What types of photo shoots do you offer?

I specialize in beach, in-water, and underwater photography throughout Kailua and the surrounding shores. While I can capture a variety of needs, my heart is in documenting families, couples, and surprise proposals. My goal is to capture the essence of your time in the islands, whether we are playing on the sand or diving into the blue.

What is your photography style?

My style is pure lifestyle. I’m not here to put you in stiff, uncomfortable poses; I’m here to capture the real, authentic story of what’s happening in the moment.

This is why I am so passionate about my Experience Sessions. They are the epitome of lifestyle photography—giving us the time and space to move beyond “posing for a camera” and instead capturing you truly enjoying the beauty of Hawaii. It’s about the movement, the water, and the genuine connection between you and your loved ones. To get the best idea of my style, please look at my portfolio for my best and most recent work.

How does pricing work?

I offer a range of options to fit different needs, from quick captures to deep-dive creative sessions. You will receive high-resolution digital files with personal printing rights for your gallery.

[Please go to this page for full details on pricing and session offerings]

In short:

• Mini Sessions: $325
• Hourly Rate: $550
• Experience Sessions: $1,550 (the ultimate lifestyle experience)
• Add-ons: Customizations available to tailor your session perfectly.

The best place to see exactly what is included in each package is my dedicated Pricing Page.

So you’re ready to book? Here’s a look at the process, from our first chat to getting your photos!

1. Inquiry & Pricing. When you first reach out, I’ll send you a detailed overview of my services and pricing. Depending on how you found me, you may have already seen this.
2. Consultation Call. The next step is to schedule a 15-20 minute, no-pressure consultation call. This call is completely complimentary, and there is no obligation to book. It’s a chance for us to see if we’re a good fit, and it’s totally fine if we don’t move forward! I love doing this because it’s the best way to connect with others. We can cover everything in a short amount of time, with no miscommunication or misreading of tone. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to meet, for me to learn more about you and your vision for the session, and for you to ask all the questions you want. As a local, I can also offer insider tips about the island and help guide you.
3. Book Your Session. After our call, I’ll send you an invoice for the $100 booking fee. As soon as you complete the payment, your session date is officially reserved in my calendar! You can check “book a photographer” off your to-do list!
4. Between Our Call & The Session. I’m available to answer any questions you have. I’ll also be in touch via email with periodic reminders leading up to your session.
5. Session Day! On the day of your session, I’ll text you to say hello and share my location as I head to our meeting spot. We’ll connect, have fun shooting, and celebrate our time together!
6. Photo Delivery. After your session, I’ll get to work editing your photos. My goal is to deliver your images as quickly as possible, and I promise to do so within 2 weeks.
7. Package Selection. Once your photos are ready, I’ll email you a link to your private gallery so you can preview all the images. This is where you’ll get to choose your favorite photos and select the package you want: Basic, Standard, or Premium.

I love fostering strong connections with my clients, and I’m always easy to reach if you need anything, even after your session is complete.

I believe in transparency—no hidden “unlocking” fees or surprise costs. Here is exactly how we handle your memories from the click of the shutter to the print on your wall.

1. Your Session Package

Every session includes:

• The Consultation: A dedicated call to plan our location, vibe, and timing.
• The Session: My full creative time and expertise on location.
• Digital Gallery: A set amount of high-resolution digital files (determined by your specific package) with full printing rights.
• The Signature Print: Every session includes one professional 8×10″ semi-gloss print because I believe your photos deserve to live off the screen.

2. Choosing Your Favorites (The Proofing Process)

I want you to love every single shot you take home, so I let you choose your own favorites. Unlike many photographers who show raw or unedited proofs, I deliver your proofing gallery fully edited. You are seeing the final, beautiful version of the photo—what you see is exactly what you get.

• The Selection Gallery: I will upload the best images to a private gallery on Pic-Time. These will have a protective watermark.
• Professional Courtesy: Please refrain from screenshotting the watermarked proofs. These are protected assets until they are selected and delivered.
• My Quality Guarantee: I take immense pride in my work. Before you see the gallery, I have already hand-vetted every shot to ensure eyes are open, expressions are great, and the lighting is perfect. If a photo made it to your gallery, it’s because it passed my high standards!

