Oahu Family Photographer Beach | Cherub on the Edge | Kualoa Beach

A Long Drive

The clock was ticking. Sure at the moment, she looked like a cherub – all rosy round cheeks a pink chubby perfection. Her smile flashed easily revealing newly cut teeth, but it was coming less often. And the eye rubs were coming faster and more furious. One had the distinct impression that she would roll her eyes at your goofy antics if she only knew how. Yes, time was running out.

The morning started out in a glorious burst of color. I wound my way up the coast before dawn taking peeks at the ocean conditions in the gaps between houses and sips of coffee. It was calm with a light breeze – perfect weather for a baby’s first beach day. As I approached Kualoa the sky glowed crimson. It evolved into bright red before succumbing to orange and eventually yellow. I paced nervously at yellow as I read the latest text update.

I was about to photograph the loveliest Midwestern family who was making the ambitiously long drive from Koolina to the very different, mountain-backed beach scene at Kualoa Beach Park. In the morning chaos they got turned around and ended up trapped in an HOV commuter lane speeding them away from their desired exit. They were still 30 minutes away.

I watched crabs scuttle along the sand to spar with neighbors as the sun warmed my face. It was a serene setting but I couldn’t relax. A baby in the car for that long? That can’t be good.

A Burst of Happiness

They arrived in a frenzied rush and pulled our youngest model from her car seat. I expected protest, but she was all smiles. These weren’t ordinary smiles. No, they were big eruptions of joy that extended to her ears and toes and they were absolutely contagious. Still, I knew time was ticking and we made a quick scramble to capture both photos and video. She gave a solid 30 minutes of delight before succumbing to sleep. Ah, little cherub, thanks for hanging in there.

Watch Their Family Film Here

And See Photos From Their Session Here

Want to Capture Your Own Sweet Moments?

Let’s plan an easy morning of fun and photos that you will treasure. We can even plan something nearby ;) Find out more about my family photography sessions here.