Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa celebrated 30 years since they opened their doors for the first time. On this special day, Grand Hyatt Kauai expressed its gratitude and celebrated the strong relationships they formed.
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Grand Hyatt Kauai
When you plan a holiday in Hawaii you get a full agenda. Pristine beaches and tropical forests are waiting to be explored. The Pacific Ocean invites you to enjoy water sports, kayak trips, and contemplation. Luxurious resorts tempt you with signature cuisine, exuberant gardens, and fun pools. On top of everything, special events and parties keep the islands busy day and night. Still, a day at the spa is definitely something to consider.
In my 6 years of being a photographer, and photographing couples in Hawaii for engagement sessions, or Weddings, I've come across many love stories. None, however, can compare to the one I heard recently. This Love story not only enchanted me and warmed my heart, but it is the type of story that you watch in movies or read about in books. It all began back in High School for Rashelle and Donny. Donny's heart was stolen the moment he met Rashelle his Junior Year. But being his young, shy, high school self the most he could hope for was a glance once in a while from her. As insignificant as that may seem, he was content with that extent of interaction then.
After 3 years they ran into each other at CEU in Price, UT. And Donny felt confident enough to say "hello", exchange some small talk and asked for her number. They occasionally talked and Donny would stop by her work with flowers once in a while. He was stuck on her hard and knew she was the "One". But unfortunately Rashelle held back. While he was determined to not give up, time passed, and Rashelle moved. They still kept in touch from time to time. Donny questioned whether it was worth to continue trying to win her heart, so he moved on. Donny began to date others and so did Rashelle. After a couple of years he heard through the grapevine that Rashelle was engaged to her old High School boyfriend.
Donny was heart broken and this time, he let her know. Two years went by again, and he heard that Rashelle had broken off her engagement a few months after he found out, but now Donny was the one getting married. The tables had turned and now Rashelle was heart broken.
Donny got married April of 2002 and Rashelle got married Oct. 2002. Two years later they met up again for lunch. Donny was still taken back by her beauty and thought "she will always be the One that got away." They both knew that they could not see each other again for the sake of being faithful to their marriages.
2014 came around and Donny sent Rashelle a "happy birthday" text. Then a year later on Donny's birthday she texted back to say "Thank you and Happy Birthday." After almost a decade they decided to meet up again, and their chemistry was unquestionable. Donny got divorced and reached out to Rashelle and found out that she too was getting divorced, this was all in 2015. Donny then realized that perhaps their story wasn't quite over, maybe he would get a second chance. Fairy tales can come true... right?
In April of 2016 they went on a trip for a few days together and they immediately clicked, Donny knew he was still in LOVE with Rashelle and that she was the "ONE" after all. On Nov. 26th, 2016 at sunrise Donny proposed to Rashelle and she said "YES." Some LOVE stories take months to come together but this one took 19 years. A slight detour well worth taking.
Wedding is set to take place in July of 2017.
For some tips on arranging your own engagement photos, please check out this blog.
Written by Francys T. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)
As a photographer of any genere, be it Weddings, portraits, events landscapes, it is essential to have the right gear. The contents in your camera bag are the tools of the trade. Keep in mind, as an aspiring photographer; it is not all about the equipment. If you have an eye for composition and you’re comfortable working with light, you can begin with the basic equipment and add to your collection as you go. But whether you are a professional, or an amateur, here are 4 must have accessories every photographer needs in their camera bag.
- Memory Cards! This is probably a no-brainer, but you can never have enough memory cards. The faster the writing speed, the better. It is important to have the right memory card that is compatible with your camera. Having plenty of memory cards will ensure that you never run out of space during that beach portrait session, or worse, a Wedding!
- The Right Lens. A good lens means everything. Lenses dictate what type of shots you can take such as close ups, landscape, and portrait shots. Did you know that lenses typically last longer than your camera body itself? Of course a good camera is vital, but in the end your lenses are some of the most important things in your camera bag. At Pacific Dream Photography, we use a wide variety of lenses to ensure that we get the shot.
