The location you choose will play an important part on your engagement session day. Hawaii is known for their amazing beaches, volcanos, mountains and greenery, there are so many incredible places to choose from. Try to consider a place that inspires you, It can be a place that has special meaning, a place with a beautiful breathtaking view. Which is not so hard to find here in Hawaii. If your wedding venue has a secondary spot you also liked but wasn’t available on your wedding date and you can use it on the day you chose for your engagement photos it’s a double win win. The most important thing is a place that will make you both enjoy yourselves and the moment.

Sunrise and Sunset time are always preferable, but it also depends a lot on the location. For example, if you choose a location like a forest with many trees providing lots of sun coverage can work well during midday or two to three hours after sunrise or two to three before sunset. Also, don’t be spooked by a cloudy day, in Hawaii a cloudy day means a higher chance to capture those amazing rainbows.

Wear something that brings out your personality, express who you are, can be something casual, formal, or both if you have enough time for outfit change, but most importantly, “be comfortable “. Be comfortable, feel good, fantastic, confident and amazing in it. When it comes to coordinating your attire, try to visualize the end result, how it is going to match with your location for example. Something that complements each other can be fabrics, color palette or textures. If you are not sure and feeling a little lost on what to wear, stick with lighter colors like pastels and avoid super bright colors that can be reflective. For example, bright pink, bright green, bright orange etc. remember you can always ask your photographer (hopefully me) for advice.

Ok ladies please, please, please, if you are planning on doing your own makeup and not using an experienced professional makeup artist, invest on really good products and brands, look for makeup special designed to use for photography. I had a few problems before with clients who decided on doing their own makeup and they ended up with a white mask or white patches around their face when it was time for using my flash because of bad makeup application and wrong products like HD powders are a big no, no. When in doubt have your makeup professionally done to avoid any regrets.

And don't forget to get your rings clean, adding that extra shine on your ring close up photos. 🙂

Before your engagement session takes place, reserve some time just for the two of you, what I mean is take the whole day off, spend extra time together with each other before your session takes place, have some snacks, give each other a foot massage, have a drink if you need to calm the nerves, but don’t get drunk 😉 you sure want to be able to fully function and remember your engagement session. Just enjoy each other company and RELAX.
For couples traveling to Hawaii don’t try to schedule your engagement session a day before your arrival, take time to rest and relax. Avoid too much sun exposure try not to get that unwanted sunburn you sure don’t want to look as I like to say: “a red lobster” on your photos, remember to use and abuse your sunscreen.

Loosen up, don’t overthink just have fun. Just be yourself, most of the time candid photos are the best ones and my favorites because it brings the true essence from my clients. Make the best of that time for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy, relax and HAVE FUN.