How to Plan an Oahu Engagement Photoshoot That Actually Feels Like You
Planning your engagement photos should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you're visiting Hawaii or you're a local couple looking to document this chapter, here are a few things I always recommend to help make the most of your session. No awkward poses. No pressure. Just good light and real moments.
1. Choose a location that feels natural to you
Oahu has no shortage of incredible views. White sand beaches, mountain ridgelines, tucked-away forest trails, and crystal-clear tide pools. But the best location isn’t just the most dramatic one. It’s the one that feels like your story. If you two always hang at the beach, we’ll meet you there. If your first date was a hike or you have a favorite sunset spot, that’s where we’ll start. (as long as the hike isn’t too intense for us lol)
Some of my favorite places to shoot:
Kualoa Beach Park with the mountain and island view
Sunrise at Makapuʻu for soft light and quiet skies
North Shore area when it’s calm and golden
Ala Moana or Waialae Beach Park for easy access and city-meets-nature backdrops
2. Pick outfits that move and breathe
Wear what makes you feel confident, not what you think you’re supposed to wear. Soft, neutral colors tend to photograph well in Hawaii’s natural settings. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and fabrics that catch the breeze always look great. Avoid logos, anything too stiff, and neon colors.
Bring backup clothes if you want a second look. If we're shooting in sand or near water, go barefoot or wear simple shoes you don’t mind kicking off.
Also, pack for the climate. Hawaii is humid. A small towel or oil blotting sheets can help, especially for guys wearing collared shirts. And definitely bring water.
3. Time the light, not the clock
The best light for engagement photos is usually during golden hour which is either just after sunrise or right before sunset. That’s when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. If you’re not morning people, we’ll stick to sunset. If you’re open to an early start, sunrise gives us empty beaches and a quiet, romantic feel.
Every side of the island has its own vibe, so I’ll help guide you based on location and light. Morning is best for east side spots. Evening is better on the west and north shores.
4. Keep the day slow and simple
Try not to cram your shoot between other big plans. You’ll look and feel better if you’re not rushing from one thing to the next. Have a light meal beforehand, drink water, and give yourself space to ease into the session.
5. Don’t worry about posing
The best photos aren’t forced. We’ll give you natural prompts that help you focus on each other, not the camera. Some of the best moments happen in the pauses and in between moments, not the poses. If you’re nervous or uncomfortable posing, that’s normal. But once we get started, you’ll forget the camera’s even there!
Think of your shoot like a date with a third wheel who knows where the good light is. If you want to bring music, do it. If you want to end with a swim or a beer on the beach, we’ll make space for that.
6. Bring a few essentials
Here’s a quick list of things I always recommend:
Reef-safe sunscreen applied early
Refillable water bottle
Towel or cloth to dab sweat
Hairbrush or comb
Extra outfits if you want a wardrobe change
Touch-up makeup
Bug spray if we’re in the forest
A prop that reflects your story like a film camera, ukulele, or surfboard
7. Trust the process, even if the weather shifts
The weather in Hawaii changes fast. Clouds roll in, winds pick up, and sometimes the best skies come right after a storm. This can all happen within 5 minutes. We’ll watch the forecast, but I always tell couples not to stress over conditions that aren’t perfect. A little wind in your hair or mist in the air can add so much to the mood of a shoot.
Want to book your Oahu engagement shoot?
I’d love to hear what you’re thinking and help you plan a session that feels like you. Natural, fun, honest. Let’s make something you’ll want to keep looking back on.
