Hawaiian Weddings; Things To Know

Jun 16
2010
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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.

Written by nicole in: hawaii wedding photograher, maui beach weddings, maui bride and groom, Maui Photographer, Maui Photography, photographer, maui, photographers in maui, Wedding photography, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MAUI, WEDDINGS MAUI | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Maui Wedding

Jun 09
2010
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I wanted to share this photo of a beautiful wedding cake from one of this weeks weddings. If your thinking of getting married and looking for tips on wedding cakes, ministers, photography and supplies, please give Nicole a call at:

808. 205-2366

Behind The Lens Maui

www.behindthelensmaui.com

Written by nicole in: maui event photographer, MAUI PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, Maui Wedding Photography, maui wedding photography service, MAUI WEDDING PICTURES, photographer, maui, photographers in maui, Photographers Maui, photographers on maui, Wedding photography | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Photography Careers And What You Need To Know

May 08
2010
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Wedding Photography Careers And What

You Need To Know


Part Four

In my final part of the four part series, I will round off the final steps of advice for starting your wedding photography career.

1. If you have shaky hands, you may want to consider using a tripod. Other reasons to use a tripod include, but are not limited to: you’re using a very large, as well as slow, telephoto lenses, if you’re attempting to shoot photos in low light, if you have the need to take several consecutive identical shots (such as with HDR photography), in the event you are taking panoramic shots, then using a tripod is highly suggested. For real long exposures (usually lasting more than a second or more), I would recommend a cable release (especially for older film cameras) or a remote control. This would be a great use of the self-timer feature.

Of course there are disadvantages to the use of a tripod. A tripod prohibits your ability to move around and therefore not allowing for a quick change framing your shot. In addition, the additional weight you would have to carry around. As a general guideline, a tripod is only needed if your shutter speed is either equal to or is slower than the reciprocal in your focal length. If you are able to avoid the use of a tripod, usually by using faster ISO speeds and faster shutter speeds, or using image stabilization features on your camera, or just moving to a location that has better lighting, I would suggest doing that.

2. Remain calm and relaxed when you go to push the shutter button. Also, try not holding your camera up for too long of a time. This may cause your arms and hands to become heavier, thus causing them to be prone to shaking. A good idea is to practice bringing your camera up towards your eye, while focusing and metering, then taking the shot in one smooth and swift motion.

3. Be aware of the “red-eye” effect. Red-eye is caused when the eyes dilate in lower level lighting. When your pupils are enlarged, the flash actually will light up the blood vessels on the back wall of your eyeballs, which cause it to look red. If you feel that you need to use a flash in poor lighting, try getting the person you are photographing to not look directly towards the camera or maybe consider using a “bounce flash”. If you aim your flash above your subject’s heads, especially if the surrounding walls are light, allows the avoidance of the red-eye effect. If you don’t have the use of a separate flash gun, which can be adjustable, use the red-eye reduction feature on your camera (if available). It may flash a couple of times prior to opening the shutter, which usually is the cause of your subject’s pupils to contract, therefore minimizing the red-eye.

4. Use your flash only when you have to. A flash in poor lighting can quite often create ugly reflections or give the photo the appearance of your subject with a “washed out” look. However, a flash can be very useful for filling in the shadows and eliminating the “raccoon eye” or the “bags under the eyes” effect you may get in bright midday light. Of course, that will depend on whether or not your flash sync speed is fast enough.

5. Go through your photographs and decide on which ones are your the best ones. Decide on what makes the best photos. Then continue to use that method that gave you your best shots. Don’t be afraid to delete or throw away photos. You need to be brutally honest with yourself to move forward; be critical, as it will only make you better. If you’re shooting with a digital camera, then it won’t cost you anything other than your time. However, before you delete your photos, what can you take away from looking at your worst pictures.

6. Practice, practice and practice some more. Take as many photos as you can. The more photos you take the more comfortable and better you will become. Not to mention, the more you (and everyone) will enjoy looking at your photos. Shoot from various angles, as well as new or different subjects and keep working at it. You can even take the most boring of subjects and turn into something amazing. Get to know the ins and outs of your camera and its limitations. Also, how well it performs with different forms of lighting, how well the auto-focus performs at a variety of distances, as well as how it shoots moving subjects, and so on.