- Lens Hood. A lens hood serves many different purposes. The main purpose is to block out light. It is always a good idea to have a lens hood in your camera bag. The hood will block out the flare from the light source, while protecting the reflected light. This is a great way to keep your family portraits from getting too much light over peoples faces and losing the detais in the photo. More than anything, the lens hood will protect the lens against the elements.
- External Flash. An off camera flash is one of the best steps you can take to better photography. Not only will an external flash enhance your photos, it will make a big difference when it comes too professional shooting. Say you are photographing a wedding couple with a sunset behind them, and you want to caputre the sunset and the couple. A flash helps to light up your couple so that you can see both them and the background.
Looking for more photography tips. Check out this blog here!
Written by Michael Wheeler (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)
At Pacific Dream Photography, it is our job is to share the world around us. We see things from an artistic perspective. Of course, the beautiful backdrops of Hawaii give our photographs an extra advantage. Here are five simple tips that will take your upcoming photo shoot to another level and give your photos an extra advantage.
1. Be Ready
Remember the time you nearly missed the most important moment of the wedding, the kiss? Maybe your camera was turned off or your settings were wrong. These types of moments come and go very quickly. It is more than important to constantly adjust the settings on your camera, frequently checking the exposure. Nothing is worst than missing the most important moments. After all, those are the most cherished ones.
2. Holding the Camera Properly
This tip is crucial to better capturing what you see. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we take note on everything that is going on around us. We are always prepared to capture life’s special moments. Holding the camera properly makes a huge difference while shooting. Of course, each photographer has his or her own unique shooting style. By holding the camera upright at shoulder level, it prepares the photographer to get the shot. By holding the camera upright, you are bound to get the perfect candid photos.
3. Creativity
Don’t be afraid to use your creativity. This will set your photos apart from others, and make them unique. Keep an eye on the colors, quality of light, and composition of the photo. Creative photographers come up with fresh new perspectives and ideas.
4. Use Your Eye
The human eye has a better dynamic range than the camera. Portraying your inner vision through the camera is more challenging than it looks. It is important to properly expose an image. By properly exposing the most important portion of the image, the photo will be more appear more accurate to what your physical eye observed.
5. Be Present
Being present will allow you to capture natural images. After all, isn’t this the goal? Make eye contact and engage with your subjects. The more comfortable you are the more comfortable they are. Have fun, laugh, and get to know your subjects.
As professional photographers in Hawaii, we take heart in capturing memories that will last forever. Ultimately, it is our goal to make sure our subjects have an amazing time!
Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at Grand Hyatt Resort)
When the camera comes out, so do the nerves. For some, getting in front of the camera can be slightly uncomfortable. At Pacific Dream Photography, our goal is to give you a stress free enjoyable experience. Remember, our aim is to capture effortless photos. Here are a few helpful thoughts to consider before your Hawaii Photo Session. Use these tips to dismiss nerves and gain an extra boost of confidence.
When you begin your lush Photo Session under the blue skies of the Pacific, it's natural to focus on posing. You may ask yourself, where do I stand, or where do I place my hands? To capture photographs that show off your personality, it's our job to help you relax your thoughts and loosen up. It's your job remember that your Pacific Dream Photographer is here for you. The camera is our tool to capture and create timeless keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
To create these special moments, we begin by taking you to a beautiful location. As you arrive at your first location, engage in your thoughts and surroundings. Simply, focus on the beauty around you. Most importantly focus on treasured loved ones. Just have fun with the flow of the session and everything will fall into place. Chances are, you may get to witness an Out of this World Hawaiian Sunset, while taking photos and creating memories.
The key to feeling comfortable in front of the lens is staying genuine to you. Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Take a look at our Blog for Simple Outfit Suggestions. Don't worry too much about making mistakes. It's our job to provide you with a smooth experience. If we encounter a few silly moments, it's better to laugh them off and be present in the moment. It's those fun moments where we come across your bubbly personality and snap stunning photos.
