Oahu Family Photography and Films | Joys of the Ocean

August 12, 2020

Going for the Record

My 3-year-old niece screamed in protest. A look of pure terror washed over her face before she dissolved in a puddle of hysterical sobs. All this because my sister walked too close to the water. I looked out at the seemingly benign expanse of blue ocean as it lapped gently at the shore and wondered about her fears. Why does the ocean foster such great passion both in favor of and against? Even babies seem to have strong opinions on the matter.

Debbie and her family fall on the opposite end of the spectrum. From youngest to oldest they are undoubtedly a water-loving family. In fact, they love it so much that they set a record for how fast an entire family was drenched during a family photo session. Just minutes into their session the oldest approached the water. I was unpacking my gear as he tested the waves gingerly with his toe and when I looked back he was completely soaked. Rivulets of water streamed down his polo and face reflected a combination of mischief and joy. As if he thought it was completely worth it.

No one yelled or screamed. They simply shrugged their shoulders and joined him in the shallows to play in the waves and look for treasure. The morning unfolded gently as curiosity and joy drove the session.

A Tropical Ending

We were spending a clear morning at Paradise Cove Beach. The gentle water was perfect for the baby and the tidepools and rocky outcrop created enough adventure to keep the older boys happy. So happy, in fact, that they didn’t want to leave the water.

We ended the session in a burst of energy. The grabbed intertubes, nets, and goggles and jumped fully into the ocean on a mission to catch a fish. Although their attempts were unsuccessful, they had the best time trying. And with the baby fast asleep on the sand, we decided to end the morning, but they made plans to come back the very next day.

You can watch their sweet family film below.

And see a sample of their family photos here –

family walks out to paradise cove beach just after sunrise

mom and toddler daughter portrait of her first time at the beach in hawaii

Family hug at paradise cove beach during a family photo session in hawaii

boy jumping in the shallows during a family photoshoot in oahu

mom and baby snuggle during a morning photoshoot at the beach

dad and son play in the sand at paradise cove koolina as the sun starts to rise

mom and son share a hug in a hawaii tidepool during a family photoshoot

toddler gives dad love during a beach photoshoot by little bird photography and films

dad plays with sons at a beach in family-friendly beach in oahu

family plays in the shallows of paradise cove beach

closeup of mom snuggling toddler daughter during a beach photography session in koolina lagoon

brothers explore the rocky intertidal area during a family photo shoot in hawaii

boy enjoying hugs from mom at koolina beach during a family photo shoot

family hug during a portrait session in hawaii

mom and sons enjoying a beautiful beach morning at koolina

over under portrait of boys fishing in koolina lagoon oahu

underwater portrait of a boy with a net and needlefish at koolinas paradise cove

boy having fun in a rainbow intertube during a family photo session in koolina oahu

boys playing in the shallows at paradise cove a kid-friendly beach in hawaii

over under shot of a boy in an intertube splashed by his brother Oahu Family Photography and Films

Are you looking for Oahu family photography and films?

If so, consider getting in the ocean! No need to keep them dry. I’m happy to recommend great options for different levels of adventure or even suggest some tricky spots that keep kids dry for part of the session before turning them loose in the water. Learn more about booking your own fun family photo and film session here.