ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS IN HAWAII + FLORIDA

So, your partner has finally popped the big question 😊, and you’re all about making this engagement session something genuinely unforgettable, right? Well, let me clue you in on a little secret – sunset beach engagement photos are where it’s at! Picture you, your love, and a stunning beach backdrop painted in warm, golden hues. No need to worry about nailing it perfectly on your own – I’ve got a bunch of tips to ensure your engagement photo shoot is nothing short of amazing !

ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS WITH CHRIS (Hawaii + Florida Photographer)

This Engagment Session Blog is filled with samples of some of my past engagement shoots. For those of you who live in Florida and seeing nothing but Images that took place in Hawaii - you may ask yourself, well is this photographer living here or in Hawaii now? Short answer, I lived in Hawaii for many years and moved to Florida a few years back, I shot mostly engagment and weddings in Hawaii, and now shoot real estate in FLorida (limited clients to fill my days), but will NEVER miss out on shooting sessions in the tropics, so yes, I still travel frequently to the Islands to shoot engagements + weddings !

ENGAGMENT SESSIONS IN HAWAII

ENGAGMENT SESSIONS IN FLORIDA

SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR BEACH ENGAGEMENT SESSION

While I’ll be orchestrating things behind the lens, remember, my goal is to capture your genuine selves. Save those camera glances and smooches for when I cue you – no need for an all-out kissing marathon lol !

When it comes to the best lighting, early mornings or those twilight hours before sunset are where the magic happens. This is when those dreamy, instagram-worthy shots come to life, so make the most of it.

For those up for an extra adventure - true hawaiian "the workd" session (the fun option for the right couple), pack an outfit change, stay hydrated, and tote some snacks. We’ll be hopping around a few spots to create some awesome memories, including hiking to a waterfall and ending at the beach to capture a romantic scenic epic shot !

Now, wind – it’s a character on all beaches. Embrace it, sway with it, let it be part of your natural unfolding story. Ladies, if the forecast calls for wind, consider rocking a chic updo to keep those locks in check 😊

Do you want to kick it up a notch? How about a dip in the ocean to cap off your session? Those moments are pure gold, with the sun’s golden hour glow dancing on the water’s surface, creating some seriously incredible images if you're up for it - no pressure ! The most important thing here is that you're enjoying your time together, I do not want to create awkwardness, my goal is always to capture you how you are !

MY FAVORITE TIPS FOR YOUR SUNSET BEACH ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

First, let’s go over some of the most common questions that I get asked by my clients:

What do we wear?

Rock whatever gives you that confidence boost! My go-to suggestion – A flowy dress for the gals and a spiffy yet relaxed outfit (think nice shirt and pants) for the guys. I’m more into pants than shorts, but the photo canvas is all yours, so roll with what feels right. No pressure to coordinate outfits like a runway show, but I’m all about dialing down the colors and patterns to keep the spotlight firmly on you both!

Of course, I want you to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in and what you have envisioned for your session! But here are a few ideas that may help you out!

• Avoid patterns – they typically make your photos look too busy, especially with Hawaii's gorgeous scenery. However, patterns look great on the Ladies as skirt or pants.

• Coordinate, don’t match! Instead of wearing identical colors, think about a color palette that speaks to you and mix in different shades and textures that complement each other.

• Flowy, lightweight fabrics are always the way to go on the beach! They catch the wind and add movement and texture, whcih really adds so much to your photos!

• Bring along a backup outfit! If you plan to do any playing in the waves, you may want to have something to change into!

• Most IMPORTANTLY wear something you feel yourself in – comfortable and glamorous, you want to feel confident and able to enjoy your session completely!

• Barefoot is definitely the way to go if you’re planning a beach session – it doesn’t look right any other way in my opinion, but if you are rocking it in heels, we can shoot a few photos with them of course too !

So WHAT TIME of the day is better, Sunrise or Sunset ?

I always kick myself when I post that I’m a sunset engagement photographer. Why?

I LOVE SUNRISES but lets face it.....getting up super early is the worst. I, without exception, dread it the night before and toss and turn all night in fear that I’m going to miss my alarm :-)

But then we get there. Bright and early, before the sun comes up. The beach is quiet, we have it all to ourselves. There are more turtles than people. And the colors start to emerge from the horizon. And then I remember oh ya this is why I love sunrises so much.

WHAT ABOUT A SUNRISE SESSION ?

What I love about sunrise engagement photography is perfectly exemplified in these images. I feel because we have more time to play with the light that the images become more interesting during the session. If you are after the soft pastels and ocean blue tones, that is where its at ! choose sunrises or early mornings!

WHAT ABOUT A SUNSET SESSION ?

If you are after the gold and warm tones and the very dramatic twilight time after the sun has set and my flashes come out, than....definitely choose sunset over sunrise - here are some of those images of my engagement sessions during sunsets and past until we completely loose the light !.

FINALLY...

....and those who have read about me know now that I lived in Hawaii for 15 years, moved to Florida but still come to the Islands for Engagements and Weddings, I can't pass up an opportunity to have stunning Hawaii scenic landscape as my backdrop....don't get me wrong, nothing against Florida with beautiful white sand beaches and great sunsets too....but my heart will always belong to the Islands with my ohana and friends ❤️

ARE YOU READY TO CREATE YOUR SUNRISE OR SUNSET BEACH ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?

If you’re on the hunt for a engagement photographer to capture those dreamy beach images for you, and you feel like you’ve met your match, hop over to my website and fill out the contact form. Let’s team up and create pastel or golden memories together!

MAHALO 🌴

Chris

ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION GALLERY (use arrow or slide over with finger to see more images...you know what to do :-)