FAMILY CLIENT LOUNGE
WELCOME TO THE
Family Client Lounge
The Client Lounge is a place for you to come to get all of the information you need to help you prepare for your upcoming session. Enjoy all of the valuable resources I have provided for you.
If you have any questions that you don’t find the answers to here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Styling guides, tips for children, locations, and more.
FAMILY STYLING GUIDE
OVERALL TIP FOR FAMILIES:
Aim for coordination instead of matching.
START WITH THE BASICS
USE A PALETTE OF 3 CORE NEUTRALS AND BASES TO STRUCTURE YOUR PALETTE
Before decluttering your family’s dressers and drawers, streamline the process with a plan. Start by selecting a base color and then add 2 to 3 complementary shades from the neutral and nearly neutral options provided. With these colors in mind, you can create cohesive outfits and simplify your wardrobe organization.
ADD IN ACCENT COLORS
INCORPORATE ONE OR TWO ACCENT COLORS
Introduce one or two accent colors to add a touch of variety or if you’re having trouble creating a full outfit with just your three core colors. Use these sparingly, ensuring they complement the neutrals and nearly neutrals you’ve already chosen. Complete the look by incorporating nonessential clothing items like wraps, sweaters, or hats. Add some flair with statement accessories such as watches, bracelets, hair bows, or jewelry that harmonizes with your core and accent colors.
Below are examples of color palettes using the base - neutral - accent colors formula.
Check out more outfit color palettes and how they photograph in the blog post below.
Where to Shop
Need to get in some last-minute shopping? Here’s a list of some of the best places to pick up dresses, button-downs, and clothes for little ones at different prices.
LAHAINA
WHALER’S VILLAGE
Blue Ginger Designs - Women
Blue Ginger Kids
Cinnamon Girl - Women & Girls
Honolua Surf Co. - Men & Boys’ Button Downs
Keani Hawai’i - Women’s Apparel & Jewelry
Lily Pulitzer - Women & Girls
Lululemon - Men’s button downs, pants, shorts
Mahina - Women’s
Travis Mathew - Men’s
Soha Keiki - Children’s Clothes & Toys
Tommy Bahama
Tori Richard - Women’s, Men’s, & Children’s
LAHAINA GATEWAY AREA
Mahina - Women
Ross - Women’s, Men’s, Children’s
Lahaina Cannery Mall - Women’s, Men’s Children’s
Have you ever dreamed of wearing a romantic gown, tulle skirt, or flower crown but never had the perfect occasion? Now’s your chance to shine! Remember, there’s no such thing as “too dressed up” for your portrait session, so go ahead and have a blast with your look!
Dresses and skirts are incredibly flattering on all body types and look fantastic on camera. A full, flowy skirt, in particular, acts like a built-in “prop,” allowing you to twirl and swirl for added movement and visual interest in your photos. For the best results, opt for a dress rather than pants or shorts, and enjoy the effortless elegance it brings to your session!
When choosing colors for your outfits, go for soft, light tones and muted shades to keep the focus on your faces. The camera adores gentle pastels and neutrals such as peach, lavender, blush, sky blue, sage green, golden yellow, heather gray, creams, tans, leather, denim, and soft white. These hues blend beautifully with natural outdoor settings and ensure a harmonious look in your photos.
COLOR
FABRICS & PRINTS
Choosing the right fabric can really elevate your photos! Opt for a solid-colored fabric for a classic, polished look. If solids aren't your style or you don't have one on hand, go for a subtle print that won't overwhelm the image. Think delicate florals, simple geometric patterns, or small stripes.
To add a touch of flair, consider fabrics with interesting textures like lace, seersucker, linen, denim, chiffon, or tulle.
Your photos should highlight you, not just your outfit. Aim for a look that makes people say, “Wow, you look amazing!” rather than just noticing the dress.
Got an infant or baby girl in your crew?
Don't forget the bloomers!