3. Editing & Retouching Style

My goal is to capture the authentic, natural beauty of your family and the island.

• The Signature Look: My editing focuses on true-to-life color and a light color grade for a unique touch. I don’t “fuss” with reality—I prioritize the real over the manufactured.
• Heavy Retouching: If you require extensive Photoshop work (altering body shapes, removing complex objects, etc.), it is $25 per photo. Since my style is “Natural & Authentic,” I always recommend embracing the realness of the day!

4. Extra Digitals & “Buy Out” Options

• Individual Photos: If you can’t narrow it down to your package limit, additional digital photos are just $10 per image.
• The Full Gallery: Fall in love with every single shot? It happens often! If you want to keep the entire collection, ask me about a “Gallery Buy-Out” rate.
• Fine Art & Wallpapers: I also offer a curated Fine Art Gallery. If you see a landscape or ocean shot of mine that you’d love as a digital wallpaper or a large-scale print, these are available for purchase.

5. Archiving

Once your final selections are delivered, the high-res files are yours to keep. While I do my best to archive all “best-of” images, galleries do eventually expire. I trust my clients to download and back up their assets to their own devices immediately upon delivery!

To keep things fair and ensure I can dedicate the proper time to every family, I operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. The Deposit & Booking

• The Commitment: A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to officially hold your date on my calendar.
• Timeline: Your deposit is due within 24 hours of our consultation call. If it isn’t received within that window, the time slot is released to the next client in line.
• The “Change of Heart” Grace Period: I offer a 24-hour window from the moment you pay your deposit, where it is fully refundable. This gives you time to sync with the family.
• The Point of No Return: Once I send your custom Style & Prep Guide (usually within 24 hours), the deposit becomes non-refundable as the creative work on your session has officially begun.

2. Rescheduling

• Life Happens: Every client is allowed one (1) reschedule for personal reasons.
• The 30-Day Rule: Your new session date must be scheduled within 30 days of the original date.
• New Bookings: If a session is rescheduled more than once, or if the new date falls outside the 30-day window, a new booking fee will be required to hold a future spot.

3. Weather & Safety

The Bottom Line: I am committed to getting you the shots you came for. We will pivot and adapt to make sure you have a safe and beautiful experience.

Rain or Shine: We generally do not cancel for rain. Between my professional water housing and my knowledge of “hidden gem” locations that are protected from wind and downpours, we can almost always get incredible shots. Hawaii’s weather is localized—if it’s pouring in one spot, it’s usually sunny three miles away!

Photographer Rescheduling: In the rare event of extreme safety issues (like a Tsunami warning or if I am personally unable to shoot), I will initiate the reschedule. This does not count as your one personal reschedule.

What is a KUKUI KAI Experience Session?

Named after the interplay of island light (kukui) and ocean waters (kai), a KUKUI KAI Experience is a 2-hour guided beach adventure designed for families who want to skip stiff posing and turn their photoshoot into real island play.

Unlike a standard session, every KUKUI KAI session includes:

• 2 Full Hours of time on the sand and in the water.
• 75 High-Resolution Edited Digitals of your choice.
• Both Land & In-Water Photography Coverage (using specialized water camera housing).
• Curated Activity Gear Provided (beach games, setups, or sand castle kits).
• Behind-the-Scenes Video Clips captured during your session.

What is the difference between the 3 KUKUI KAI Experiences?

Each experience is built around a distinct style of beach activity, so your family has a natural, fun focus while on camera:

1. The SUP & Shorebreak Adventure ($975): High-energy water fun! Includes a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) plus foam surfboards or boogie boards for paddling out, catching gentle shorebreak waves, and capturing epic in-water action shots.
2. The Sunset Island Picnic & Toast ($975): Relaxed coastal luxury! Includes chilled bubbles on ice (champagne or sparkling mocktails/juice), a chic beach blanket, and a wooden beach bocce set for a golden hour toast and play.
3. The Keiki Sandbox & Shoreline Play ($975): Low-stress, sensory family bonding! Includes a sandcastle kit and high-flying beach kites for zero-pressure keiki play and sweet shoreline cuddles.

