting Oahu, staying hydrated and protecting your skin with sunscreen is essential, especially if you'll be on the island for a few days before our photo session.

Please review the directions I sent you via email, and do not rely solely on GPS, which can be unreliable.

*Allow yourself extra time to find parking, change your outfits for the photo session, and walk to the photo session location.

Please arrive ten minutes early but at most twenty minutes early, and we will take a moment to review the photo session once you arrive. I ask that you remove your shoes, empty your pockets, and surrender your cell phones to focus on the session.

For larger groups, I recommend making a list of must-have photos, and we will start with traditional portraits and then move on to candid shots.

Please note that photo sessions have no grace period, and they run on time.

Take a moment to review my portfolio and see what might work best for you. Regarding clothing, I recommend solid colors as they photograph better than stripes, plaids, and patterns. For overcast days, a splash of pastel colors can work well. It's always a good idea to bring a change of clothes just in case you get wet or dirty, and I don't recommend wearing your clothes while driving to the location as the seatbelt can easily wrinkle your outfit.

I recommend wearing white at the beginning and then changing to darker colors during the golden hour for sunset photo sessions. White reflects light, while black absorbs light.

Regarding matching Hawaiian attire, I recommend caution, as busy fabric patterns can detract from the photograph's feeling. It's best to choose one or two matching pieces and then take solid colors from the pattern for other family members.

For hair, it's always a good idea to have options in case of wind, and I recommend bringing a brush, comb, hair spray, or gel.

Please have touch-up makeup on hand in case of shine, as it's challenging to fix in post-production.

I don't recommend wearing expensive jewelry on location, and please do not bring any costly items to the photo session. Bring drinking water, a snack, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a change of clothes if you wish to get wet during the session.

Finally, please note that you should always leave essential possessions in your supervised parked vehicle.