Thanks for visiting my extended photography page - Here’s some of my recent photos
You might experience the invisible bunny that’s known to sit atop my head—it has saved the day many times…because yes, sometimes the young ones are not interested in taking pictures. I’m truly blessed to know how to engage the kids in the group.
Some families are concerned with issues, like “We’re awkward in photos…” “We don’t know how to pose!” All completely normal—and you don’t need to worry about any of it.
Here’s what you can expect from me. A natural, relaxed family session that’s going to feel more like a fun vacation outing than a photoshoot. I’m not into stiff poses any more than you are, or forced smiles. You won’t hear from me, “Say cheese!” And if one of you say it, I’m likely to ask American? Cheddar?
For sure you’ll get direction. I pride myself on esthetic staging, creative compositions, beautiful lighting, all in pursuit of photos that aren’t just families standing side by side, but family togetherness on a gorgeous Kauai beach or in one of our forests, having fun and yet shining brightly as if on stage.
I strive to make every Kauai family photography session fresh and original. While I’m a professional photographer, I work like an actor—on stage never doing the lines the same way. And why would I? No day is the same. No beach is the same—they are forever changing, new sand berms rise along the shoreline that weren't there a day ago, fresh vegetation forms after the rains. My eye is always on the hunt for natural frames—just one of the things I'm doing to make your photoshoot special.
Hopefully you won’t choose your Kauai photograpger based on a rate. I’m a high-end photographer, not a hobbyist or part-time photographer. I use professional cameras, the best lenses for my craft, and when you hire me, I’m yours. I don’t look at the clock because I need to rush off to do another session like volume photography services do. Here’s the bottom line: I’ll create beautiful portraits for you that you’ll want to frame and display in your home. And I can’t stress enough how much fun you’ll have. So many of my clients have told me that the photo session was the highlight of their vacation.
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD...
In England there’s a saying: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. So please take a bite. I mean have a gander at my family photography gallery of photos. And by all means peruse what my clients say about me. Then let’s get you a date in my photoshoot calendar.
AND TAKE THE WORD OF MY CLIENTS
"We didn't know what to expect with David before our shoot. But David exceeded our expectations. He has a great eye for beautiful moments and captures it perfectly on time. Me, family, and friends love the way the pictures turned out."
—YELP Review - Cris M, San Ramon, CA
"David was so great to work with. He had such a great eye for beautiful backdrops and made us feel at ease. The photos turned out so beautiful!"
—Google review - Meghan Renehan
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY IN PARADISE...
...begins with playful, natural posing, a laid-back approach. But do you know that editing can make or break a photo? Not all photographers in Kauai can make beautiful photos. I make our beaches look undisturbed by removing beach goers, and I sparkle the ocean, and if you ask me to smooth out baggy eyes, I will. However, I instinctively wield an editing shield to prevent over-zealousness that can easily create un-natural representations. That's what I mean by honest photography.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SESSION TIPS
*Outfits and color schemes: Wear what you and your family members want to wear as long as it’s presentable, only please no striped or small dotted fabrics—these can cause a moire effect in the photos. Matching colors are nice, but not necessary. Mostly you’ll be bare-footed. I’d prefer if you don’t wear sunglasses. Toward the end of the session, I might ask you to place your ankles in the surf, which very often means even your romp is gonna get wet, too—all for a great photo.
*Your hair: It gets windy on the beaches. One’s hair can easily wash over your face, not once, not twice, but consistently. So a headband, hair clips, scrunchy, anything to keep your hair out of your face might be the difference between a beautiful photo, and a photo sort of ruined by your hair partially or even mostly covering your face.
*Your eyes: the eyes are the soul of the portrait. I know the Kauai sun is bright and squinty eyes comes with that territory, especially if your eyes are sunlight sensitive. I have tricks to help. But even when the sun is not in a face, all too often while I’m editing I find eyes that are consistently closed or just barely open. From where I’m taking the photos, I can’t always tell; So here’s the tip: Pay attention to your eyelids. If you sense they are cast downward, it means I’m getting eyes that are not open. Keeping your eyelids open might mean that you need to look above the camera lens, especially when I’m taking low angle shots.
*Perspiration. We might be walking around quite a bit to get new photo ops, and it might be a hot day on the beach.. The tip: Bring along a hand towel, or wipes, at least a handkerchief, especially if you know you’re likely to perspire. *Dress straps and bra straps: Often I see too many straps. If you to want to wear a bra under a dress that has straps, see if you can conceal the bra straps.
