Engagement Photos || What to Expect

Your wedding is weeks away and the anticipation is so exciting. Being engaged is an important time in your life, as you transition from a couple to a married couple. Engagement photos share the connection that brought you together in the first place. It also makes it much easier to relax and enjoy wedding portraits on the big day.

Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we believe that having an engagement session is important for many different reasons. It allows you to get comfortable in front of the lens and showcase your personalities in a fun setting. Engagement photos have many different uses such as, a guest signature board, save the date cards, or even decorations for your future home.

Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Of course, this is a great excuse to dress up, but it is important to wear something that makes you feel like you. Engagement photos are going to reflect who you are, and what your like on a day-to-day basis. Don’t forget, the ring is the star of the show, so make sure to give it a little cleaning for extra shine.

If you and your fiancé are feeling a bit camera shy, ensure each other that you look amazing. Make your significant other laugh and have a great time. This will help you both relax, smile, and enjoy yourselves.

As you prepare for your engagement session, remember to trust your photographer and allow them to be creative. Your photographer works with everyday couples all the time so there is no need to be nervous. Amazing things happen when you trust your photographer, and give them the creative freedom to take one of a kind images that you will cherish forever. An engagment photography session is also a great way to get to know your photographer and test them out to see if they would be a good fit for your Wedding Day.

Lastly, be on time. Timing is very important. Photographers are dependent on the sun. We want to make sure that your images come out breath taking and lighting is the key to a successful photo shoot. Take a look at a previous post on why lighting is so important.

That’s it! We hope you have a better idea on what to expect for your upcoming engagement session. Most importantly, have a wonderful time!

Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Keeping the Love Alive || Eric & Elaine

When you are a photographer, often times you find yourselves enveloped in intimate moments between couples. Photographing honeymooners, Bride & Groom, vow renewal ceremonies, or even just a couple vacationing, we are welcomed into a space, with oftentimes new friends, that gives you a close glimpse into that relationship.

We are so lucky to be able to experience that love and intimacy on a daily basis, because it helps keeps us grounded and thankful in our own lives. 

I had the pleasure of photographing a couple last week at the Kahala Hotel & Resort in Oahu. Elaine told me that she didn't get pictures with her husband of over 20 years as often as she'd like and wanted to plan a fun beach photo session for the next afternoon.

After 24 years of marriage, Elaine and Eric were just as fun, playful, and starry eyed as when they were kids. In fact... they still looked like kids! Elaine showed me a picture from when they first got married, and it was eerily identical to some of the pictures we had been taking. The scariest part is, they hadn't aged a day!

I had to ask Elaine, how do they keep such a youthful playfulness with each other, which she confided in me all her secrets. But most importantly, they set aside time to do fun things with each other. Whether it be sparring in their martial arts class, a birthday trip every year for the two of them, or a sunset beach photoshoot in Hawaii, these two really know how to keep the love alive.

Written by Julia J. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Kahala Hotel & Resort)

Anniversary || Year One

Is there anywhere more beautiful to celebrate life and love than here on Kauai?! From the moment you step of the plane in Lihue you will be hit by a wave of humidity. Get prepared to slow down, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved break from life. As the oldest of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai’s ancient lush beauty is hard to overlook.

Celebrating their first anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Kelley knew they chose wisely by coming to Kauai, and staying at the Grand Hyatt. Enamored by the island, they spent their days here resting near the 5-acre pool, and also doing a fair share of exploring too.

With so much to offer, from the spa amenities to a salt-water lagoon you can actually kayak in, it’s easy to stay close to the resort; but, don’t miss out on what Kauai has to offer. Kauai is very unique compared to the rest of the Hawaiian island chain.

The Kelley’s discovered this and set out to explore the Waimea Canyon, which is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Imagine the Grand Canyon carpeted with a vibrant green jungle landscape, littered with trails and gorgeous scenic overlooks.

Head east and discover the largest navigable river in all of Hawaii, the Wailua River. Kayak or take a boat tour to top and find the river’s fresh water pouring down from Mt. Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet. It lands at the Fern Grotto, and along the river at the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of the island’s Ali’i, or royalty.

Whether you are visiting Kauai for the first time or the tenth, there is always something to do or somewhere new to explore.  The most difficult part of vacationing here with us at the Grand Hyatt, Kauai, is deciding what you want to do first. 

