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.

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.

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.

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

Planning your Oahu family photography session while on vacation might feel like a lot, but trust me, it can be one of the best decisions you make during your trip to Hawaii. Whether you’re staying at the Four Seasons, Disney Aulani, or the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club, you’re already just steps away from one of my favorite photo spots on the island: Secret Beach!

This session with Madi’s extended family was the perfect example of why I love this spot so much! Gorgeous views, soft golden light, space for toddlers to roam, and just the right amount of privacy for a stress-free experience.

What Makes Secret Beach So Special

Secret Beach (yes, it really feels like a hidden gem) sits just between the Four Seasons Oahu and Disney’s Aulani Resort, making it super convenient if you’re vacationing nearby. It has everything you’d want for your family session, calm waves, tidepools for the kids to explore, swaying palms, and that golden Hawaiian sunset glow that hits just right.

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and soak in a moment with your favorite people, all while I quietly snap away, capture it all unfold.

A Real Oahu Family Photography Session at Secret Beach

Madi’s session included the whole crew: parents, grandparents, kids—you name it! And like most families with toddlers, we had a little bit of everything: smiles, giggles, snacks, and a couple of “I’m not in the mood” toddler moments. And that’s totally okay!

This is something I always like to remind families: your session doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be beautiful. We took our time, followed the kids’ lead, and found little moments of connection everywhere—sandy toes, big hugs, tiny hand-holding, and those belly laughs that make you forget there’s a camera nearby.

We moved through different parts of Secret Beach as the session went on, walking by the Four Seasons Oahu and Disney Aulani while the sun started to dip lower in the sky. The light? Unreal. Soft, glowy, and so flattering. Whether we were framed by palm trees or playing by the water’s edge, the scenery did most of the heavy lifting—and all we had to do was show up.

Why Secret Beach Works So Well for Extended Families

If you’re planning to include grandparents, cousins, or multiple families, Secret Beach is such a solid pick. There’s enough space for group shots and lots of room for little ones to run around safely. Plus, the nearby resorts make it easy for everyone to meet up without needing to travel far from their hotel.

Worried about your toddler’s mood? Don’t be! I’ve worked with lots of families, and we always make it work—whether that means chasing waves, taking snack breaks, or waiting for a quiet cuddle moment that turns into the sweetest photo of the whole day.

Tips for Your Oahu Family Photography Session

Plan for Sunset

The light at Secret Beach during golden hour is next-level dreamy. I always recommend starting your session about an hour before sunset so we can get those soft, glowy vibes.

Coordinate Outfits, Don’t Match

Go for colors that complement the beach—think neutrals, soft pastels, or earthy tones. Avoid busy patterns and neon colors. (And yes, you can totally wear a flowy dress and go barefoot!)

Pack Smart

Bring water, snacks for the little ones, a towel, and maybe a change of clothes if the kids go full beach-mode (which, let’s be honest, they probably will).

Trust the Process

Not every moment has to be posed. Some of my favorite photos come from the in-between moments—when you’re laughing, talking, or just walking hand in hand. Let your family be your family, and I’ll take care of capturing the magic.

Let’s Talk About Toddlers (Because We Love ‘Em)

If you’re planning an Oahu family photography session with little ones, just know: I get it! Toddlers are unpredictable, full of big feelings, and not always in the mood to smile on command—and honestly, that’s what I love about them. As a mom myself, I’ve been on both sides of the camera. I know what it’s like to hope your kid will cooperate just this once, and I also know that the sweetest moments usually happen when we stop forcing it. That’s why I approach every session with patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor—because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect smiles, it’s about capturing your real, beautiful life just as it is!

During Madi’s family session, we had a few toddler moments where the kiddos weren’t feeling it. And that’s okay! That’s totally normal. I’m never expecting them to be perfect little models the whole time. In fact, some of my favorite images come from the unplanned moments—when they’re snuggling up to mom, playing in the sand, or even having a little pout. It’s all part of the story.

I take a super relaxed and patient approach when working with families. We take breaks when we need to. We play games, sing songs, chase waves, whatever helps your little ones feel safe, comfortable, and like they’re just having fun with their people. There’s zero pressure to force a smile.

The magic always comes through, even if it takes a little extra time and flexibility. You bring the love, I’ll bring the patience (and probably a few silly noises).

Why Working With the Right Photographer Matters

When you’re planning a family session while traveling, you need someone who’s more than just a photographer, you need someone who gets it. I’m not just here to take photos. I’m here to guide you through the whole experience so that it’s easy, relaxed, and genuinely fun. Whether we’re wrangling toddlers or chasing the last bit of light, I’ve got you.

You don’t need to stress about where to stand or what to do with your hands. I’ll gently direct you while still leaving room for real, candid moments to unfold naturally.

Let’s Make your Oahu Family Session Happen!

If you’re heading to Oahu and staying near the Four Seasons, Disney Aulani, or Ko Olina Beach Club, this is your sign to book an Oahu family photography session while you’re here! Secret Beach is the kind of place that turns your vacation into a memory you’ll treasure forever, and I’d love to help you capture it! See more of my work on Pinterest and book your Oahu family photography session here!

Why You Should Have Oahu Family Photos Taken During Your Visit

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