Aloha, and welcome to Maui Island Photography! If you’re lucky enough to travel to Maui this year, whether it’s your first time to the Aloha State or your 50th – or, like myself, you’re lucky enough to live here full time – you’ll soon understand why it’s one of the world’s most idyllic places for adventure, relaxation, and appreciating the endless natural beauty that surrounds you.

From swaying palms and turquoise waves on the south side to lava rock outcrops and panoramic views on north shore, there are several stunning locations to capture the memories of your trip with a family or couples Maui beach portrait session.

This month, I’m here to answer one of the most frequent questions I receive from clients: “What should I wear for my Maui beach portraits?”

Please refer to the following list to see what you should – and shouldn’t – wear to your next beach portrait session. Mahalo!

Coordinated Colors & Patterns

I recommend choosing 3 to 4 colors or shades and mix & match patterns with solids. It looks more polished without Logo wear, unless you are rocking the beach-vibe look.

Colors that contrast with the environment, such as oranges, purples, reds, yellows, and bright pinks, pop against the background and create more variety of tones and colors in your images. If you choose all-white, make sure all the whites blend or match – sometimes a pinkish-white and a blueish-white together can really be noticeable and make one shirt look dirty.

Choosing one color for everyone, like all-blue? Try mixing it up with different shades of blue, or including patterns in the mix!

Avoid wearing black cotton to your session, as it tends to show every grain of sand. Try rayon or another material that sand can slide off, and water won’t really change the shade of black.

Designs & Complementary Colors

Crazy designs are usually fine, so long as it blends and balances with others. For example, a mom in a wonderfully colorful dress blends well with a family wearing solids with same colors.

Glasses & Sunglasses

Feel free to bring your glasses, and sunglasses along for fun!

If your prescription glasses are light-adaptive, just be aware that the majority of your session will be in daylight. I have clients who are fine with dark lenses for their session, but if you’re not, try wearing different glasses or contacts, and be aware that you can always take them on or off if you would like.

Band-Aids & Boo Boos

If at all possible, avoid wearing a band-aid to your portrait session. Scratches and bruises actually blend into skin tones better than you think. Also, if Photoshop is necessary, having skin to work with is much better than editing out a Band-Aid.

Choosing an outfit to cover up bites, scrapes and bruises is the easiest way to avoid showing off your vacation wounds. Stick to sleeves, pants, etc. If you have any concerns before your session, don’t hesitate to send an email, text, or give me a call!

Sunburns

If you get a sunburn before your session, the best way to avoid looking like a crispy critter is to wear a lot of lotion and hydrate! Just like bruises and scrapes, consider wearing clothes that cover those burn lines. Always wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid those sunglass lines and peeling shoulders. Scheduling your session earlier in your vacation can also help.

Hats

If you normally wear a hat, try to start the session without it. Hats do cast shadows, so depending on the natural light, I may ask you to remove it from time to time throughout the shoot. Feel free to wear it for all your candids, especially if it is part of your staple wardrobe!

Shoes

Unless I mention we are hiking a bit, feel free to wear slippers or your favorite slip-ons. Have a pair of shoes that you really want to be photographed? Wear them and we will make sure to snap a couple of pics in your prized kicks, or LVs, before we go barefoot on the beach. If you have to wear shoes for medical or comfort reasons, let me know ahead of time and we can plan your session accordingly.

Bathing Suits

Bathing suits are encouraged! Feel free to wear them under your clothes, for your whole session, or for part of it. We are shooting at the beach, after all!

Change of Clothes

Want to bring along a change of clothes? Absolutely! Just remember we are usually shooting on a beach, so if you don’t feel comfortable changing on-location, let me know and I can plan your session accordingly.

Bra Straps

Remember to bring a bra that works with your clothing – such as strapless – so we can avoid photos with unwanted clothing malfunctions.

Accessories

The best thing about the beach: no accessories needed! Add sand, sun, water, and waves, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun and beautiful photo session.

If you want to add a little something to your session that says “I’m in Maui!”, a Haku Lei, shell necklace or even a surfboard can really make your photos say “Aloha!”

Personal Items

Try to bring a minimal amount of personal items. We will be shooting on a public beach and are usually moving and changing locations constantly. Bringing a small bag to keep your cell phone, keys, wallet, lipstick, hair ties, etc., and leave the rest back in your hotel or home. Trust me, you won’t want any of those items in your photos.

Smile

Finally, the MOST important thing to wear is your smile! Plan what you can and get ready to enjoy a really fun Maui experience!

What to Wear to your Maui Portrait Session