Written by Micheal W. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai) 

Tips for Choosing Your Favorite Photos || Kauai Family Portrait Photography

You and your family just had a fabulous photo session with Pacific Dream Photography and now, it's time to choose your favorite photos! By the next day, our team of photographers have your images professionally edited and ready to be viewed. For some, this is the most exciting part of the photo session. This is where the session comes to life as you get the opportunity to reflect on precious memories from your unforgettable trip. Although looking through many amazing images can be fun, it can also be a bit of a challenge narrowing down your favorites when there are so many great ones to choose from! Fear not, here are five timeless tips that will help ensure you with a collection you'll be forever ecstatic about.

1. Choose The Images That Reflect You and Your Family

This is a very important step when selecting your favorite photos. This is what makes your favorite images stand out from the rest. The best images are the ones that tell a story while allowing your personalities to shine through. 

2. Eliminate Photos That Are Similar

You may have photos that look similar. You don’t want both, but you would like to choose one. So which photo should go and which photo should stay? Choose the photo that speaks to you. Pick the photo that allows you to achieve what you hoped to gain from your shoot.

3. Don't Miss Hidden Treasures

Maybe you’re in love with the facial expressions in a photo, but there’s something a little off. Maybe it’s a small spot on your hubby's shirt, or a tiny distraction in the background. Don't be afraid to let your photographer know! With a little magical editing, the photo might end up being your absolute favorite. Look for photos with genuine emotion. Some of the best images aren't posed, but suggested by life itself.

4. Go With Your Gut Reaction

Going with your gut reaction is one of the best options. Ask yourself, does this photo draw my attention? What makes this photo stand out from the others?

5. We Have Tricks Up Our Sleeve

At your viewing party, it is time to sit back and relax. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we have a couple tricks up our sleeve that allow us to help you pick your favorites. As Professional Photographers, we have the tools to help you choose the best. We wouldn't let you leave the islands without your favorite collection of your paradise getaway! 

- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)

A Getaway to Remember || Big Island Engagement Photo Session

There's something about the Hawaiian Islands that bring out an array of emotions for those that experience the beauty of what it's magic has to offer. Often times, we see couples escape here to the islands for a memorable trip of a lifetime, and at Pacific Dream Photography, we are here to capture those special moments that you'll hang on to forever.

Upon meeting Matthias and Jasmine, their energy and love for one another beamed through their radiant smiles. The two had traveled from Germany to spend a week on the Big Island of Hawaii for a relaxing yet adventure filled trip. Little did Jasmine know, Matthias had planned his marriage proposal for Jasmine and a Hawaii photo session with Pacific Dream Photography to commemorate it.

On a warm sunset session with Pacific Dream Photography, Matthias and Jasmine let their love shine through our lens with a sunset to compliment the two on their engagement. From all of us at Pacific Dream Photography, congratulations to the beautiful couple! A Hui Hou! Until we meet again.

- Written by Samantha (Pacific Dream Photography at the Fairmont Orchid) 

You Said Yes! || Tips For Your Hawaii Engagement Photography Session

You've both decided on forever and now it's time to begin the planning! Professional photos are a fabulous way to kickstart your engagement and we at Pacific Dream Photography want to capture your love for each other with a romantic photo session. 

Whether you've had professional photos taken together before or not, it's always a good idea to first discuss what your vision is for your engagement photos. The key to a successful engagement shoot is to relax and let your relationship shine through the camera. 

Candid photos provide for an endearing look into your relationship. Focus on each other and forget about the photographer! By capturing the two of you laughing, walking, or stealing a kiss, you'll be thankful for the authenticity of your Hawaii photos.

Now, what to wear? If you're planning to use the photos for your Save the Dates, perhaps you already have a color theme in mind. With that idea, you two can coordinate together to dress down for a more casual feel, or suit up for a more formal look.

Have fun, be yourselves, and your love will effortlessly shine through our lens for your breathtaking engagement photos. Lastly, don't forget to snap a stunning picture of the newest accessory on that finger! Your friends and family will thank you for it.

