Everything You Need To Know About North Shore Photography, Oahu

Why North Shore Photography Means an Early Morning (And Why That’s Actually Amazing)

I’m going to be straight with you, because that’s what we do here — north shore photography with me means a sunrise session. Not golden hour. Not afternoon. Sunrise.

I know. I know. You’re on vacation.

But here’s the thing — the North Shore at sunrise is completely empty, the light is unreal, and your kids are actually still in a decent mood. By golden hour they’ve had a full day of shave ice and sand and someone is definitely crying. Read more about why I only shoot at sunrise →

North shore photography on Oahu, Hawaii can be tricky. It has rockier beaches than the southern and windward beaches. Maybe its those famous winter currents that create pipeline waves washing away all the sand!

Whatever it is, its good to keep in mind that not only is the North Shore out of the way, its not easy for small children to walk in. The sand is soft, but tread very far into the water and they’ll be tripping.

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.

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What is the North Shore Hawaii?

The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii is is a 7 mile stretch of the northern coast of Oahu. Its famous for pipeline surfing.

What’s Unique about the North Shore Hawaii?

The vibe of the North Shore is even more relaxed, easy going than Honolulu or Waikiki. Coming from the city it’ll feel like (and is) the country.

Where to eat in the North Shore

Haleiwa the primary town on the North Shore. Its the central location for food trucks, shops and the like. It is known for its food trucks! And the shrimp trucks have their own reputation.

Things to do at the North Shore

Much of the tourist attractions that bring people to Oahu are removed from the North Shore area of Oahu. Kualoa Ranch is a bit of a haul no matter where you’re staying. Sky diving is in Waialua, and there is the beautiful town of Haleiwa for shopping and eating. There’s also Gunstock Ranch in Kahuku, which has the zip line, horseback riding, and line dancing once a month!

• Sky Dive
• Zip Line
• Check out the hotel from Forgetting Sarah Marshall – Turtle Bay Resort

North Shore Photography Hawaii

North Shore Photography Is a Full-Service Experience — Not Just Digital Files

Most photographers hand you a Google Drive link and wish you luck. That is not what happens here.

When you book north shore photography with me, you get:

• Pre-session styling help — I’ll literally tell you what to wear so nobody shows up in neon orange (it happens)
• A session that’s actually fun — I run it like a party. No stiff posing, no awkward “say cheese”
• Heirloom-quality printed artwork — think wall prints and albums you’ll actually hang, not files buried on a hard drive
• A full gallery reveal — virtual, so the whole family can be part of it
• Start-to-finish guidance — I’m your second opinion on everything

This is a full-service photography experience. See what that looks like →

One Thing to Know Before Booking North Shore Photography: The Travel Fee

Real talk — the North Shore is far. Like, further than it looks on Google Maps far. Whether you’re staying in Waikiki, Ko Olina, or even Kailua, getting out to the North Shore is a hike, and a travel fee applies no matter the time of year.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The dramatic coastline, the volcanic rock, the pipeline surf break in the background — north shore photography locations are unlike anywhere else on Oahu. But I want you to go in eyes wide open, because surprises are fun at birthday parties, not when you’re booking a photographer.

Ready to Book Your North Shore Photography Session?

If you’re headed to Oahu and you want more than a Google Drive folder to show for it — if you want artwork, a real experience, and photos your family will actually print and hang — let’s talk.

North shore photography with me is sunrise, it’s full-service, and it is not your average beach shoot. Fair warning: you will be obsessed with your gallery.

→ Book with Alison Bell Photographer

More Photography in Hawaii Resources

• 
  Laie Photographer Guide for Easy Family Photo Sessions in Laie, Oahu
• 
  Everything You Need To Know About North Shore Photography, Oahu
• 
  7 Reasons Why a Heirloom Photo Album Is Worth Far More Than Digital Files
• 
  2026 What to Wear for Beach Pictures Made Easy
• 
  Extended Family Photoshoot Outfit Ideas – 2025 Session Roundup
• 
  The Ultimate Things To Do In Kailua Hawaii: Perfect Day After Sunrise Beach Photos