This was a once-in-a-lifetime (well, once in 2018) kind of photo shoot. This gorgeous family from Tokyo and I were pleasantly surprised to have the company of the annual Strawberry Moon. The colorful full moon got its name from Native Americans partly due to its appearance during strawberry season but also because of its deep, intense color (if this is piquing your interest, click the link for more info!)
The Perfect Evening for a Sunset Session
The evening was calm and serene on Lanikai Beach with the huge golden moon visible even in the bright sunset. What a unique experience! Their precious boy and his baby sister had fun feeling the sand between their toes and sifting it through their fingers. The joyful aura of being in vacation mode radiated from the family as they walked together, kissed the little ones’ noses, and gazed at the horizon. The kids’ sweet giggles erupted from the thrill of being tossed in the air and caught over and over again.
Happy Places, Happy Faces.
As a photographer, I truly love capturing families in their happy places. These sessions are always so much more than just a photo shoot; they are intentional times for families to get together, take a break from the busyness of life, and enjoy each other’s company—remembering to stop and enjoy the simpler parts of life together without any distractions. I always encourage my families to just be themselves and not worry so much about posing for the perfect image. It’s my job to find and capture those perfectly sweet moments as they happen organically.
I loved watching this family enjoy their moment. Their contagious happiness kept a constant smile on my face, and the session seemed to fly by! Before we knew it, the sky was getting a little darker and the moon a little brighter.
