Why You Should Take Oahu Family Portraits: Even When the Kids Are Wild

Jun 4, 2025

family takes fun photos on the beach for their oahu family portraits

Let’s talk about something I know every parent has worried about before booking a family session: “What if my kids don’t behave?” Spoiler alert: they won’t. And that’s exactly why you should still take the photos. These sweet Oahu family portraits with the Do Family at Kahana Bay was the perfect reminder that chaos can actually be beautiful. The kids were running around, splashing in the water, and just fully being themselves and it made for the dreamiest photos. I mean, giggles, wet sandy feet, and all the real-life moments? Yes please.

Your Oahu Family Portraits Don’t Have to Be Perfect

Here’s your permission slip to let go of “picture perfect.” The truth is, some of the most heart-melting photos come when no one’s looking at the camera. When your little one is cracking up mid-splash or giving you a wet hug in the sand? That’s the good stuff. That’s the stuff you’ll actually want to remember.

A woman kneels on a sandy beach, hugging and smiling at a young girl. Trees and mountains are visible in the background. The image is in black and white.

Tips for your Oahu Family Portraits

Feeling a little nervous to book your family session because you’re pretty sure your kids will be climbing trees, throwing sand, or belly-flopping into the water before we even start? I hear you and I promise that’s okay. Honestly, it’s more than okay. That’s where the magic is! Here’s what I always tell parents:

Let the kids play!

No need to hold them back. Running, splashing, twirling in the sand it’s all part of the fun! Movement brings joy, and joy brings those sweet, candid moments that make your photos feel so real. Some of the best images come from kids just being their full, wild selves.

Pack towels, snacks, and maybe a spare outfit.

We’re not going for squeaky clean, we’re going for memorable. So if someone ends up soaked from the ocean or covered in sandy giggles, that’s a win in my book. A snack break halfway through can also be a game changer (especially for toddlers…and let’s be honest, maybe for parents too).

Trust your photographer. I’ve got you!

You don’t need to stress about wrangling every second. My job is to follow the chaos, lean into the laughs, and capture all the love in between. I’ll guide you through the flow, read the room, and make it feel like we’re just hanging out because we are!

Forget “perfect.” Just be present.

Your kids don’t need to be posed perfectly to make beautiful memories. When you’re relaxed and having fun, they feel that too—and that’s when the real magic happens. So let go of expectations, soak up the moment, and enjoy your time together.

Why Oahu Family Portraits Matter More Than You Think

I always tell families this: years from now, you won’t remember what shoes you wore or whether your toddler was having a meltdown about a snack. What you’ll see is how small their hand looked in yours, the way they smiled when you scooped them up, and how your whole crew just felt like home. These aren’t just photos for your holiday card, they’re for your future self to look back on and remember exactly how this season of life felt.

A family of four stands together on a beach with mountains in the background, dressed in light-colored clothing, smiling at the camera.

A woman and a young boy walk barefoot along the shoreline, holding hands, with gentle waves and a green hill in the background.

The Do Family

The Do Family embraced every second. The energy was wild in the best way—kids running through the water, parents soaking it all in, and me just clicking away through the laughter. And guess what? Their sneak peek was full of magic.

Here’s what they said after:

“ohhhhhh emmm geee!! OMG These turned out WAY better than i was hoping for!! The kids were running around crazy I was thinking theres no way she could have gotten any good photos but these look SO good! Thank you for the sneak peak! This makes me even more excited for the final gallery!! Thanks again! And in case i forgot to say it, thank you for such a wonderful photo session we had so much fun.”

So if you’re a mama debating whether your crew is “photo-ready,” let this be your sign. Book the session. Let your kids be wild. Laugh through the chaos. These are the memories worth keeping.

A child in a white shirt and shorts stands in shallow water at the beach, smiling as water splashes around, with green mountains in the background.

A young child in a light blue dress runs through shallow water at the beach, smiling, with gentle waves in the background.

Book your Oahu Family Portraits!

Ready for your own Oahu family portraits? I want to be your Oahu family photographer! Let’s run around on the beach and capture the real magic! See more of my work on Pinterest and contact me here!

See more on the blog!

Why Secret Beach Is Perfect for Your Oahu Family Photography Session

Why You Should Have Oahu Family Photos Taken During Your Visit