Planning a Big Island Family Photo Session

Aloha! If you’re bringing your family to the Big Island, a photo session can be one of the best things you take home. It doesn’t have to be stiff or stressful. Here’s how I’d suggest planning one, from picking a side of the island to what to do when the clouds roll in.

I’m Sterling, a photographer based in Hilo. I photograph families on both sides of the island, digitally or on medium format film. My sessions are relaxed and unrushed, and every one is a little different, just like every family.

Hilo or Kona: Which Side Is Right for Your Family?

The short answer: shoot where you’re staying. It keeps the day easy, which matters most when you have kids.

Kona and the Kohala Coast (west side). I drive over to Kona regularly for sessions along the coast: Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Waikoloa and the beaches in between. Favorite spots include the Four Seasons public beach, Beach 69, Hāpuna, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea Resort. On the west side I work around golden-hour light on the beaches and across the lava fields. Kona sessions include a travel rate, so they cost a little more than Hilo sessions.

Hilo (east side). Hilo is home. Sessions here happen around Carlsmith Beach, Honoliʻi, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Wailoa River and King’s Landing, plus downtown and the black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls and rainforest nearby. My Hilo studio is another option. Because Hilo is my home base, sessions here start lower than in Kona.

Elsewhere on the island. I also photograph in Waimea, Volcano and Kaʻū. If you’re staying somewhere else, just ask.

Not sure yet? Tell me where you’re staying and what kind of backdrop you have in mind. I’ll suggest a location that fits your family. More on each side: Hilo photographer · Kona photographer.

What to Wear

The goal is for your family to look like yourselves, only a little more put together.

• Coordinate, don’t match. Two or three soft colors that go together usually look better than identical outfits.
• Pick comfortable fabrics. Light, breathable clothes let everyone move, sit in the sand and play without fuss.
• Skip big logos and busy patterns. They tend to pull attention away from faces.
• Plan for sand and water. Beach sessions often end up barefoot. Pick clothes you won’t mind getting a little sandy.
• Think about film. If you choose a film session, especially black and white, texture and contrast can matter more than color.

Photographing With Children

Kids don’t need to sit still for good family photos. I offer small suggestions along the way to keep things candid, then let the moments happen: walking, swinging, splashing, cuddling. A few things help:

• Plan around naps and meals. A rested, fed child changes everything.
• Bring a snack and a favorite toy. Mess-free snacks are best.
• Keep expectations relaxed. Some of the best frames come between the posed ones.

As one family wrote in a Google review: “He was very adaptable to working with our toddler.” — Joshua McDowell

Weather and Timing

Most sessions happen at golden hour, when the light is soft and warm and much easier on squinting eyes than midday sun. The Big Island’s weather can change from place to place and day to day. The east and west sides don’t always see the same conditions, so it’s worth staying flexible. If the forecast looks uncertain, we’ll talk it through and work out the best plan together.

A tip for visitors: think about scheduling your session early in your trip. That leaves room on your calendar if you need to move it.

Digital or Film?

• Digital sessions (from $395): easygoing and full of variety, with lots of poses, locations and candid moments. Your edited gallery arrives soon after.
• Film sessions (from $495): slower and more intentional, shot on a Mamiya RZ67 medium format camera in 2, 4 or 6 rolls. I develop black and white film myself. It’s as much an experience as a photo session.

Full details are on the pricing page.

How Booking Works

1. Pick the kind of session you’d like and send me a quick request.
2. I’ll get back to you within a day to talk through dates, locations and ideas.
3. We meet at golden hour and have fun. Your gallery arrives online soon after.

Check Availability for Your Trip

If you know your travel dates, send them over with where you’re staying. I’ll let you know what’s open and suggest a spot that suits your family. Check availability and book your session.

You can also browse more family photos first. If these photos speak to you, I’d love to hear from you.