Have you ever heard the saying Practice makes Perfect? The commonly used quote is spot on. When choosing your Island Inspired Outfit, try different poses in front of the mirror. Decide which side works best and which poses work well for you. Having an idea of how you look can ease your mind and ultimately help you feel comfortable in front of the lens.
As Professional Photographers in Hawaii, we have a couple tricks up our sleeve to set the most flattering camera angles. One simple tip is to turn your face slightly to the side. This will create natural highlights and give your face a slimmer appearance. Always remember to smile! A smile doesn't just affect your emotions, it affects your entire look overall. Allow yourself the freedom to laugh and share your beautiful smile. Even if you’re still feeling a bit nervous, a smile will give you that extra boost of confidence.
Present your photographer with some of your ideas, such as poses or locations. At Pacific Dream Photography, we are always open to new thoughts and ideas.
We hope this helped you relax and mentally prepare for your Tropical Hawaiian Photo Session. Not only do we hope your mind is at ease, but we look forward to capturing your confident smile in each and every photo. From all of us at Pacific Dream Photography, Hauʻoli kēia hui ʻana o kāua! Pleased to meet you.
- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)
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!
One of the most important options to consider when booking your reservation with Pacific Dream Photography is whether to choose a sunrise or a sunset time. For some of us, who aren’t early risers, the sunset time is an easy choice; although, the sunrise light is exceptional! Here at the Grand Hyatt, Kauai, there are advantages and disadvantages to each time.
The sunrise session is one of our personal favorites. The quality of light is gorgeous! You’ll notice a crisp quality of light, soft flattering skin tones, and a rose gold hue to the color, on some occasions. It is also important to consider the metaphors associated with a sunrise, for example: new beginnings. If you will be joining us celebrating something like an engagement or baby-moon, you might want to consider this time. It can also be a little more private with less people on the beach.
Typically, the sunset session is the most desired time. The light is rich and golden with saturated colors and strong contrast, making for striking imagery. The sun sets in the west and lights up a golden Shipwrecks beach cliff, creating a beautiful color contrast between the blue sky and ocean. The one possible downside to a sunset session is that there might be more people on the beach, and in the background of your photos.
So, choose wisely! You can’t go wrong with either choice; but we certainly want to capture you the way you’d like to be remembered.
- Written by Michael (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)
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.
Have you ever wondered just what it takes to get a “good” sunset picture? Cameras have become so readily available to us now with the digital age and camera phones, which seem to take decent pictures, but there’s much more to it than just pushing a button, right? Well, of course there is!
Photography is a wonderful art form, but it can be complicated. One of the most important components of photography is exposure. This is the balance between shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. Although, most cameras these days have an “auto mode”, this simple setting does not capture the best image.
When it comes to exposure, there is no right or wrong. Photography is art and every artist has a different vision. Most of us are not attempting to communicate deep or even simple messages with our images, we are purely trying to capture the moment. In this case, there is a trick!
Unlike film, digital photography is limited and can only capture so many levels of light in a single click. The trick, especially when photographing a sunset experience session, is to avoid over exposing an image and losing detail in the sky. If you are composing a sunset with a foreground, typically the foreground is much darker, which confuse a camera’s exposure meter. The camera might try to balance the exposure, preserving detail in the dark foreground, while losing detail in the sky.
The trick is to underexpose the picture slightly, exposing for the bright sky. This will let the foreground go dark. It is much easier to recover detail in the shadow portion of a digital image when editing than it is to recover the highlights and brighter areas. Lost detail in the highlights are nearly unrecoverable.
One recommendation would be to set the +/- (exposure compensation) to -1/3 so the camera will automatically underexpose. This technique is actually called “push processing” and will make your pictures have more vibrant and saturated colors, with greater contrast.
A rule of thumb to keep in mind: underexpose slightly to preserve highlights and edit to bring back shadow detail. Happy shooting!
-written by Michael (Pacific Dream Photography at Grand Hyatt, Kauai)