Illuminate Photography

Illuminate Photography Aloha! I am an Oahu based family and portrait photographer who is ready to help you capture some memories. Www.illuminatephotographyhi.com

Whether you are a visitor to our island home or a local I am here for you.

Some 🤍🩶🖤Are you drawn to natural and candid photos? I like to observe you, catch in between moments and provide simple p...
01/20/2025

Some 🤍🩶🖤

Are you drawn to natural and candid photos? I like to observe you, catch in between moments and provide simple prompts/ideas during sessions. Here are my favorite tips to achieve this feeling in your next session:

1. Plan for extra time- if you feel rushed there will be less time for your photographer to observe you and your love and catch those candid moments.

2. Movement- in order for photos to feel organic you have to feel free to move and interact. Most of my favorite photos happen in the in between moments!

3. Simple prompts- When a moment could be enhanced or if I see an opportunity for something creative I will give you something to do like slow motion running, twirls or dancing. I keep it very simple and open for interpretation because how you respond to a prompt can be uniquely you!

If you desire effortless photos that feel simple and you actually enjoy taking, try on my tips or reach out for a session with me🫶🏻

And classic black and white is always a must!

Oahu photographer | Wedding photography | Elopement Photographer | Hawaii Film Photographer

Some of my favorite screen grabs from this engagement Super 8🥰Custom- my word for 2025 which means to tailor your servic...
01/10/2025

Some of my favorite screen grabs from this engagement Super 8🥰

Custom- my word for 2025 which means to tailor your service to your needs or desires.

because that is what you deserve….

When we get on a consult call, I want to hear all about how you want your love story documented. Having different options that show your celebration through different lenses (literally and figuratively🤣) helps you see all the emotions and moments…it just hits different ❤️

Top customized choices from couples in 2024 and I hope will continue in 2025:

1. Analog film

2. Super 8 video

3. Drone images

4. Camcorder clips

Having a mix of media options shows the full story and allows you to relive such a special day in many ways.

Did you know I also provide custom albums and prints you can order directly from your gallery to get your day in physical form?

Inquire today to design you custom documentation✨

Like I said….one post was just not enough! Here is pt 2 of my favorite moments shooting in 2024. I think a pt 3 might st...
01/04/2025

Like I said….one post was just not enough! Here is pt 2 of my favorite moments shooting in 2024. I think a pt 3 might still be due since I couldn’t fit everything🤦🏼‍♀️

If you are like me and have been in a relaxation bubble I hope you have a couple more days of fun and not knowing exactly what day and time it is…then it is back to reality on Monday😳

Oahu Weddings | Hawaii Elopements | Film wedding photographer | Oahu elopement photographer | destination weddings

Some of my favorite moments in 2024…pt 1! It was hard to narrow down and my IG still only shows 10 carousel posts (IDK w...
01/03/2025

Some of my favorite moments in 2024…pt 1!

It was hard to narrow down and my IG still only shows 10 carousel posts (IDK why??) but here are a few of my favorite days shooting this year and 90% of these are film 🙌🏼 I will have to do another post to share more.

This year my intention was to slow down and take in all the moments. Doing this allowed me to be more present for everything and focus on what matters for me and my clients.

In 2025 I want more of the same and to connect with clients who value the imperfect messiness that is life.

What are your intentions for 2025?

Let them play🙌🏼Sometimes, when clients book, they are worried their kid won’t behave🧐 Here are a few thoughts to help ea...
10/16/2024

Let them play🙌🏼

Sometimes, when clients book, they are worried their kid won’t behave🧐 Here are a few thoughts to help ease your mind.

You will NEVER get any parenting judgement coming from me. As a teacher and a mother I know kids and the idea that we can control anything is silly. What we can do is play with them, follow them, ask them questions, tickle them, cuddle them and generally just try to have fun.

Trust me to run around like a crazy person to get multiple angles, make fart or bird calls if I want something from them, and do my best to stay out of your way and let the real magic happen.

You may not get the perfectly posed shot (I will try for all eyes for a few) but overall what you will get are your real interactions and you will get to look back years from now and remember the real parts of this moment in time.

