Comments on: Amazing Advice on Choosing a Wedding and Family Portrait Photographer in Hawaii

By: Stan

Stan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:24:19 +0000

Personally, I feel that Portraits are Family Art Treasures…and I’m not alone in this. So I feel that it’s much more important to “shop” for a photographer whose work you admire first. Then interview a few to see who you communicate and connect with well, and who gives you confidence that they will do a great job for you. Then I believe the only way you will get the kind of quality art you seek is to have the professional provide the final portraits. They are, after all, much more than just “prints”. And Portraits are an investment that will last for generations…if you choose the right photographer!

By: Angela

Angela — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:24:10 +0000

Another big thumbs up for Natalie! Not only is she extremely talented, but her personality is so wonderful that just being near her is a blessing.

By: suzie

suzie — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:07:31 +0000

Natalie Norton is MY IDOL!!
She rocks with a capital “R”
loveya nat <3

By: Karma

Karma — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:59:05 +0000

I am a photographer on Maui and I totally agree with Natalie, be sure to do your research! All photographers set up their packages differently, be sure to find one who fits your needs. If you are not very computer savvy or don’t want to fuss with making your own prints, find someone with a low sitting fee that will sell you prints after your session. If you know you are going to want a disc with your images so you can make your own prints or get creative with scrapbooking, find a photographer that will either include the disc with the sitting fee or sell it to you. Just be sure to price out how much the disc is. One photographer might charge you a sitting fee of only $200.00 but charge you 300-400 dollars for a disc. Another photographer might charge a sitting fee of $500.00 but include the disc in the package.

Of course you want to be sure and love the photographer’s style as well, shop on pricing AND which photographer has pictures that evoke emotion in you. If you get an emotional response to someone’s work, you most likely will love your pictures as well.

Happy vacationing in Hawaii!!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:06:38 +0000

I agree the more prepared you are the better. Know what kind of photos you want. Look through mags, friends alboms, etc… You can email example shots to your photographer too!

Another really good resource that just got put up is HawaiiPhotography.com for asking about photographers on your destination island, as well as sharing your own photos.

By: Sheila

Sheila — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:11:23 +0000

Anna – Lanikai is such a beautiful beach. I’m glad you got a nice portrait done on there!

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:17:10 +0000

On a recent visit to Hawaii, I had a beach portrait session at Lanikai beach with AinaKai Photography (ainakai.com). Photographer Richard Wainscoat did an amazing job and he went above and beyond my expectations for a photographer. Highly recommended. Richard is based in Kailua, Oahu.

By: Natalie Norton

Natalie Norton — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:15:12 +0000

Next time Sheila! Give me a call!

By: Sheila

Sheila — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:50:27 +0000

HVG -I really wanted to have a professional portrait of Andy and I done on Oahu when we met Natalie. I’m extremely camera shy, though.

By: HawaiiVacationGifts

HawaiiVacationGifts — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:02:58 +0000

Mahalo Sheila for such a wonderful and informative interview. You and Natalie certainly convinced me that having professional portraits done on your vacation in Hawaii is a great idea.

By: Sheila

Sheila — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:46:13 +0000

@ Natalie – Thank YOU!

By: Natalie Norton

Natalie Norton — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:22:22 +0000

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share! What fun!

Cheers and ALOHA!

xoxox

By: Sheila

Sheila — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:23:40 +0000

@ Dave & Tiabla – Based on the postcard photos, picture books, etc., I’m sure Oahu has some fantastic photographers.

@ Andy – I hope you’ll like the second installment, especially since you’re a budding photographer yourself.

@ Chris – Thanks for sharing your insight about Natalie. She is creative.

By: Chris Bennett

Chris Bennett — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:49:40 +0000

Great write up. My wife and I know of Natalie as well and we swear by her work. She has a family and kids of her own and will have suggestions you would of never thought of that will create the perfect pictures.

By: Andy Beal

Andy Beal — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:52:15 +0000

WOW, what great advice from Natalie!

Having met her, I can tell you that she’s the type of person that’s not going to rest until you’re 1000% delighted with her work.

I can’t wait to read the second installment!

By: Tiabla

Tiabla — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:39:08 +0000

Two words: Shawn Starr.

[link removed]

Ultra professional, really nice guy, and most importantly, a brilliant photographer. This guy could charge 5X what he currently does and it would still be a value.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:15:12 +0000

Randy Focht – [randyfocht.com] does a great job with this as well. He does a sightseeing tour where he drives you around the island and photographs you at all the best scenic locations.