Eternity Beach, also known as Halona Blowhole, gained fame for the iconic kissing scene from the 1953 movie "From Here to Eternity," featuring Burt Lancaster and Donna Reed. This picturesque beach was also showcased in the movie "50 First Dates," starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
A stunning and picturesque setting provided the perfect backdrop for Jack and Emily's engagement photo session. We arranged to meet this couple who are very much in love, at the crack of dawn, just as the sun was beginning to rise. Following a brief trek across the rocks to reach the beach, we found our spot, set up a single flash, and asked if they had a Spotify playlist to listen to while we did the shoot. I find that during my photo session, music always helps to relax my couples.
Just as the sun rose above the horizon, the sky began to take on a stunning warmth of colors, the golden yellows and oranges, as I hurried to get everything ready for the first shot. During this time of the morning, while the colors light up the sky, I try to capture more posed shots so that the couples have an image of themselves with an amazing and beautiful Hawaiian sunrise behind them. Isn’t this why they traveled thousands of miles to this beautiful island of Oahu?
Usually, 20 minutes after the sun rises, I start moving them around more to get the best light falling on them based on the sun's position, but I still have them doing traditional poses. In my opinion, the first 30-40 minutes after the sun breaks the horizon is the best light of the day!
As we progress, the initial self-consciousness fades, and the presence of the camera becomes less apparent. It's at this point that I encourage the couple to relax and be themselves. I suggest activities or prompts to draw their attention away from the camera, allowing me to capture their genuine laughter, smiles, and sometimes tears of joy.
Granted I’m not “perfect” butI try my best to be as creative as I can to capture an unforgettable engagement photo session with you.
Why sunrise?!? My top 5 reasons to do a photo session at sunrise:
1- No one on the beach to clutter your shots.
2- Good vibe & energy with the first light of the day & seeing Mother Natures beautiful colors in the sky as the sun rises.
3- In my opinion, the BEST clean light of the day. Sunset’s ambient can be too much on the warmer side but still amazing!
4- Parking is abundant. My couples don’t have to waste time looking for parking while the sunrise starts to make the sky glow.
It has the best Soft light for portraiture to capture a scenic background.
A work in progress...Learn, grow...repeat!
Aloha
Sunrise engagement photo session on the east side of Oahu, Hawaii.
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