Fun Family Beach Photos: Herrara Family

Families

The story of how fun family beach photos turned dark:

“Wow, it’s really dark out here…:

“Are we lost?”

“Where were we supposed to turn?”

“What was that noise?”

“OH MY GOSH! That scared me!”

“Sorry, i’m just really nervous!”

“I think we’re supposed to be on that trail over there.”

Friends, welcome to the most fun and slightly scary post-session adventure I’ve been on! Kawela Bay Beach has been on my “must shoot list” for well over a year and when Sara returned the questionnaire and we chatted about her son (and how he might, “accidentally” get in the water), I knew that this gorgeous location checked all the boxes for their family beach photos!

-Calm water

-Trees and greenery

-Definitely a beautiful beach

-And something interesting (which we got extremely lucky with when I saw the little fort right on the beach!

-An area that you can get to with a stroller

Honestly, it’s like this area of Oahu was made for this fun and sweet family! When I arrived, I used my “ Google Maps “ to chart a course for the beach, going through the woods and following the path all while ensuring that it was stroller friendly. I was beyond excited for this session because I had met this amazing family before and know how utterly sweet they are and Sara is just amazing to talk to. I was so thankful that after a stunning mommy and me session, they also booked a family session which was a complete honor!

What I didn’t know and hadn’t factored in was the route back to our cars! Yes, the darkness crept up on us and we found ourselves lost, in the woods, with a baby, and no clear path! That’s where the protective momma came out from Sara and she was such a sweet trooper, making sure her babies were happy. I gently reminded her that she was with a soldier (her husband David) and a Marine (albeit a very zen-like one since I got out of the Marines) but, either way, she was safe.

No more than 2 minutes after reassuring my fabulous client the her husband, David would never let anything happen to his family, there was some lights, a scream, and some of the aforementioned quotes about being scared!

Wouldn’t you believe it, there was a group of fishermen headed towards the beach with their chihuahua and it was quite literally the funniest event of the night!

After finally making our way out of the darkness and towards our car, we parted ways, they shared their pineapples with us and we had a good laugh. Most memorable session I’ve had!

And this friends is why I always bring water to a session! Especially for family beach photos! LOL!

Seriously though, Sara and David are just the cutest couple, they have been married for 11 years and happen to have been neighbors! Their parents literally live across the street from each other! How awesome and sweet is that? I felt so thankful for the opportunity to create beautiful images of such a fantastic and genuinely beautiful family. Especially given that Sara said she gets nervous for photos but oh my gosh, how stunning is she?

David and Sara,

I truly want to thank you for trusting me to capture your beautiful family beach photos and take the first photos of you as a family of four! I know it’s been five years since you were last photographed together and at the time, your sweet baby girl wasn’t even born yet so I hope that you love and treasure these memories and think back fondly on this day when you see them printed on your walls and displayed in your home. You are all amazing and it was an absolute honor and privilege to meet and work with you all.

Mahalo,

Jailyn