It's always a bummer to see a diaper peeking out from under a dress in an otherwise perfect photo. This is easy to fix by slipping bloomers over the diaper so that regardless of how active everyone gets, the diaper is out of sight.
CUT
Flowy dresses and skirts really shine in photos, adding beautiful movement that complements scenic backdrops like Maui's stunning beaches, cliffs, and grassy hills. Choose a style that enhances this fluidity and creates captivating visuals.
If your shoot location is likely windy, such as beaches or clifftop views, go for a mid-thigh or longer hemline. Wind can be fantastic for creating dramatic effects, but it can also lead to wardrobe malfunctions if you’re constantly adjusting your dress!
Keep in mind: the eye tends to focus on what’s revealed. While bare arms, legs, or a low-cut neckline can look fantastic, they might draw attention away from your face in photos. It’s not about avoiding these styles—just being mindful of how they might affect the overall look.
A FEW EXTRA THINGS TO CONSIDER for EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND THOSE WITH SMALL CHILDREN
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If you're bringing little ones along, we might have you sitting or crouching to engage with them at their level. While dresses of any length look great on camera, knee-length or longer options will make it easier to move around and interact with your kids comfortably.
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For expecting mothers, floor-length gowns or maxi dresses are a fantastic choice. Whether you prefer a form-fitting style or something more flowy, these dresses highlight your bump and create a stunning silhouette.
FOOTWEAR
Most photo sessions take place on Maui's beautiful beaches, though some locations offer an opportunity to showcase your footwear. I always recommend bringing beach-friendly footwear. If you have a cute pair of shoes you would like to feature, it’s best to bring a pair of sandals for after the session. This way, your cute shoes remain sand-free.
If you have time, your vacation is a wonderful time to treat yourself to a pedicure before or during your vacation. This way, you feel extra pampered and confident in your bare feet.
LAST MINUTE CHECKS:
Steam or iron out any wrinkles in dresses and shirts
Double-check for tags and cut out any of those pesky ribbon hanger straps.
White dresses can sometimes be see-through in sunlight. Try outfits on with underwear or shorts to make sure everyone is comfortable and there aren’t any awkward lumps or lines.
ACCESSORIES
Adding a few accessories to your outfit can truly elevate your photos, giving them that extra pop and helping coordinate with your group. Statement necklaces make a bold impact and stand out beautifully on camera, while delicate pieces might be less noticeable.
Belts, bracelets, and earrings add fantastic visual interest—pick one or two that complement your look without overwhelming it. And for a romantic touch, fresh floral crowns are a charming addition for you or your friends!
You can find my recommendations for florists across the island here: Best Florists on Maui
For beach photos, I suggest men go for shorts—neutral colors like khaki, navy, or brown are versatile and pair well with most shirts. If you prefer long pants, we can roll up the hems to keep them dry from the surf.
To keep the focus where it belongs, avoid pinstripes, plaid patterns, and any graphics or logos, as they can be distracting. Keep it simple and stylish for the best results!
When choosing colors for your outfits, go for soft, light tones and muted shades to keep the focus on your faces. The camera adores gentle pastels and neutrals such as peach, lavender, blush, sky blue, sage green, golden yellow, heather gray, creams, tans, leather, denim, and soft white. These hues blend beautifully with natural outdoor settings and ensure a harmonious look in your photos.
COLORS & TEXTURES
Most clients prefer a more relaxed look in their photos. For this, I recommend choosing lightweight button-down shirts in natural fibers like cotton and linen. This will keep you cool around those warm sunset times as well. Be mindful if you're chasing young children around, you may want to choose a color that is less likely to show perspiration, like white.
SUNRISE OR SUNSET?
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Maui sunrise sessions offer calm waters, no wind, empty beaches, and an early start to your day. They are the perfect choice for families early in their vacation with a time change, those who are shy, or families who want an intimate and quiet photo session experience on Maui.
