Oahu family portraits | Stormy Skies Over Bellow’s Beach

Sunrise at Bellows Beach

We almost missed each other. John and Olivia were flying to Oahu for vacation and I was leaving the island for vacation. But we had one day of overlap. Just one morning to make it work. The weather can be so fickle on the windward side, but they fell in love with the white sand beach in Waimanalo that seems to stretch on forever alongside towering mountain views. We took the gamble. They made the long morning drive from Disney’s Aulani Resort in Koolina while I nervously watched the radar. Rain fell in endless sheets to the north and south of Bellow’s Beach and squalls danced just offshore. A brief squall passed overhead as they arrived and we waited in out cars with bated breath. After a few minutes, the clouds lifted and bright sunshine broke through the dark. We were rewarded with the dramatic contrast of light and dark which makes everything magical.

About the Session

Apple needed extra snuggles. They had only just arrived and her first ocean experience was a little loud with wind and waves pounding the shore. We ducked behind some trees for a little break from the wind. Here, she was content to balance on fallen logs and smell tiny flowers before heading back to the water with renewed excitement.

We saw clearly that our time was limited. A wall of rain was headed our way. Wanting to soak up every last minute of the beautiful morning, we stalled; dipped our toes in the sand, made friends with a snail. Only when the driving rain chilled us did we retreat to our cars and head home. Maybe not a typical session, but perfect all same.

Want to capture beautiful Oahu family portraits for yourself?

No need to stand around awkwardly posing on the beach, worrying about the kids misbehaving. Let’s keep it simple and actually have fun. It’s all about spending time with your favorite people so you can take home truly beautiful memories. Let Little Bird plan a fun morning for your family! You can find out more about our family photography sessions here.