I’ve moved my portrait business four times since I started back in 2016, and each place has been drastically different in how I spend my time, run my business, and experience the session itself. I spent an afternoon thinking about some of the things that make photography different here on this island, Oahu (these also apply to the other islands), and I thought it might be interesting to share.
Oahu photography isn’t just about taking pictures in a pretty place. It’s about working with an island that has its own personality. The tides change the shoreline by the hour, wildlife might wander into your frame, and certain spots require permits you’d never know about if you weren’t a photographer here on the island. Add in Hawaiʻi’s slower pace and beautiful islands, and you’ve got a session that’s about more than photos; it’s about the experience of being here.
FYI, I’m going to be mainly using personal photos here, not just client images!
The Location
Oahu Photography Locations: Why They’re Different
From changing tides to crowd levels, Oʻahu locations have their personalities, and the right timing and spot can make all the difference.
The amazing, beautiful, unique, inspiring locations. But wait…
That ideal spot you saw on Instagram that looks like the most stunning place for portraits?
It might be insanely busy with people, and the photographer had to edit out all the tents and the people in the background, or people had to wait their turn to photograph with a specific background.
Not fun.
Or, the tide could be different, and the background you saw wouldn’t be possible during your session.
Or, the location is hard to access and might not be safe for young kids.
Or, you know, you’ll need a bathroom.
Oʻahu is full of gorgeous scenery and backdrops, but knowing which ones work best (and when) takes experience.
The first time I went to Ko Olina to scout it out, it looked nothing like the photos I’d seen. The tides were so high that they completely covered the rocks I had thought were there. On the flip side, my first portrait session at Kualoa Beach Park was at low tide, which meant we could explore parts of the beach that are usually underwater.
Now, I always check the tides before a session so I know what to expect and can plan around them.
The best location is the one that works with your family’s schedule, comfort, and vibe. This is actually the first time I’ve put together a full location guide because of all these little factors…. and it’s been so helpful for clients to choose the spot that feels right for them.
The Wind, and the Ocean
Oahu’s Wind and Ocean Are Part of The Story
The wind and ocean aren’t just background elements here. They shape the mood, movement, and feel of your portraits.
I don’t need to describe this one too much, but know that the wind might be very much present during your session. Rather than fight it, embrace it. It helps tell the story of where you are and adds movement and life to your photos.
The same goes for the ocean.
Sometimes you’ll accidentally get wet earlier in the session than you planned, and sometimes your kid will decide splashing in the water at the very beginning is the best idea ever. It’s all part of the story in your portraits.
By the way, if you have a beach session, you will get wet 😜
I’ve always believed photos aren’t just proof you were somewhere. They’re the thing that will make you feel the moment again years from now. The wind, the waves, the unplanned little surprises… they’re part of what you’ll remember.
The Wildlife
Wildlife Encounters During Oahu Photography Sessions
Both endangered monk seals and Hawaiian green sea turtles, Oʻahu’s marine life can make your session even more memorable.
I’d guess about half of my portrait sessions include a surprise visit from some of Oʻahu’s amazing marine life, like the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (found only here) or the Hawaiian green sea turtle, locally called honu. If you’re lucky, you might spot one during your session.
I usually walk the location before you arrive, so we should know ahead of time if we’ll be lucky.
They’re incredible to see, but they’re still wild animals, so we always keep a respectful distance. I’ll be writing a separate blog post soon with more on this and how to enjoy these encounters responsibly.
The Rules
Photography Permits and Rules You Need to Know in Oahu
Oahu’s permit rules protect its land and culture, and they’re part of what makes photography here a little more challenging than anywhere else.
Returning to the topic of locations, your favorite spot from social media might not actually be available for photography. It could be off-limits year-round or only open to permits at certain times of the year.
Hawaiʻi takes its natural spaces seriously (for good reasons, environmental, cultural, historical, etc.). Any land owned by the state, meaning all beaches and parks, requires a permit for commercial photography, and many places are completely off-limits.
Sometimes places are available, and then the next time I go to grab a permit, they’re not! It’s veeeery frustrating! It’s also very frustrating to be out and find what you think is a gorgeous, perfect spot for photos, but it’s not, because you can’t get a permit.
Fortunately, there are still many good spots available.
Permit rules vary: some are quick and inexpensive (like Secret Beach at Ko Olina, which is $20 and can be issued immediately), while others are costly and slow to process (like Kaʻena Point, which is over $100 and can take weeks to get). Some locations even require two permits, and some permits have multiple ways to get the permit.
Whew, yes, it’s confusing, and I might mess up sometimes, but I try my best.
When you hire a permitted and insured photographer (hopefully me 🙂), you will know that your session will be both legal and respectful to the island. While the rules aren’t always enforced, I choose to follow them because I believe in respecting the land I get to call home (for now).
The Experience
The Experience is Memorable
Being surrounded by Hawaiʻi’s beauty makes it easier to relax, be present, and enjoy the moment, even if everything isn’t perfect.
It’s not just a session. That’s especially true here on Oahu.
Photos are important. But honestly…
The experience matters just as much, maybe even more.
We’re surrounded by beauty here: the light, the ocean, the breeze.
A session isn’t just about the photos; it’s about spending time together in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
There’s just something about Hawaiʻi that makes it easier to let go of the little stuff. If your kid gets too silly or your teen isn’t in the mood, the waves are still there, the light’s still beautiful, and you’re still together in this moment.
For me, those are the moments worth keeping, not because they’re perfect, but because they express your lived experience.
I’ve been sentimental about photographs for as long as I can remember, not for how flawless the photos looked, but for the way they made me feel when I looked back at them. Oʻahu photography is exactly like that: beautiful, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
The Costs
The Cost of Oahu Photography is High for Experienced Professionals
Between the cost of living, permits, and behind-the-scenes work, Oahu photography pricing reflects the care that goes into your session.
If you’ve been comparing prices between photographers in Hawaiʻi and other parts of the mainland, you’ve probably noticed…..yes, it’s more expensive here.
The cost of living on Oʻahu is no joke. And as photographers, we’re not just showing up with a camera.
We’re scouting locations, applying for permits, navigating the session, trying not to break out expensive gear with all the salt (even the salt in the air wears down our gear faster), and spending hours behind the scenes editing, delivering, and guiding you through the experience. And spending LOTS of time driving and in traffic.
Oh, and writing blogs so clients can find us 🙂.
And because there are more of you (clients), more of us (photographers) can do this full-time. Which means we need to be smart about our pricing so we can actually pay ourselves, not just pay to run the business.
That means when you hire an experienced local photographer here, you’re not just paying for the session, you’re supporting someone who’s doing the work to make your experience the best it can possibly be.
It’s more than just the cost of a photo. That’s the same as anywhere else, but everything here just costs more, including for the photographer.
Ready to Plan Your Oahu Photography Session?
If you’re dreaming about a session here on Oʻahu, I’d love to help you plan one that feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable…. and leaves you with photographs that make you feel something every time you see them.
