6 Things Every Photographer Needs to Know || Photographer Tips

A picture is worth a thousand words. So what is the difference between a great picture and a great photographer? A great photographer is consistent. We have all taken that one perfect photo. Everything fell into place and you managed to capture that picture perfect image, but the trick to consistency is being able to create picture perfect photos time and time again. Here are six things that every photographer needs to know to stay consistent and produce picture perfect photos.

1. Get to Know Your Camera

It is important to understand the settings and features of your camera. Not knowing the technical side of the camera can truly hold you back as a photographer. Learn how to control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.  Every feature in your camera works together. The more you learn about these features, the easier it is to get the results you want. It is also important to learn about camera modes, focusing, and white balance. Always keep in mind that even a great camera cannot produce a great photograph unless it’s in the hands of a passionate photographer.

2. Light

Light is one of the primary ingredients in photography. Without light, we photographers cannot do our work. It is important to understand how to work with light. Lighting can be tricky, as it is always changing. There are all kinds of lighting conditions such as, sunrise, sunset, midday sun, and twilight. One quick tip to gain a better understanding of light is to observe it in your everyday life. Educate yourself and aim to recognize the different types of light. We have a whole post about lighting on our blog here.

3. Perspective

Perspective is the way our eye relates to special separation. Sometimes photographers fall into the habit of shooting from eye level. If you want to stay consistent, and make an impact, change your perspective. Changing your perspective can be done in many different ways. For example, get on ground level. Getting low can give your viewer a unique perspective, rather than their everyday eye level view. Other examples include, shooting upward, wide, far away, or even behind something. Next time before you snap away, take a moment to think about how you want your viewer to perceive your subject.

4. Every Photographer is Different

Each photographer brings their own unique style to their artwork. It is important to use your creativity at each and every photo shoot. By utilizing your creativity, your photography will stand out from the others. 

5. Composition

Composition plays a big role in photography. It is the key aspect to a great photo. Composition is the placement of relative objects in a photograph such as, lines, textures, shapes, and reflections. The Rule of Thirds is a great guideline to help you tell a story. The Rule of Thirds suggests that by placing your subject somewhere rather than the center of the photo, you can grab your viewer’s attention.

6. Connect With Your Subject

We cannot forget the most important part of a photograph, the subject. The recipe for a good photo entails much more than just your gear; it starts with the photographer making a connection with the subject. Before your shoot, put the camera down and get to know your subject. Laugh, joke, and have fun. This will create a fun comfortable atmosphere.

As a photographer, you will make mistakes. The key is to learn from your mistakes and better yourself as a photographer. Great photography comes from consistency and photos that tell a story. With each snap of the shutter, you will only get better. So grab your camera, get out there, and produce those award winning shots.

For more great tips on how to have a successful family portrait session, check out these tips from a past post.

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

Keys to a Successful Photo Session || Lighting

Wow, It’s already summer break! The kids are out of school, time for relaxation and quality time with family and friends on a tropical beach somewhere. After all, what better way is there to spend your summer vacation than on a beach in Hawaii? Even more importantly, what better way to remember your summer vacation than a Hawaii family photo session? Here at Pacific Dream Photography, it is our pleasure to be able to capture your families’ long awaited vacation. 

To ensure beautiful lighting during your beach photography session, we recommend scheduling in the early morning or late afternoon. Your lighting plays a bigger role than how bright or dark a photo is, but rather it is the key to color, mood, and the overall feeling of your collection. Take a peek at these shoots from our St. Regis location in Princeville. Although all of the shoots are in the same location, they all look completely different due to being captured at different times of the day.

So what is the best time of day? Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset shoots are most popular, however, what some people don’t realize is that sunrise sessions result in beautiful dreamy images as well! But wait, it’s summer and summer is for sleeping in late. Isn’t that what summer is all about? Not exactly, waking up to the golden sun rising among the gentle blue ocean is one of the best ways to start your day and why not capture it on camera. During your 45-minute Hawaii photo session, we are able to take stunning images of your family among a variety of rich colors melting together.

As professional photographers, we refer to the best lighting of the day as the “golden hour ." The “golden hour” is a critical key element to the perfect photo session. During this time the sun produces a soft light, which is much more flattering than the harsh mid-day sun. This is one of our “secret ingredients” to capturing beautiful photographs.

Taking advantage of this lighting at the beginning of the day comes with many added benefits. To name one, there are generally fewer people outside at sunrise. This results in a peaceful, intimate portrait session. If you are having trouble convincing your significant others to wake up early, just take a look at some of our previous sunrise sessions. From there, it shouldn’t take much more convincing. Of course, whatever time you decide will result in captivating photos to cherish forever, but if you’re up for that morning glow you won’t regret it.

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

Returning Guests || The Kahala Hotel Family Portraits

What a remarkable gift it is to be the ones to capture the special moments of our guests from all over the world. During every photo session, it is so important to our photographers to give our clients a beautiful memory they will cherish forever and an experience they will never forget.

So what makes this experience even more touching and unique for us? It is when we are given the pleasure of capturing these precious moments all over again, when our guests return to Hawaii and allow us to become a part of their vacation tradition! It is a privilege to reconnect with our clients over the years and see how their families grow.