- Written by Samantha (Pacific Dream Photography at the Fairmont Orchid)

Romantic Honeymoon in Kauai || Capturing Memories That Will Last Forever

The beautiful beaches of Hawaii lay claim as a top destination for honeymooners from around the world. This tropical paradise of palm trees, volcanoes, fruity umbrella drinks and cool salty waters offer plenty of rest and relaxation. This R&R is much needed after the stressful days spent planning and leading up to a wedding. Hawaii is definitely one of the most romantic destinations for honeymooners to enjoy this special time in their lives. 

As a newly married couple, probably the last thing on your mind would be to have more pictures taken. You just spent your entire wedding day being photographed, right? Well, as Hawaii Photographers, we urge you to capture these precious moments on your honeymoon with a beach photography session! These first pictures as a married couple are ones you will cherish for eternity.

We have found that honeymoon couples tend to be much more relaxed, carefree and fun during their photo session. At this point they are basically professional models, knowing which poses work and which ones don't from their wedding photos. So, why not spend 45-minutes of your vacation taking pictures in paradise and creating memories you will treasure for a lifetime?

This couple is a perfect example of seizing this moment. They opted for a sunset session at the world-renowned Grand Hyatt on the island of Kauai. Proudly toting their new Mr. & Mrs. titles, this couple captured many sweet and tender moments at the water’s edge. From the Grand Hyatt and our team at Pacific Dream, we say "Ho'omaika'i 'Ana" (congratulations) and a "Hui Hou Kakou"  (until we meet again).

-written by Julia J.

Recreating A Picture || Photo Ideas for Anniversaries

If you cherish those precious moments in life, like we do, you probably have photographs spanning the years. Looking back on all the fond memories, do you have a handful of pictures in which you or a loved one is making that one goofy face or that same pose from year to year?

We recently had the pleasure to photograph Mark and Terrie Marino while they celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary here at the Grand Hyatt, Kauai. The Marinos took advantage of our professional photographers in the island of Kauai to do something very fun.

||    Scroll all the way down to see what we're talking about!   ||

For their wedding, they had an intimate ceremony on the beach, very little guests and a photographer. Unfortunately, a lot of the pictures didn’t turn out great back then, but they had one portrait of the two of them that they loved.

This is when we got really excited about this anniversary photo session. Terrie approached us and asked if we could recreate the photo of her and her husband on their wedding day and, of course, we said yes! They chose a sunrise time slot on the beaches of Poipu for their couples photo shoot.

They showed up to the session wearing nearly the same wardrobe, casual attire for Mr. Marino, and a bikini, and sarong for Terrie. The sun slowly crept up over the Shipwrecks cliff. What gorgeous light it created. We walked along the beach, getting to know each other, and trying their wedding pose at different locations.

It was easy to create great pictures with their fabulous chemistry. Mark and Terrie were so pleased they ended up going home with an entire collection of images. They spent the remainder of their visit relaxing in sunny Kauai and lounging by the pool.

-written by Michael (Pacific Dream Photography at Grand Hyatt, Kauai)

Black & White or Color Photography in Hawaii?

Hawaii is a lush tropical paradise with deep blue waters, vibrantly hued flowers and, of course, the occasional rainbow. For that reason, it's easy to understand why our clients are looking for colorful photos to take home with them from their photo session in Hawaii.  As we present our collections, more often than not, the black and white photos are discarded, with preference given to the vividly pigmented ones.

As a Hawaii photographer, why even offer black and white photos, right? Well, without fail, there is always a black and white image that makes a couple or a family pause. They see something in it they didn't notice in the other pictures. The lack of color somehow allows you to focus more on the subject, unveiling a dramatic and sentimental moment, and eliciting a more emotional response.  Suddenly, the same photo tells two different stories.

Oftentimes, a photo will work better one way over the other, but there are certainly virtues to both:

Color
- Bold, vibrant colors are eye-catching
- Different colors can convey different meanings and atmospheres. Cool colors can be solemn and serious and warm colors can be bright and up-lifting.
- Colorful elements such as rainbows and sunsets are visually prominent, and would be lost in black and white.

Black and White
- Focus can be more easily drawn upon the subject without the distraction of color.
- High contrast black and whites create emotion and drama. 
- Other elements of the photo may be more prominent, such as shadows and textures.

Do you have a preference for the richness of color photography, or an appreciation for the intensity of black and white. Or can you, like us, appreciate the beauty in both?

-written by Julia (Pacific Dream Photography at The Kahala Resort)