Thinking About Booking an Engagement Shoot or Surprise Proposal in Oahu?
How the Booking Process Works for Engagement Photography in Oahu
Booking your engagement session or surprise proposal is exciting and it doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. At Tone Studio, we keep the process simple, clear, and stress-free from start to finish. Here’s exactly how it works once you’re ready to reserve your date:
Step 1: Intro Email or Call & Deposit
We’ll start by responding to your inquiry email or a quick call to hear your ideas and see if we’re the right fit. You can fill a contact form out here.
Once you’re ready, we’ll send an invoice for a 50% deposit and a contract. When that’s paid, your date is officially locked into our calendar!
Contract: You’ll receive a contract to review and sign. It covers all the essentials:
Session time
Location(s)
Number of included images
Deliverables
Add-on options
Policies
Deposit Payment Options: All options will have Hawaiʻi GE Tax (4.712%) applied. Credit card payments will have an additional 3% processing fee. Venmo and cash payments do not have a processing fee.
Option 1: Full payment online via credit card. 50% deposit, 50% remainder payment 3 days before the event.
(3% credit card processing fee)Option 2: 50% deposit online via credit card + cash
(3% credit card processing fee), with the remaining balance paid in cash (no processing fee) on the event dayOption 3: 50% deposit via Venmo, with the remaining balance paid via Venmo 3 days before the event. (no processing fee)
Step 2: Planning & Scout Photos
Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you scout photos of potential locations so you can visualize what your shoot might look like. Whether it’s a romantic beach, a dramatic cliffside, or a lush garden, we’ll help you choose the perfect backdrop and best timing for light and privacy.
Step 3: Style & Prep Guides
You’ll also get our what to wear guide (including what to avoid) and prep tips so you know exactly what to bring for the session.
Step 4: The Engagement Session
On the day of your shoot, simply show up and enjoy. We’ll guide you through natural posing and candid moments—no modeling experience required. Just the two of you being yourselves.
Step 5: Sneak Peeks and proof gallery
Within a few days, you’ll receive a handful of sneak peek photos shared via social media only so you can relive the excitement right away!
We will upload all the photos from your session to a digital proof gallery. From there you can select your favorite images.
Step 6: Final Gallery
Your full, high-resolution engagement gallery will be delivered digitally within the agreed-upon timeline (typically 4 weeks). You’ll be able to download, share, and order prints with ease.
Engagement Photography Add-Ons
Additional coverage (for 1-hour packages only): $250/hour + 10 extra images
1-week rush delivery: $150
Additional images: $20/image
Raw digital files: $500 (delivered via Google Drive, hosted for 1 month)
Custom Floral Arrangement: Starting at $500
Meet the Team
Meet Mike - Owner/Photographer/Videographer
My name is Mike and I’ve been a professional photographer on Oahu for over 12 years, and I’ve seen just about every scenario you can imagine. That experience is what makes me so comfortable photographing weddings. No matter what the day brings, I stay calm, keep things moving, and make sure you get beautiful photos. When I’m not working I’m usually surfing or skateboarding. I also enjoy playing drums, guitar and pickleball. Experience and Skills
15+ years with photography and videography.Photographed over 150+ weddings at Kualoa RanchLaid back and easygoing presence that helps people relax in front of the cameraExpert with natural light, fast timelines, and candid storytellingComfortable shooting in any weather or lighting situationGood at blending in, observing moments, and capturing them quietlyFast turnaround, clean edits, and consistent colorPreferred photographer at Kualoa Ranch, Hyatt Hotels, Hawaii Polo Club Weddings, Male'ana Gardens, and Dillingham Ranch
Meet Shelby - Day of Coordinator/Drone/Second Shooter
My name is Shelby and I’ve been a Locations scout and manager for film and TV productions on Oahu since 2015, which basically means I’ve spent the past decade figuring out how to make chaos look organized. A lot of that work happened right here at Kualoa Ranch, which slowly became one of my favorite places on the island.After years of helping film crews chase light and hit deadlines, I started helping couples do the same thing, only now there are flowers, vows, and slightly less yelling. I still run timelines, keep things calm, and quietly make sure everyone ends up in the right place at the right time. It’s kind of the same job, just with nicer outfits and a lot more meaningful.Experience and Skills:
10+ years in film and television coordination across Oahu
Deep familiarity with Kualoa Ranch logistics, staff, and site accessExpert in managing tight timelines and early-morning schedulesCalm, organized presence when plans shift or weather changesStrong communication and vendor coordination skillsTrained eye for composition, flow, and detailKnown for being early, prepared, and quietly keeping everything on track
Check out the personal gallery to see what we’re up to.
Ready to Book?
We make sure that booking your surprise proposal or engagement session is simple and fun. Contact us to start planning your session!
