Vu Family Portraits at The Lanikai Beach

It’s such a magical and indescribable feeling when you first get to hold your baby in your arms. When they first coo or give you their first toothless smile or when they start to crawl – there are so many moments that you want to remember for forever. They fill your home with life and your heart with so much love, and as a photographer, I couldn’t recommend it enough to photograph all the precious moments and milestones as they grow up (and they really do grow up so fast!). Much in line with this thought, the Vu family celebrated their daughter Stella’s first birthday at the Lanikai Beach in Kailua Island and chose me as their photographer. And what a delight it was to photograph this charming family!

 

Lanikai Beach Family Portraits

 

It was a bright, sunny day as the Vu family, dressed up in white, arrived at Lanikai Beach for their family session. They were in Hawaii to celebrate Stella’s first birthday and thought of documenting this special day through a photo shoot dedicated to their little girl. And of course, I was 100% in agreement with this decision! I was genuinely excited when they contacted me for their family session and happily said yes! And my excitement automatically turned up a notch when I finally got to meet my little model. Her chubby cheeks, sparkling eyes, and two little pigtails accessorized with a pink tic-tac were absolutely adorable. I loved how the family chose to match their outfits for the shoot.

 

I began the session by photographing the family together at this gorgeous clearwater beach. Then, I took photos of baby Stella in her mom and dad’s arms. She just looked so tiny and with her eyes full of wonder for what this stranger in front of her was doing. Hands down, these photos were some of the cutest images I have ever taken. I have to say, the Vu family was extremely photogenic as well. The mom and dad looked effortlessly stylish, and I barely had to give them any posing cues. They knew exactly how to keep their baby happy!

 

Moreover, the unfiltered natural setting at the beach helped set the tone for the pictures as well. The blue sky, calm, clear water, and the glorious golden hour gave me the chance to bring in that effortless bright, and airy tone to the images. It was an incredible location for family photos and bonding!

 

One of the most heartwarming moments was when mom and dad held Stella’s hands as she stood up and felt the sand under her feet for the first time! It was such a pure moment, filled with love and excitement. And the parents were just so proud of their little girl! It was the same when Stella got to dip her toes in the water too! It’s always a little risky to get experimental with the kids, but Stella was such a great model and she was in a happy mood throughout the shoot.

 

Another moment that totally melted my heart was when baby Stella started playing with the sand! It’s a natural instinct for babies to start playing around with whatever they can grab, and watching them get acquainted with nature and getting comfortable with something they are experiencing for the first time is always a joy. She gave me a cute smile and I just couldn’t resist taking some photos even as the sand kept her busy. 

 

Sky and Reef Photography

 

Vu family, thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer! It was one of the best work days I have had, and it was a pleasure to meet you and your beautiful baby girl. Undoubtedly, one of my cutest and favorite models! I hope you like these photos as much as I loved taking them, and I hope you continue to make more such memories with Stella. I would love to take your family photos with a grown-up version of Stella too! 

 

If you are in Hawaii or planning to visit the island soon, I am at your service to document your vacation in the most stunning way! There’s so much natural beauty to explore in Hawaii, and if you liked these photos by the beach, I have got many more breathtaking spots for you! Besides holiday pictures and family portraits, I also photograph weddings and engagements, so if you or anyone you know is getting married soon, I would love to be a part of that special day too! 

 

To get in touch with me, you can drop me a mail at skyandreefphotography@gmail.com or call me on 808-688-3396. To check out more of my work, you can head to my Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest accounts. I am also there on Youtube and LinkedIn.