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Maui sunset sessions offer warm hues, sun-kissed waters, and the perfect end to a day on Maui before a delicious dinner. Sunset photo sessions are the perfect choice for mothers, couples, or families later in their vacation who are adjusted to the time change, those who chase sunsets, or anyone who doesn’t mind other beach-goers enjoying the sunset views.
WHEN TO CHOOSE A SUNRISE SESSION:
When it’s early in your vacation, or you are naturally an early riser. The East Coast is 5-6 hours ahead of Hawaii time, so a 6:00 am session will feel a lot later when your still adjusting to the new time zone.
If you have small children with tricky nap schedules.
If you or anyone in your party dislikes taking photos in front of others.
If you want guaranteed calm conditions.
You desire a more intimate feeling session.
WHEN TO CHOOSE A SUNSET SESSION:
Your heart is set on capturing a Maui sunset
You don’t mind a little wind at your session
You have teens who won’t want to get up early
You want to relax in your day without a tight schedule
TIPS FOR KIDS
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Get a little practice in!
Kids don’t always know how to act during a photo session. Running through prompts like “show me your smile!” and “say Maui!” will help them be prepared for the session.
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Find the Music
Do you know what songs your children love to play on repeat? Little ones can get easily overwhelmed, so pumping a little fun into the session with some tunes from Bluey or Frozen can often get everyone happy and dancing!
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Pack a few toys and dry snacks
When it comes to photo sessions, hungry kids aren’t what we want during a session. Plan your day around the photo session by strategically planning to eat prior to the session (or at least make sure the kids have a bit to eat). In addition, bringing your kids’ favorite snacks along will ensure they have something to do in between shots and prevent any unexpected meltdowns. The best snacks to bring are dry, clean snacks, like Cheerios, that won’t make a stain.
Bring a few toys as well so that we can use them to get some smiles at the camera!
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Have a chat about the session
Take a moment before your photo session to let them know what’s to come. Explain that these photos are important, but that they will also be a fun way to explore a new place on Maui.
It’s not ideal to surprise your child with a photo session or keep them in the dark about your plans. Instead, tell them that a photographer is going to take photos of them and your family at (insert location). If they’re old enough, you may want to lay out what will be expected of them and any expectations you have for their behavior. Make sure they understand that this will be a FUN experience full of laughter and exploring, and everyone will have a good time!
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Plan a treat or outing after the session
A lot of families discuss and pick a treat that the kids will receive after the session if they’re good listeners and smilers, like an ice cream cone, for exampleThat being said, don’t be worried about how your kids will behave or embarrassed if things don’t go as planned. They’re little, and their unfiltered, unpredictable emotions and outbursts are part of the reason you want to remember this season in life. It's my aim to help you embrace these moments with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for an hour or more. We will make sure to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most part I want you to just have a great time and be yourselves.
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Dress them for comfort
If your child is in pain, it will certainly show on their face. Sometimes the outfit just isn’t worth it! Dressing for our session can actually be pretty simple. Focus on making sure your child has no issues with their attire so it’s easy for them to have fun and that will show through in the photos!
Side note: children often love to play at these locations (sandy beaches) so plan for an outfit that is easy to wash or that you don’t mind getting dirty.
MORE RESOURCES
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Whether you're in the mood for grab-and-go goodies or brunch with a view and some sneaky cocktails for the grown-ups, Maui's got you covered. These breakfast havens are just a short hop, skip, and a jump away from Lahaina’s beaches, so you won't have to chase the smell of pancakes for too long.
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Maui's sunny disposition occasionally shares the stage with rainy interludes, prompting a shift in plans. But worry not, as Maui holds a trove of indoor activities perfect for these moments. Here's a practical guide to making the most of rainy days with engaging activities for the entire family.
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Whether you're craving beachside fun, thrilling adventures, cultural immersion, or delicious local eats, Maui has it all. So, grab your sunglasses, slather on that sunscreen, and let's dive into the ultimate guide to family fun on the beautiful island of Maui!