A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Your Beach Family Portraits with a Kauai Family Photographer


Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle" of Hawaii. It is a mesmerizing destination that beckons families from all corners of the globe. With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and unique charm, it's the perfect location for family portraits that captures the essence of your journey. In this extensive guide, we'll delve deep into the art of preparing for beach family portraits with a Kauai family photographer. We'll explore the island's unique beauty, the significance of hiring an expert, and a step-by-step plan to ensure your family photos in Kauai are nothing short of breathtaking.

The Significance of a Kauai Family Photographer

  1. The beauty of Kauai is unparalleled, and it takes a Kauai family photographer's expertise to harness it. The island is gorgeous. With the beauty of the island it does provide some challenging lighting scenarios. It takes knowledge of the layout of the land and the way the sun rises and falls to ensures you get the best locations, lighting, and angles to create stunning beach family portraits. Without this knowledge you may end up with harsh shadows on your face or a beach that is blown out with bright sun.
  2. Experience Counts: As a Kauai photographer, I have honed the skills in capturing families amidst the difficulty of the landscape lighting. My experience guarantees your portraits are not just beautiful of the island but also capture the essence of your family's journey.
  3. Storytelling through Images: The most talented Kauai family photographers are skilled in translating your family's unique story into captivating images. As a Kauai photographer I don't just capture moments; I create moments to capture.

Choosing the Right Kauai Family Photographer

  1. Start your journey by researching Kauai family photographers online. Find a photographer who resonate with your vision. Hopefully that is me!
  2. Connect and Communicate: Reach out to these photographers and schedule consultations. Discuss your vision, preferences, and expectations. This step is crucial in finding the photographer who can bring your ideas to life and create something truly magnificent for your family.
  3. Portfolio Assessment: Examine their portfolios closely. Ensure their style aligns with your family's personality and the island's beauty. Pay attention to the composition, color schemes, and storytelling capabilities.
  4. Client Reviews: Don't forget to read client reviews and testimonials. These offer insights into their professionalism, communication, and the quality of their work.
  5. Packages and Pricing: Inquire about pricing and packages. Understand what each package includes, including any additional fees for prints, digital copies, or location-specific costs.

Preparing for Your Kauai Beach Family Portraits

1. Location Selection

  • Work closely with your Kauai family photographer to choose the perfect beach location. There are so many to choose from! Each beach tells a different story, holds a different energy and has different flares of personality. Depending on what time of day you need your shoot will largely influence what beach will be best for your session.
  • Consider your family's personality and style when making the selection. As a full service studio, we will walk you through this process and help you discover the perfect beach.
  • Think about whether you want a popular beach, a secluded cove, or a specific natural backdrop.

2. Wardrobe Coordination

  • Plan your family's outfits with the beach's natural color palette in mind. Also keep in mind hte color palette of your home in mind and choose something that coordinates with both. Our team will also walk you through this process.
  • Opt for comfortable, coordinating clothing, and avoid overly bright colors that may clash with the surroundings.

3. Props and Poses

  • Discuss any specific props or poses you have in mind with your photographer. As a Kauai photographer I am always open to ideas from clients but generally my clients hire me because they love my posing style and fully trust my creative instincts.
  • At the end of the day trust your photographer's expertise and turn over all creative power to them. The more free we feel to create the more creative we are.
  • The goal is to capture your family's unique dynamics in a natural, unforced way.

4. Timing is Everything

  • Schedule your family portrait session during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The sun in Kauai rises early and sets early. The best time is to shoot before 10 o'clock or between four and five pm.
  • This soft, warm light will enhance the beach's natural beauty and create a flattering atmosphere for your portraits.

5. Weather Contingency Plan

  • Be prepared for the unpredictability of Kauai's weather. Have a backup plan in case of rain or adverse conditions. Some of my favorite shoots have been those where the weather doesn't cooperate. Don't fret, come rain or shine, wind or calm a professional Kauai photographer can work with all the elements to create pure magic.



Kauai's beaches offer an idyllic backdrop for your family portraits, capturing the moments you'll treasure for a lifetime. The process of preparing for beach family portraits is a collaborative one, and with the expertise of a Kauai family photographer, you can be confident that your family's unique story will be beautifully and authentically told through the lens and masterfully curated for a piece of artwork in your home. Enjoy your time on the Garden Isle and take home memories that will transport you back to its paradise every time you gaze at your beach family portraits.


I travel to Kauai 2-3 times a year. Please inquire for available dates.


Much Love!

Michelle Ellsworth