So as you can see, there’s much more in becoming a successful wedding photographer than just getting a new camera. I hope you enjoyed and learned from this Four Part Series. If you become an expert in all these above steps, along with staying focused and determined, and soon you will reap the benefits of this exciting career field.

Written by nicole in: Maui Photography | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Photographers: What to look for

Apr 12
2010
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Wedding Photographers: What To Look For


A wedding photographer is often overlooked until late in the wedding planning. Many couples plan out the look and feel of their wedding and receptions as their priority; then they will begin to look for a photographer.

Often a couple misses out on a opportunity and visual advice from the wedding photographer. After all, they are the ones that will be capturing the sights and moments on film that will last forever. In addition, the wedding photographer has been to more weddings than most people and may be able to offer advice that would enhance the setting even more. Furthermore, once the party is over and everyone has gone home, it’s the photographer that will bring the moments of your very special day back to life.

Your Initial Search

When it comes to looking for a wedding photographer, start early and don’t settle on the first one. Much like a car, you want to see what a few models have to offer. You may really like the first one you talk to, but later find someone that offers so much more or at a better price. You may meet a photographer that has certain techniques that others do not offer. If you start the process early, you will have more time to choose the photographer you are most comfortable with, as well as getting that advice on ceremony and reception set up and lighting that they may suggest before planning that aspect. Besides, after meeting a few photographers, you may find yourself still drawn to that first one, but now you are better prepared.

Be sure the photographer has a portfolio with a variety of wedding photographs. This will really give you insight of the quality of their photographs, as well as the creativity. Never just take their word for it. Many wedding photographers now have websites dedicated to their craft. You can use this tool as well to either weed out those from interviewing, and wasting your time, and some you want to meet to see more of what they have to offer. In addition, just because a photographer has many years of experience, does not mean they are good at what they do. You may come across someone who has less experience, but whose photos speak to you and more of your style. Let the photography speak to you.

Capturing the Moment

Just like every wedding is different, so too are wedding photographers. Therefore, when meeting potential photographers, as you look through their portfolios, ask yourself if their photos say something to you or are they just pictures. A really great wedding photographer should be able to bring emotion in their shots and bring it to life. Do their photos capture all the key moments, but also the little moments that go unnoticed. When viewing the romantic moments of your day, can you feel the emotion of love? When viewing the reception, can you feel the fun and excitement of the guests? Also, are they intrusive to your guests or are do they stay in the background? A good wedding photographer should be able to bring your day back to life. If you don’t see it or feel it in their photographs, move on to someone else.

Things You Need To Ask

Part of the interviewing process is more than just the photographs. First, how are you getting along? Is the wedding photographer adaptable to your needs or are they dictating to you? What is their availability? What are their prices? Do they offer packages and if so, what exactly do you get for your money? Do they get paid by the hour or by the event? Are they willing to alter packages to meet your needs? Who keeps the negatives? How much value are you getting for you money? Are they an individual wedding photographer or part of a team? If they are part of a team, this would be an important aspect to know, because you will want to get to know and see the work of the photographer that will be assigned to your wedding. You need to take all of this in consideration, along with their photographic abilities before deciding on someone. Remember this is YOUR day, and not theirs.

You see there is more to getting the right wedding photographer than just picking a name in the yellow pages. You need to do a little research and be sure you get the right person for the job. One that is going to deliver quality photographs that will last for a lifetime; someone you feel comfortable working with; someone that can offer some advice on the look of your ceremony and reception that will enhance your photos; someone that can truly deliver great value for your money.

Now you can see, by choosing a wedding photographer late in the planning, how it can be a detriment to your big day. Start early so that you have the time you need to be comfortable with your choice and can enjoy the whole experience.


Written by nicole in: Hawaii Photographer, HAWAII PORTRAITS, hawaii professional photographers, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, Maui Wedding Photography, Wedding photography, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MAUI, wedding pictures maui, WEDDINGS MAUI | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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