Maui Photography

Jul 20
2010

Aloha,

Well July has been a busy month for weddings in Maui, Hawaii. I was a bit concerned about the number of bookings  the first of June but, all of a sudden my schedule filled up. Wow… It’s been fantastic!  I have been blessed with the best clients in the world. I’ve met some wonderful people so far this month and many of them I will remain in contact with for years to come.

I also have had been working with Maui Surfer Girls owner, Dustin Tester again this year capturing her summer camps for girls. This is my fifth year shooting for Maui Surfer Girls and I have gotten o know many of the young ladies who are loyal surfer girls who have repeatedly attended MSG camp over the years. MSG is celebrating it’s tenth year anniversary this year and I am very proud to be able to be a part of the team at Maui Surfer Girls as the staff photographer. If your planning to visit Maui this summer and are looking to learn how to surf, I highly recommend calling Dustin- owner of Maui Surfer Girls.

If your planning to visit Maui this summer and would like family, engagement , Romantic, vacation documentary or Surf photography services while in Hawaii please give me a call. I would love to meet you and customize a photography session for you.

Behind The Lens Maui

(808) 205-2366

www.behindthelensmaui.com

Happy summer…

Aloha,

Nicole

Hawaiian Weddings; Things To Know

May 25
2010

Hawaiian Weddings; Things To Know

Is there anything more romantic than a wedding in Hawaii? Hard to come up with one isn’t it? Therefore, since you are about to experience one of the greatest days of your life, allow me to give you some important insight and what you can expect from Hawaii as you plan to kick off your new life.

Best Times To Go

Is there really a bad time to go? Not really, but like anywhere else, there are times that are better than others. Obvious times of the year are during the summer when you have slightly warmer temperatures. However, in Hawaii temperatures usually average in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the year.

A more important weather notation is Hawaii’s rainfall. Hawaii is one of the largest rain forests in the world and it rains often. However, due to the flow of Hawaii’s trade winds, the rain generally hits most often on the northeastern parts of each island and in the mountains. Therefore, if you plan your Hawaiian wedding on a southwestern part of an island, you have a much more likely chance of nice and clear weather.

Wedding Styles

If you are not familiar with Hawaii, I suggest a Hawaiian coordinator. They can bring to you a selection of Hawaiian traditions, customs, cultures and sense of Hawaiian tranquility and relaxation.

In deciding a style for your Hawaiian wedding, there are many options you can choose from. You can go with traditional indoor weddings at one of many locations or maybe you prefer an outdoors wedding in a garden area or on the beach.

You can also make your wedding as simple as you want or more complex; you are in Hawaii after all. Maybe you want to include waterfalls, horses, the ocean, volcanoes or even take a helicopter to some remote location. The options are endless with a Hawaiian wedding.

Your Honeymoon

Hawaii is one of the top destinations for any honeymooners, whether you are married on the islands or not. Plan ahead and list everything you want to do and see while you are here. Some of the items may be on different islands, so do your homework and be prepared.

First there is lodging. Hawaii has some of the most beautiful resorts around or you can go more local and rent a condo or villa. Although most areas are short drives, consider your activities and restaurants when deciding where to stay. No matter where you stay or what you do, you are here for two reasons: Hawaiian Paradise and Each Other.

Which Island Should You Go To

After listing all your events, be sure to check them against what each island has to offer. Many of the islands offer many of the same things, but some do not. If you don’t mind traveling from island to island, then you’re set. However, if you are budgeted for less travel, then research the islands and see what they have to offer before making your choice.

After all, if you are set on lying out on Waikiki Beach and visiting Pearl Harbor, but plan on staying in Maui, you will realize these are different islands. So do you stay in Maui? Change to Oahu? Or simply do both? Once again, plan ahead and don’t wait until you get here, you may be disappointed.

To help with this, here is a quick rundown on the Hawaiian Islands as you prepare for your Hawaiian wedding or honeymoon.

On Molokai, you will find this island to be one of the more natural states as it is the least affected by big business. If you are more into cultural experiences, this may be the island for you.

Maui is often considered to be the most romantic of the islands. There are many things to do, even if it’s simply doing nothing. Anything from ocean walks and boating experiences, to up country farming. From waterfalls and tropical paradises, to a night on the town. Maui offers a variety of different things to do and see.

The biggest island is called, Hawaii. Much like Molokai, the “big island” offers more of a cultural setting. The weather here is like no other. The world has 13 climatic zones and this one island can experience 11 of them alone. From sun, to rain, to even snow topped mountains. Hawaii also offers some of the best lava flows around.

Kauai is your garden island. This is the island of beautiful tropical appearances that has been the stereotype in the movies or television. If you are an outdoors kind of person or prefer a slower pace, Kauai is for you.

The island of Oahu generally has the most action. This island is home to Honolulu, the state capital, as well as Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and much more. If your preference is for a faster pace and action, Oahu should be your choice.

As you can see, there is so much to offer for a Hawaiian wedding. Plan ahead and make the most of it. You will never forget Hawaii.

Family Portraits: What To Wear And What Not To Wear

May 19
2010

Family Portraits: What To Wear And What Not To Wear

When it comes to your family portraits, there are different styles to choose from. However, regardless of what style you go with, there is some basic choices to make with your clothing and accessories that will improve your portrait results. However, you can also detract from your photo with the wrong choices that you may make. Here are a few suggestions that should help you in your planning for your photo session.

For a more distinct photo that accentuates your face, hair and hands, the following is recommended for your clothing tops:

· Colors should lean towards the extreme ends of the spectrum with either very dark or very light. This allows your top to highlight you and your face, regardless of the backdrop.