Best of all, you get to just have fun!! Let me take care of the rest. ✨

Magical forest🌳✨I don’t post a ton of my family work on here since I mainly market to elopements and weddings, but it is...
10/03/2024

Magical forest🌳✨

I don’t post a ton of my family work on here since I mainly market to elopements and weddings, but it is so fun to spend an evening roaming together in a beautiful spot and help you document some memories. You know that babies don’t last and every stage is something you will want to remember, so don’t forget to book a session.

Here are some tips I always share with families to make the most of our time-

1. Start planning as soon as possible- location, wardrobe/colors, time of day all impact your final images and how they feel. I guide all my clients through each step to help make it easy.

2. Come without expectations- this is easier said than done, but the more you can relax and just enjoy the time, the easier it will be to get those authentic moments and real smiles.

3. The session is less about interacting me with me and more about you interacting with each other- honestly, you can ignore me and I’m happy! I will engage you to move and play and will get a few all eyes on me ( as best we can!) but the special images come from you all being together.

4. Kids are the boss- adults take a back seat and follow, explore and let all the play happen. Your only job is to stay in the moment and avoid funny faces and I’ll focus on the kids and capture it all.

Let me know if you want to see more beautiful families on my feed! I love following my couples through all their life stages, so maybe I need to share more🥰

Oahu photographer | Film photographer | Hawaii photography | family photographer | elopement photography | Oahu weddings

I 🖤 B&WIt is a mood…something different happens when you strip images down to the core. The emotions pop, the connection...
09/21/2024

I 🖤 B&W

It is a mood…something different happens when you strip images down to the core. The emotions pop, the connection leads the way, the light and composition make it stand out.

Sometimes our brains get distracted by color- especially in beautiful locations. If you want to improve your use of light and composition then check out your images in black and white.

Has anyone changed their digital camera live view to show black and white? I’ve read that is a great way to change your perspective as you shoot.

Would you try it?

Polaroids 🥰I love all the different ways we can show the day. A consult call is always our first step after you reach ou...
09/14/2024

Polaroids 🥰

I love all the different ways we can show the day. A consult call is always our first step after you reach out so I can learn what you value most. I’ve tried listing all my prices on my website (now I’m back to just starting points🤷🏼‍♀️)or sending out a pricing guide with detailed options, but part of what makes booking with me unique is how much I cater everything I do to your vision. It is all about how you want to look back on this day. Some couples want digital and film, some add Super 8 or camcorder footage, but Polaroids are so fun to take home that night. Little mementoes that they can hold as proof of their memories.

I look back on this day and see true joy and laughter. A + S really knew that this day was about love- not just their love, but the love they have for their amazing friends and family who made the journey to this little island in the pacific to witness and celebrate their commitment. They knew that after the stress and worry of planning is done they could let loose and enjoy it all. It was a dream❤️

Oahu Photographer | Hawai’i Couples Photography | Oahu Weddings | Weddings in Hawaii | Romantic photos | timeless wedding photos | film wedding photos | Super 8 films

All the moments matter💞Sharing part 2 of this amazing day first because I live by the motto “dessert first”This was a go...
09/14/2024

All the moments matter💞

Sharing part 2 of this amazing day first because I live by the motto “dessert first”

This was a gorgeous and intimate celebration for these two…we connected over a year ago and I was so fortunate to get to be with them through the entire planning process. I helped give ideas for all their vendors and give options for an elopement versus a small wedding. They ultimately decided on a small wedding to have all their favorite people in on the celebration.

When you are deciding on just how you want to celebrate it is ok to go back and forth. My goal is to help you figure out what is important and give you options to help you fulfill your vision. There is no right or wrong.

Coordniator
Venue
Florist
Photographer & Videographer .photography.hi
Hair
Officiant

Oahu intimate weddings | hawaii elopements | Oahu Photographer | Hawai’i Couples Photography | Oahu Weddings | Wedding trends 2024 | Romantic photos | timeless wedding photos | film wedding photos

Heading into the long weekend like 🤾🏼‍♀️🎾What are your plans? I’m working all weekend, but super excited for a little is...
08/31/2024

Heading into the long weekend like 🤾🏼‍♀️🎾

What are your plans?

I’m working all weekend, but super excited for a little island hop session and an intimate wedding🙌🏼

Address

Honolulu, HI

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Illuminate Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category