Note: These descriptions are just to help you envision the flow! Any group—from couples celebrating an anniversary to multi-generational families—is welcome to select whichever KUKUI KAI experience speaks most to your ocean heart.

Who are these experience sessions best suited for?

While anyone can book any setup, here’s a quick guide to help you find your best fit:

• SUP & Shorebreak: Perfect for active families, pre-teens, teenagers, adult siblings, or adventurous parents who love being in the water! (Ideally hosted at calm, iconic locations like Kailua Beach).
• Sunset Picnic & Toast: Ideal for couples, families with adult children, or those celebrating big milestones like anniversaries.
• Keiki Sandbox & Shoreline: Best for families with toddlers and young children (ages 2–8), or anyone looking for a super relaxed, slow-paced beach morning or afternoon.

Do we need to be experienced paddleboarders or swimmers?

Not at all! I choose calm, family-friendly shoreline locations like Kailua Beach where you can easily touch the sand and enjoy gentle water. Parent discretion and safety are always first priority, but you don’t need any special skills—just a desire to have fun and get a little wet!

What if we want all the raw video footage or more than 75 photos?

You don’t have to leave a single memory behind! You can upgrade to the Full Gallery Buyout ($650) right inside your private Pic-Time gallery store. The buyout unlocks every single image in your gallery with zero watermarks, plus all your raw behind-the-scenes Insta360 video footage and AI highlight reels. You can also purchase individual images for $10 each if you love a few more. I can customize your final gallery however you’d like, and we can finalize that after your session.

What should we wear for an Experience Session?

Because these sessions involve real play and getting into the water, we recommend starting in your favorite flowy island attire (linens, sundresses, local boutique styles) for the first half, and having swimwear or water-friendly clothes ready underneath for the second half! You’ll receive our full Island Client Style & Prep Guide right after booking to help you coordinate effortlessly.

I’ve spent years scouting the island to find spots that offer the perfect cocktail of beautiful light, manageable crowds, and that “Hawaii” feel. While I’m open to new ideas, these are the places where I know—without a doubt—we will get incredible results.

My “Big Four” (The Top Picks)

If you ask me for my personal recommendation, I’m going to send you to one of these four. They are consistently stunning:

• Kailua Beach: The classic. Turquoise water and soft white sand that looks good in almost any light.
• Lanikai Beach: Iconic views of the Mokulua Islands. Best for early morning or late afternoon glow.
• Makapuʻu Beach: Dramatic cliffs and deep blue water. Perfect for families looking for a more rugged, epic backdrop.
• Sherwoods (Waimanalo): Famous for the ironwood trees and vast stretches of sand. Excellent for privacy and variety.

Other Frequent Favorites

I also frequent these spots regularly and know their “moods” well:

• Kuaola Regional Park: Stunning views of Chinaman’s Hat and the mountains.
• Kuilei Beach: A hidden gem feel with beautiful rock formations.
• Eternity Beach (Halona Cove): For those looking for a dramatic, intimate cove setting.
• Kahala Beach: Lots of Palm Trees and Naupaka that lie right along the beach.
• Kahanamoku Beach: Best view of Diamond Head in close proximity to most Waikiki Hotels with minimal crowds. 

FAQ: Choosing Your Spot

Q: Can I suggest a different location? A: Absolutely! If you have a spot that is deeply personal to your family, I’m all ears. During our consultation call, we can go over your vision. However, please keep in mind that I “curate” my list of preferred locations for a reason: many other spots on the island are either overly crowded, have tricky lighting, or are prone to heavy winds. If we choose a spot outside of my “Tried & True” list, I’ll do a professional “vibe check” to make sure it meets my standards for your gallery.

Q: Is there a fee for travel? A: Locations within my standard service area (including the list above) are included in your package. For locations further out—such as the North Shore or the West Side—a $75 travel fee will apply to cover the extra time and logistics.

Q: What if the weather is bad at our chosen spot? A: That’s the beauty of having a local photographer. Since I frequent these spots, I’ll know if a beach just around the corner will have better conditions. If the wind is too high at one spot, we can often pivot to another nearby spot I know will be protected.