Portrait Session Prep
Aloha! Before we meet for our upcoming Maui beach portrait session, I’ve put together a guide to answer some of your most common questions regarding attire, what to expect, and other helpful details to make the most of your experience. Mahalo, and I look forward to capturing your Maui memories soon…
What to Wear
Coordinated Colors & Patterns
I recommend choosing 3 to 4 colors and mix & match patterns with solids. It looks more polished without Logo wear, unless you are rocking the beach-vibe look.
I encourage the majority of my guests to stay away from all-blue or all-white, as it tends to blend into the background. Instead, wear colors that contrast with the environment, such as oranges, purples, reds, yellows, etc. Choosing blue or white as one of your colors is totally fine.
Avoid wearing black cotton to your session, as it tends to show every grain of sand.
Designs & Complementary Colors
Crazy designs are usually fine, so long as it blends and balances with others. For example, a mom in a wonderfully colorful dress blends well with a family wearing solids with same colors.
Glasses & Sunglasses
Feel free to bring your glasses and sunglasses along for fun!
If your prescription glasses are light-adaptive, just be aware that the majority of your session will be in daylight. I have clients who are fine with dark lenses for their session, but if you’re not, try wearing different glasses or contacts, and be aware that you can always take them on or off if you would like.
Band-aids & Boo Boos
If at all possible, avoid wearing a band-aid to your portrait session. Scratches and bruises actually blend into skin tones better than you think. Also, if Photoshop is necessary, having skin to work with is much better than editing out a band-aid.
If you have to wear a band-aid, or if you have a whole lot of bug bites, choosing an outfit to cover up bites, scrapes and bruises is the easiest way to avoid showing off your vacation wounds. Stick to sleeves, pants, etc.
Sunburns
If you get a sunburn before your session, the best way to avoid looking like a crispy critter is to wear a lot of lotion and hydrate! Just like bruises and scrapes, consider wearing clothes that cover those burn lines. Always wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid those sunglass lines and peeling shoulders. Scheduling your session earlier in your vacation can also help.
Hats
If you normally wear a hat, try to start the session without it. Hats do cast shadows, so depending on the natural light, I may ask you to remove it from time to time throughout the shoot. Feel free to wear it for all your candids, especially if it is part of your staple wardrobe!
Shoes
Unless I mention we are hiking a bit, feel free to wear slippers or your favorite slip-ons. Have a pair of shoes that you really want to be photographed? Wear them and we will make sure to snap a couple of pics in your prized kicks, or LVs, before we go barefoot on the beach. If you have to wear shoes for medical or comfort reasons, let me know ahead of time and we can plan your session accordingly.
Bathing Suits
Bathing suits are encouraged! Feel free to wear them under your clothes, for your whole session, or for part of it. We are shooting at the beach, after all!
Change of Clothes
Want to bring along a change of clothes? Absolutely! Just remember we are usually shooting on a beach, so if you don’t feel comfortable changing on-location, let me know and I can plan your session accordingly.
Bra Straps
Remember to bring a bra that works with your clothing – such as strapless – so we can avoid photos with unwanted clothing malfunctions.
Accessories
The best thing about the beach: no accessories needed! Add sand, sun, water, and waves, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun and beautiful photo session.
If you want to add a little something to your session that says “I’m in Maui!”, a Haku Lei, shell necklace or even a surfboard can really make your photos say “Aloha!”
Personal Items
Try to bring a minimal amount of personal items. We will be shooting on a public beach and are usually moving and changing locations constantly. Bringing a small bag to keep your cell phone, keys, wallet, lipstick, hair ties, etc., and leave the rest back in your hotel or home. Trust me, you won’t want any of those items in your photos.
Smile
Finally, the MOST important thing to wear is your smile! Plan what you can and get ready to enjoy a really fun Maui experience!
FAQ
Before Your Session:
What happens after I reserve my photo session?
After signing your contract and paying a $50 deposit to reserve your booking, you can expect a confirmation email one week prior to your shoot. The confirmation will go over the date, time, location, and remaining payment information.
The day before your session, I will double-check the weather and tide information for your chosen location. At that point, I will pull the beach permit and confirm your session again. I will also send you a text to make sure everything is great on your end!
The day of your session, arrive at your destination at the previously discussed time. We will have a few minutes for meet & greet, and go over any questions you may have, and then it is time for the fun! I will bring a cooler with water; it is hot here and there is always enough time for a water break!
If I get sick the night before my session, is it okay to cancel?
If you are feeling sick and would like to cancel or reschedule, please text me at (808) 283-5530 as soon as possible so we can work together to find a better time and/or day for your portrait session.
Is it possible to organize a surprise for my session?
Absolutely! From a tiny birthday cake, festive leis & flowers, or perhaps a surprise engagement session or vow renewal, you dream it, let’s plan it!
General Questions:
Do you offer any referral incentives?
I do! If you refer someone, make sure to tell them to mention your name when booking!
Do you do weddings or elopements?
Ardolino Photography is Maui Island Photography’s sister company that specializes in intimate weddings and elopements. For more information, email [email protected].
What is your photography style?
I tend to shoot a combination of documentary-style photography and posed portraiture. I want to tell the story of your session, capturing genuine moments and candid interactions, with a few posed close-ups in-between. I can give as little or as much direction as you want; most of my clients ask for some direction throughout the shoot. The end result is a blended collection of candid and posed portraits of your experience.
Do you have a studio location?
I do not offer a studio location. I work from a home office, which allows me to keep costs down for my clients, while truly providing a unique photography experience every session.
Do you have insurance?
I do have insurance for peace of mind, not only for me, but for my clients as well. I am also registered with the Maui DLNR to easily pull beach permits for portrait sessions.
Contact
Safe travels and see you soon! Still have questions? Let me know and I’d be happy to answer them. Mahalo!