There’s so many way to get Disney Aulani photos during your trip, I wrote a special post all about the family photopass options! We’re inundated with phone photos, social media photos, selfies and photo stations, its hard to not have images.
But if you’re looking for personal photographs, images that embody the personality and story of your family, especially an extended family, there is only one option: hire an experienced family photographer.
Before you jump to photos, I want you to know these Disney Aulani photos were from ONE big extended family photo session. It was sixty minutes long and we did it all in that time – family, extended families, each couple, the boys, the girls, and a surprise proposal AND engagement photos. Woof! Yes, it was a lot but it was so worth it!
Fast. Fun. DONE.
Table of Contents
Aulani Family Photos
The hardest part of an extended family photo session is getting everyone in one place, at the same time – and you’ve already done that! Congratulations, that is no small feat!
No, seriously, really soak that in!
You’re all going to be in this one, beautiful place at the same time. You’ll never repeat these Disney Aulani photos again because even if you come back, everyone will have grown – even the adult kids.
I hate to go morbid on you, but my own experience says I have to. You may never get the chance to do photos with these people again. There will come a time when you will wish you had more photos. Usually by then its too late.
You must photograph it! You want to capture the joy, connection, interaction of everyone in the same place. Tell the story and joy of your people.
There’s nothing easy about family photos
There’s a lot of decision making that can be overwhelming:
- what to wear
- where to go
- what sizes to print
I want to make it as easy as possible for you and that starts well before the session with Wardrobe. . Every client gets access to Style & Select. If Pinterest and Stitch Fix had a baby this would be it. Everything is vetting for colors, patterns & textures that look good in camera by photographers for family photography.
I’ll be your second opinion & sounding board. Send me screenshots of what you’ve got, your ideas and I’ll give you all the direction you need!
At the gallery reveal, everyone is welcome! Its virtual so the only limited is opinions – ha! But I’m sure that will be overflowing too!
In the end, you’ll have more than digital files lost on a hard drive. You’ll have heirloom-quality photographs on your walls or in your hands. That’s my full service approach.
The best part: Everyone in the clan will have access to the matching digital files.
Now for something more serious…
I hate to go morbid on you, but my own experience says I have to share. You may never get the chance to do photos with these people again. There will come a time when you will wish you had more photos. Usually by then its too late.
When to Book Your Oahu Family Photographer
As soon as you book your hotel or bnb! I accept only two sessions a week to make sure I have room for weather reschedules without waiting until the last possible moment. The can fill quickly.
Hi I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator.
As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would.
…but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between.
That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.
Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?
Disney Aulani Photos: Couples
Every extended family photo session includes a micro couples and family session. Each nuclear family or couple will get their own Disney Aulani photos too!
Disney Aulani Photos: Extend Families
When it comes to extended family photos, we start with everyone then work our way down. We get the “everyone look at me” shot for Grandma, then its fun and games!
Disney Aulani Photos: Surprise Proposal
I don’t charge for extra people or extra surprises like proposals. I charge by time and thats it! If we have time, let’s do it!
Best Disney Aulani Family Photos
The best Disney Aulani family photos happen with an experienced, private photographer outside of the resort. You want to hire someone who can handle your crew, keep everyone happy and still get the shot.
How to Find a Family Photographer
Be very specific with your location because of the island nature! Its easier to book someone on the same island you’ll be on.
Start Early
As soon as you have dates, reach out! Contact at least 5 photographers off the bat. Copy and paste the same information you have for each contact form.
Ask good questions
Ask each photographer specific questions like:
- Have you worked with X number of people before?
- Have you worked with X number of kids these ages before? (this is the most important!)
- Can you share a sample gallery of a family this size?
- How many extended families have worked with?
Scope them out on social media!
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a couple photographers that have quality experience and style you like, scope them out on Instagram! You’re hiring a personality that will be with you for up to an hour, and you’ll be investing a significant sum in. You should enjoy being with him/her.
Keep reading about senior portrait session planning for your high school senior!
More Hawaii Travel Tips
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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You preserved so many beautiful moments for this family. What a gift!! And all in 60 minutes…amazing job!
Thanks so much! Yes! Beaches get crowded fast!
That proposal is super fun. I can imagine extended family sessions in Hawaii would be fun!
I couldn’t believe they pulled it off!
It’s such a great idea to get extended family photos done while you are all on vacation together. I love that you help with styling!
Right?! You’re together already… hard part of getting everyone in one spot is done!
I love these so much! Starting early is such good advice along with the rest of the list.
Cannot start early enough!
Your photos are absolutely stunning! It’s great when the entire extended family can gather for photos.
Thank you so, so much! Scheduling is the hardest part with extended families… but they’ve already done that when they travel together!
Beautiful photos – and that surprise proposal – amazing!! If I ever take a trip out to Disney Aulani, I’ll definitely be giving you a call!
Oh yes please!! This spot is perfect!
We were in Oahu two years ago. Wish I had known about you sooner. You’re so lucky to be a photographer in such a beautiful area!
Oh thank you Stephanie! We just moved here last year 😀
Love, love Aulani and went a few years ago when our kids were smaller. Would have loved to have had photos with you! Great post with so much info!!
Oh that’s so awesome! I’ve thought about going myself! They have such better weather over there! We’re on the windward – super windy- side!