· Avoid more intermediate colors as they generally don’t produce as well and will cause your facial tones to blend in with your top.

· Include interesting collars and/or sleeves on your tops.

· Tops with interesting textures, such as, a sweater, can add richness or depth to your photograph.

· Avoid busy colors, stripes and noisy patterns. Quite often these don’t reproduce well and can distract from viewer from your photo.

In addition, if you bring with you enough clothes to change into for your session, then also consider bringing a variety of styles in your colors, textures, necklines, as well as undergarments for a variety of different looks.

Other suggestions when it comes to colors is with the darker colors you will get a more slimming effect in a photo, while you may get the opposite wearing lighter colors. Also try to avoid clothes that may create reflective colors against your skin tones. The camera readily picks this up and reflects the color cast, which in turn can cause you to look somewhat off color. Bright reds, oranges and yellows are common colors that can produce a more true color cast. Compare that to in terms of pastels or soft colors and you should be just fine.

If your images are to include you below the shoulders during your portrait session, it is usually suggested that your bottoms be a pair of blue jeans, dark slacks or something similar. Of course it will depend on the look you are looking for in your portraits. In addition, dark shoes will also reproduce well on film while your portraits are taking place when your feet are included. You will want to bring a couple pairs of shoes that are appropriate for the type of clothing you may be wearing, as well as other items such as socks/stockings. This could enhance your full posed photos.

You will also have to consider whether or not your outfit could be considered outdated in the near future. What may be today’s fashion statement, may be tomorrow’s faux pas. In addition, try to avoid any clothing that may contain distractions such as logos or slogans, as they to can become outdated or bring you embarrassment.

Jewelry is a nice way to accessorize and highlight your portrait session, but try to keep it simple and elegant. Overdoing the jewelry or jewelry that is too large and gaudy will distract and draw your viewer’s attention from your portrait and sometimes in an unflattering way. This approach should also be taken into consideration when choosing other sorts of accessories as well.

One of the biggest challenges with portrait taking is with glasses. The lenses have a tendency to cause the face to come out distorted, which could result in a less than picture perfect effect. Consider your photos without your glasses or bring frames without lenses. Experience shows that you will be unsatisfied with your portraits that were taken with the lenses on your existing glasses. So prepare yourself to have your portrait shots taken with either your glasses without lenses or without glasses altogether.

When all is said and done, you will look your best if you are wearing something comfortable and with your own sense of style. After all, they are your portraits. The above suggestions are to allow you to get the best looking portrait possible.


Family Portraits:What to wear and what not to wear

Apr 11
2010

Family Portraits: What To Wear And What Not To Wear

When it comes to your family portraits, there are different styles to choose from. However, regardless of what style you go with, there is some basic choices to make with your clothing and accessories that will improve your portrait results. However, you can also detract from your photo with the wrong choices that you may make. Here are a few suggestions that should help you in your planning for your photo session.

For a more distinct photo that accentuates your face, hair and hands, the following is recommended for your clothing tops:

· Colors should lean towards the extreme ends of the spectrum with either very dark or very light. This allows your top to highlight you and your face, regardless of the backdrop.

· Avoid more intermediate colors as they generally don’t produce as well and will cause your facial tones to blend in with your top.

· Include interesting collars and/or sleeves on your tops.

· Tops with interesting textures, such as, a sweater, can add richness or depth to your photograph.

· Avoid busy colors, stripes and noisy patterns. Quite often these don’t reproduce well and can distract from viewer from your photo.

In addition, if you bring with you enough clothes to change into for your session, then also consider bringing a variety of styles in your colors, textures, necklines, as well as undergarments for a variety of different looks.

Other suggestions when it comes to colors is with the darker colors you will get a more slimming effect in a photo, while you may get the opposite wearing lighter colors. Also try to avoid clothes that may create reflective colors against your skin tones. The camera readily picks this up and reflects the color cast, which in turn can cause you to look somewhat off color. Bright reds, oranges and yellows are common colors that can produce a more true color cast. Compare that to in terms of pastels or soft colors and you should be just fine.

If your images are to include you below the shoulders during your portrait session, it is usually suggested that your bottoms be a pair of blue jeans, dark slacks or something similar. Of course it will depend on the look you are looking for in your portraits. In addition, dark shoes will also reproduce well on film while your portraits are taking place when your feet are included. You will want to bring a couple pairs of shoes that are appropriate for the type of clothing you may be wearing, as well as other items such as socks/stockings. This could enhance your full posed photos.

You will also have to consider whether or not your outfit could be considered outdated in the near future. What may be today’s fashion statement, may be tomorrow’s faux pas. In addition, try to avoid any clothing that may contain distractions such as logos or slogans, as they to can become outdated or bring you embarrassment.

Jewelry is a nice way to accessorize and highlight your portrait session, but try to keep it simple and elegant. Overdoing the jewelry or jewelry that is too large and gaudy will distract and draw your viewer’s attention from your portrait and sometimes in an unflattering way. This approach should also be taken into consideration when choosing other sorts of accessories as well.

One of the biggest challenges with portrait taking is with glasses. The lenses have a tendency to cause the face to come out distorted, which could result in a less than picture perfect effect. Consider your photos without your glasses or bring frames without lenses. Experience shows that you will be unsatisfied with your portraits that were taken with the lenses on your existing glasses. So prepare yourself to have your portrait shots taken with either your glasses without lenses or without glasses altogether.

When all is said and done, you will look your best if you are wearing something comfortable and with your own sense of style. After all, they are your portraits. The above suggestions are to allow you to get the best looking portrait possible.