Last week, we had a returning family from Japan visit us for another photography session on the beach at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. The first time we met them, their infant son could not even walk! This year, their baby boy was walking all by himself & we were so excited to capture how much they had grown as a new family in just under a year!

Part of the joy of being a photographer for Pacific Dream is to watch our clients evolve in their everyday life and join us again for another unforgettable Hawaii photography session experience. It is moments like these, that make our job so rewarding. Surrounded by love and sharing these moments in time with growing families, newly weds, or couples who have been married for over 50 years, the list goes on! This is what we live for, because love is a beautiful thing.

Written By Loryn R. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Kahala Hotel & Resort)

Feeling Comfortable In Front of the Lens || Camera Shy?

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)

Group Portrait Photography || Tips from a Professional Photographer

Group portraits are a fantastic way for friends and families to spend quality time together and capture unforgettable memories. Whether you're taking a much-needed family reunion trip to the islands or looking to update your photos of friends and loved ones, who wouldn’t want group photos on a lush beach in Hawaii to remember your time in paradise? Capturing photos of a large group can be a difficult task, but fear not! With some helpful tips; let our artists at Pacific Dream Photography make your group photo session a success by providing you with ever-lasting commemorations.

A relaxed photo is important, but a little direction is always a great key to ensuring a successful photography session. Most of the time a group will pose themselves naturally with tall people in the back and short people in the front. But if needed, feel free to take control of your group and position others in visually ideal positions.  Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we like to make sure our subjects feel comfortable without feeling too forced, so loosen up and don't forget to take in the beautiful scenery!

When posing your group, place people according to families and couples. This makes it easier for everyone, as they are able to locate themselves easily when looking through their photos. If you'd like the session to be centered on two specific people, place them in the middle of the group.

It is very important to make sure that everyone's faces are visible. If they cannot see the camera, they will most likely not be seen in the photo! As a professional photographer, it is our job to scan the group and make sure that everyone is clearly visible. If one or more subjects are looking away, it may take away from a potentially perfect photo.  

To avoid awkward spacing in group photos, use a wide angled lens and tighten up the frame. Closing in any unwanted gaps between individuals is a great way to unite your group. One effective technique is to tell your group to lean their heads in close together. Allow your subjects to hug and hold each other and be ready to capture big smiles at any moment. 

As professional photographers in Hawaii, we take pride in sweet moments with family and friends. Your group will thank you for a great time and stunning group portraits.

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

Sunrise or Sunset? || Couple and Family Photography Sessions at the Grand Hyatt Kauai

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)

8 Must-Know Tips About Photographing Kids || Hawaii Family Portrait Photography

Photographing children is something that many photographers avoid. While it can be a challenge, here at Pacific Dream Photography, we have a blast! We are going to share a few pointers on how to take the stress out of photographing children. These simple tips will help you achieve natural effortless photos. 

1. Be Prepared. Preparing for a session makes all the difference in the world. If an infant or toddler is joining the session, it's important to bring a few toys to keep them engaged. Bubbles are a great way to keep kids occupied during the shoot and will result in giggles and smiles all around. The right lens also plays a huge role when photographing kids. Having the right equipment and settings will result in better photos.

2. Have Patience. Photographing children requires patience and time. Some kids love having their pictures taken, while others may be camera-shy. Just roll with their behavior and don't force anything. Kids will have a great time if you simply hang out with them. Engaging with the child and building their trust will allow them to warm up to the camera! Ask questions, tell jokes, and find out what they are interested in. Be ready to snap pictures at any time. You never know when they might do something unexpected resulting in a fabulous photo!

3. Smiling Is Not What's Most Important. The goal is to allow kids to feel like they are right at home. When kids are comfortable they will share their personality with the camera. Kids possess an array of emotions, quirks, and funny faces. Sometimes asking kids to smile will result in the typical forced "picture day face." Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we like to capture authentic timeless moments. After all, real life moments are the most memorable ones.

4. Get On Equal Ground. This tip might require getting a little dirty (or sandy!), but thats okay! Remember you are working with kids! Standing over them will make them look even smaller, so It's okay to get down on your knees or even on your stomach! Getting down on their level will make you instantly more approachable. Photographing the world from a child's perspective can create stunning images with different angles. 

5. Give Them a Sneak Peak! Children love to interact and see whats going on behind the camera. Sharing the images that you are taking can be very beneficial. It allows the child to be a part of the shoot rather than just the subject. Building a bond with the child will help you achieve more ideal results.  

6. Get Close. Don't be afraid to get close to your subject. It is important to fill the frame with the child. Capturing their facial expressions will result in extreme cuteness! Choose the right backgrounds, making sure there are no distractions around the subject. Ideally, the background should look blurry and soft. 

7. Get The Parents Involved. It's all about the family! During a session, parents are the key to a great shoot. Include the parents in the pictures. This will allow the child to relax and feel comfortable. Not only does this create beautiful images of the child, it creates memories for the whole family. 

8. Be Funny. It's okay to be silly during a session. Don't be afraid to make funny faces, dance, make silly noises, and have a great time. Don't worry about getting the perfect image, candid shots are a better option when photographing kids. Most importantly, have a great time! When the photographer is having fun, the child will have a wonderful time.

- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at  Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa)