When was the last time your kids were photographed together (and not with your phone)? In the wise words of Ferris Bueller, "life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." It's the same with childhood. Kids seem to grow up overnight. As a mom of a teen that will be heading off to college in a few short years, I can say that it has gone by shockingly fast!
It can feel hard to carve out some dedicated time to get your children together for a sibling portrait session but I can say with certainty that it's truly time well spent. These days our kids certainly have their schedules full with extracurricular activities, whether it's football at King Kekaulike High School or volleyball season at Haleakala Waldorf High School. Despite the scheduling challenges, I've seen first-hand how much fun siblings have at their photo session and have really enjoyed it when I get to hear "we're so glad we made the time"! In that spirit, let me share a few tips on how to make scheduling a portrait session for your children a little easier...
Find the Flex in your schedule
Do your children have a lot of weekend events through their school(s) or clubs? For example, does your Carden Academy middle school student and your Seabury Hall High School teen have varying sports schedules? In that case, you need a photographer who offers a variety of appointment times and options, especially on weekdays, so that it won't disrupt your weekend sporting events or family activities. I love coordinating with families to plan ahead for the date that works for everyone because photography feels more fun when it fits your schedule!
Skip the Sand
Naturally, the first location many people think of is the beach, however there are a two reasons why sibling portrait sessions on the beach might not be the best fit. The first reason is timing: beach scenes usually look best either early in the morning (a no go for most teenagers) or later on at the start of sunset (tiring for kids who have had a long day). The second reason is environment: beaches can be busy, crowded, windy, and just plain distracting places - none of which makes it easy for your children to relax and be present for photos. This begs the question, what are great location alternatives to the beach?
Get creative with your locations
Luckily, there are so many other beautiful locations around upcountry Maui! Through the years, I have scouted out some lovely locations in Kula and Makawao that offer natural surroundings and the peace and quiet that is often missing from the beach. There are tranquil country lanes and gem spots just off the beaten path that can be the ideal location for a beautiful photo shoot (and add a unique flair to their portrait session).
Also, don't underestimate the magic and comfort of your own back yard! I've seen many occasions when children have shined their brightest because they were in familiar surroundings.
Start with a simple question
Ask yourself this: How long until your kids are headed off to college? It may seem like a long time, especially if they are still young, but it goes by faster than you realize and you won't get these moments back. Take the time for photos now! And while the main focus is on the kids, parents...we'll get you in there too!
I want you to have beautiful photos of your children that you will treasure forever! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and we can chat!
