FAQs

What is the booking process?

Most of my sessions are self book, which means you can reserve the spot yourself.  Some of my bookings are inquiry only, and will need to be discussed before we finalize a date (like weddings and elopements).  If you need a date that does not show as available on my calendar, please reach out to me, and I'd be happy to see if I can accommodate.

You book a date, answer some questions about your session, sign an agreement and pay a retainer all together.  Once the retainer is paid, I am booked for your session!  (please keep in mind, I'll only hold dates for 72 hours.  

Book your sessions here:  Book.LuxeMomentsMaui.com

TRAVEL FEES apply to sessions outside of Kihei.  

Once booked, my booking site will send you reminders for balance payments and session date and time. Balance payments are due the day of the session (yes, you can pay right after your session with cash or venmo).  Keep in mind, I do not start editing your images until a balance payment is received.  (no balance payment within 10 days, your session gets deleted)

When will we receive our images?

I put time and care into selecting and editing your images from our session.  The turn around time for each session is different.  

• Mini Sessions, Sunset sessions, Sessions < 1 hour --approximately 2-3 weeks
• Newborn Sessions (lifestyle or studio) -- approximately 3 weeks
• Elopements and Weddings --approximately 4-8 weeks

These are approximations, and know that sometimes, life happens.  

What can I expect in my gallery?

All my galleries are digital galleries (unless you have also added a print option).  Galleries stay available for 14 days.  After that, they auto-expire (and there is a small fee to re-load the gallery).  

Proofing galleries and limited photo galleries will have a watermark on the images.  
Once your final selections have been made, I will work on your images and send you a final gallery available for download.  Please be sure to download your images to multiple devices and storages, as I permanently delete galleries after 3 months.  

IN SHORT:  You'll get a beautiful image gallery within my approximate time frame, and you'll have 2 weeks to download your images.  

How much do you edit your photos?

I work hard to ensure that every image meets my artistic standard and has my signature look. My edit is applied and adjusted for things like brightness & optimal color. I like to make sure each image is as true to its natural color as possible. I'll use tools to remove distractions from the background or edit minor clothing flaws.  I do not edit to alter body shape.  

I do not give any of the RAW (unedited) images upon delivery (so please don't ask for them).  Please be sure to look through my portfolio to see if we are a right fit for my editing style and your vision.  I do not re-edit images unless there is an error on my end.  As I do focus on true to life images, I do not use extensive photoshopping or AI enhanced editing in my images.  (yes, I'll remove some objects from the background, but please do not expect or rely on my editing to remove or alter things that can be controlled, for example, bra straps, stains on clothing, wrinkled clothing, teeth after a colorful beverage, etc).

What kind of lighting do you use?

I mostly use natural light for all of my sessions, but do have an off camera flash when I need it for darker situations.  I like using the way the sunlight reflects on the water, bounces on the sand, and is soft for a beautiful portrait.  

Can you make me look skinny?

You are beautiful!  And I'll try to offer you poses that highlight the things that you are most confident about!  I don't use editing software to change body shape, natural features or apply crazy edits.  I'm all about being true to life.  I'll guide you throughout our session to help you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

What if my kids are not cooperating during the session?

I know time is of essence during sunset sessions!  I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help kids cooperate for photos.  I always have stickers or small toys to bribe them, and offer them things to do to help them ease working with me.  The more stressed out you become, the worst your kids will be, so just relax, and be calm.  I'll get those smiles eventually!

What location will you use for beach photos?

I have a few favorite spots on Maui for photographing sunset sessions.  I'll change up the location depending on tides, currents and how much of the beach remains based on the season.  The location of the beach will be shared once you are booked.  Kihei sessions are held at a beach in south Kihei, while Wailea Beach sessions are held in Wailea.

What should we wear to our session?

I offer a style guide once you are booked with me.  But, basically, you want everyone to be comfortable so they can move around freely!  Choose one color theme, and coordinate with each other.  And please, don't all just show up in your Aloha shirts!

What should we bring to our session?

• Newborn (in-studio): extra milk, clothes, diapers, pacifiers, bottles for baby.  Entertainment and snacks for parents and siblings.
  
  
• Maternity Sessions: ultrasound photos, outfit for baby, anything nostalgic you want included, haku le'i, outfit change if previously discussed
  
  
• Sunset Sessions: Bribes for younger kids, snacks, water, towels and change of clothes if you are planning on getting in the water.