Preparations

Lovin' Your Love...

How to have an AWESOME Maui Creative engagement session!

1. Relax, fall in love!

The best thing you can do to prepare for your engagement session is to relax! Relax and simply enjoy the ebb & flow of the day. Plan to go to dinner, or have a picnic before hand, something to make you get totally into each other, and fall in love. 

2. Be natural.

We know its easier said than done, but know that we will always try to avoid awkward, stiff poses that look forced. With that said, that requires a little work on your part, or the release of inhibitions. We need you to be as carefree and natural as possible. (Have a glass of wine before hand, but better not have two ;-) Remember that the session is not just to get pictures taken, its to create memories. If you're happy and showing each other some love, it will show in your images!

3. Hair and Nails, Knees and Toes!

OK, so maybe that's not how the saying goes, but we all know what I'm getting at here. Make time to give yourself a little tender-love-and care! Make a hair, nail and make up appointment, this may be a good time to test out those areas for the big day! If you are a flats kind of girl, don't try to squeeze into a pair of 3 inch heels. Bring them along, sure, but bring the flats to go to and fro. Wear something you feel amazing in, and dress up, not like your going to a wedding, but like you could go to a party! And don't leave him out, he likes to look good just as much as you do!! Help him plan, but don't stuff him in something he won't feel like himself in. A clean shave, a trim on top are sure to put a little pep in his step!

4. Don't wear the same outfit!

Coordinate, don't match. Wear colors that you feel radiant in, that will stand out, and look fabulous with your skin tone and eye color! Then coordinate the outfits to bounce off one another. Hint: find an outfit on a manikin or in a magazine ad and build your own just like it!! Trust the professionals! Also, bring 2 or 3 outfit changes. Keep in mind, we'll be changing outside or in the car. Don't fill a suitcase, but bring a few things to express yourself!

5. Location!
We like to leave it up to you to choose the location! Urban, rural, serene or grunge, you decide, but be comfortable with what you pick, it will speak loudly about the two of you!! Not sure, ask friends and family, or ask us for ideas! Keep in mind only the two of you and the photographers should be present at the session!

6. Props!
We don't use a whole lot of props, but if you've got a killer idea, let us know, and we'll work it in!! A library location, a picnic scene in an apple orchard, what ever floats, oh, a boat and beach towel...(you get the idea)

Anytime Portraits with Maui Creative

How to rock it!!

1. Relax, don't stress. The details aren't whats important, its your emotion!!

To prepare the family, or the grumpy hubby for the photo shoot, make them aware that this isn't your typical 'olan mills' type of photography. I won't set you on a furry rug with a stool and tell you to place your hands on each other's shoulders, and then keep you for an hour to try to sell your prints. I won't sell you ANYTHING. This session is meant to be as memorable as the photos will be. I want you all to have fun, get ready like you're going out for ice cream. Free spirits photograph well! 

2. Be natural.

We know its harder said than done, but know that we will always try to avoid awkward, stiff poses that look forced. With that said, that requires a little work on your part, or the release of inhibitions. We need you to be as carefree and natural as possible. Direction will be given when necessary, but the rest of the time, I will be clicking away as you and your family or significant other interact and respond to the comedy of my jokes, errr their lack of...

3. Outfits, hair, etc.

Choose 3 outfits...tops. DON'T go through your entire closet and bring 10 pairs of jeans and 30 shirts. Choose 3 outfits that make you feel great.

Here are some pointers from experience:

1. Don't dress alike. I know, you think its cute and all, but its amateur. I want you to select a coordinating outfit, something that will speak out your personality, not a white shirt and jeans.
2. Dress up. Just a little. Jeans and t-shirt look great when you're going to the grocery store, but these images are going to be hung on your wall, maybe even sent out to family and friends. I say, dress like you're going to a party.
3. Jeans sometimes steal the show. If you're all wearing a shade of blue jeans, the saturation and texture may take away from the over-all image. Wear a skirt, put your hubby in nice slacks and the kids in shorts.
4. Don't wear 3 inch heels if you're a flats kind of girl. I've said it a million times. Dress like you, be comfortable!
5. Coordinating your outfit means selecting styles and colors that go well together. Something you might see in an ad or in a display at the mall. It's aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Coordinate the whole group of outfits like you are coordinating ONE outfit.
6. A jacket or nice shaw, or sweater is great, so that you can take it off for a different look.
7. Keep in mind, we'll be changing outside or in the car. Location!
   
   

4. Props!
We don't use a whole lot of props, but if you've got a killer idea, let us know, and we'll work it in!! A library location, a picnic scene in an apple orchard, what ever floats, oh, a boat and beach towel...(you get the idea)

5. We like to leave it up to you to choose the location! Urban, rural, serene or grunge, you decide, but be comfortable with what you pick. Not sure, ask friends and family, or ask us for ideas! Keep in mind only those being photographed should be present at the session!