How to Choose the Best Time of Day for Your Photo Session

Photographers often prefer to shoot at sunrise or during the golden hour, and the main reason for this preference is the exceptional quality of natural light available at these specific times. During these early morning or late afternoon hours, the sunlight is noticeably softer, warmer, and more beautifully diffused than at other times of the day. This gentle lighting produces flattering shadows and highlights that add depth, dimension, and texture, enhancing the overall composition and mood of the image in a subtle yet profoundly powerful way.

It would not be advised to capture images at other times of the day because of the harsh shadows, intense bright light, and extreme heat commonly experienced in Hawaii. These conditions can negatively impact the quality of the photographs and the comfort of those being photographed.

Also consider the time change that comes with travel when planning your photo session. If you have younger children, they are most likely happier and more cooperative in the morning, making it an ideal time for photos. By the evening, they tend to be worn out from the day's activities, often hungry and grumpy, which can make the session more challenging. The photo session below was done at sunrise in Ko’olina. The children were happy and cooperative.

Children’s Photography

If you are a family with babies, toddlers and children under 10 years old, be sure to choose your photographer wisely. Ask them how much experience they’ve had working with children. It’s important to find someone who knows how to work with toddlers and younger children because finding a photographer with those skills is crucial for capturing genuine moments and creating lasting memories.

Young children often have limited attention spans and can feel uneasy in unfamiliar settings, which makes patience and adaptability essential qualities in a photographer. A professional experienced with kids knows how to engage them, making the session enjoyable rather than stressful.

Moreover, photographers familiar with children understand how to capture natural expressions instead of forced smiles or awkward poses. They use techniques that allow kids to be themselves, resulting in authentic emotions and candid shots. This expertise also means they can work efficiently to get the best photos before a child’s energy or mood changes.

Choosing a photographer who is good with toddlers and children ensures a smoother experience and ultimately leads to images that families will treasure for years to come. It’s not just about technical skill but also about creating a comfortable environment where children feel safe and free to express their unique personalities.

I genuinely feel that having my own children gave me a lot of the skills needed to work with other younger children. I love making the experience fun vs a chore that they’re forced to do. I’ve had several families come back to vacation on Oahu and hire me again for their family photos. It makes me feel so great when the kids remember me and are actually excited to take photos again.

Kreel Family Vacation Photos

I love, love, love big families. I always say that if I started earlier in my 20’s, I would’ve had at least five kids. I loved every moment of being pregnant. I absolutely adore babies, toddlers, just tiny humans in general. Believe it or not, I’m actually even loving having a teenager. My kids are my favorite part of life.

With this said, I got the pleasure of working with the Kreel family. They were vacationing in Hawaii to celebrate their 25th marriage anniversary. It was literally a blast working with all of these teenagers and young adults. I smiled throughout this session just as much as they did.

The best compliment I’ve ever received was from a couple who told me that my session was more than a photo shoot because I made it an experience. I aim to make this happen with every client. I like to have fun and leave my clients with the memory of an awesome experience, and the photos end up being the proof (pun intended).

Pistalu Family Vacation Photos

Family vacation photos capture moments of togetherness, joy, and exploration that become treasured memories for years to come. Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or exploring a new city, these images tell the story of shared experiences and highlight the unique personalities within your family. My photography style includes natural lighting, along with off camera flash. I love a mixture of posed and candid shots, while offering a variety of settings. Group portraits, action shots, and quiet moment help create a well-rounded collection. These photos serve as both a keepsake and a reminder of the special time spent together away from everyday routines.

Josh and Jenna Charming Estate Wedding

The Charming Estate is quickly becoming a popular wedding venue on Oahu and it’s obvious to see why that is. The entire landscape is an amazing photography backdrop. You can literally feel the Mana shining into you at this location. After the beautiful ceremony, we jumped into the golf cart and headed out onto the Royal Hawaiian Golf Course. The hills were steep and it felt like a rollercoaster ride which caused a lot of laughter. We had free range of the entire course which was amazing for the couple’s sunset photos. We made it back in perfect timing for the indoor reception. They had DJs, an MC, a Chinese Lion Dance, and then danced the night away. This couple was so in love, surrounded by so many friends and family members, and had a truly amazing wedding. Congratulations to you and very best wishes!

The Miller Family Sunset Session

Makua Beach is one of my all time favorites for photo sessions. The majestic, lush green mountains, the electric blue water, rainbows, the most amazing sunsets…it really has it all. Not to mention the organizer of this session, spent 6 hours hand making lei po’o for herself and daughters, and her husband’s lei! Despite rain being dumped on us and getting a latter start than intended, we pulled it off and laughed a lot.

How precious are these sister shots?!