Planning a photo session can feel overwhelming–choosing the right photographer, wardrobe styling, location scouting–and planning it across an ocean is even more intimidating. At Wilde Sparrow, we’re dedicated to taking care of every detail, big or small, to help you capture
memories from your vacation and create the photo experience you’ve always wanted. With a planning pro on the team (shoutout, Ashley!), and trained photographers who truly care, all you need to do is let us know what you’re looking for–we’ll handle the rest.
“If you're trying to decide if you want to book with Wilde Sparrow Photography, DO IT! The prep leading up to the shoot was seamless, and the communication was quick and helpful, taking the stress off the day. Our photographer was incredible– funny, kind, attentive, and creative. She remembered everyone's name and took some truly magical photos. We had them back about a week after the shoot, and we all agreed that they perfectly captured how we felt while there. I believe that the experience and the product that you get– for the price you're paying– are unmatched.
Abby
As an exclusive perk of booking with Wilde Sparrow, we’ve created a comprehensive client lounge for you to hang out in leading up to (and after!) your session. This will be the go-to spot to access all of our best pre-session tips–everything from wardrobe styling, to location selection, to the delivery of your final gallery–and we’re here to tell you: it’s oh-so-good. We’ve specifically designed our lounge to make your photo experience stress-free and easier than anything else you’ve done in parenthood (it’s time you get a break, after all).
Custom outfit styling tool
In-depth What to Wear guide
Session location guide
Island visitor guide
What to expect during your session
And so much more!
No matter what you envision for your family beach photoshoot, we offer a package to meet your needs. With planning support in place, a variety of session options to choose from, and add-ons to customize your package, we’re ready to give you a stress-free experience that’ll actually feel like a vacation.
Perfect for: Families who want a laid-back session with a mix of different shots.
Perfect for: A short (but sweet!) Hawaii photo session.
Perfect for: Extended families, outfit changes, or extra photo-taking time.
Please note: 4.712% Hawaii state tax will be added to all packages and products. West Maui locations require a $100 travel fee. Wilde Sparrow also offers a lifetime 10% discount for returning clients, military members, teachers, and kama’aina.
Add some extra island flair to your photo session. Each crown is carefully crafted with fresh flowers and customized just for you. Keiki (child-sized flower crowns) and green lei for men are also available.
Get your gallery faster with our 3-day rush delivery—an exclusive add-on for clients. We ensure swift and precise delivery, turning your creations into a shareable visual story faster than you can say 'beach day'.
Enhance your chosen package by purchasing the complete image gallery from your gorgeous family photoshoot. This upgrade is also available for purchase after your session images have been delivered.
Not only were our images stunning but the entire process was seamless. She provided such helpful instructions for preparing and even dinner recommendations for after our session that were wonderful. Would book her again tomorrow!
Carri Houser
Interested in booking a vacation photo session with us? Don’t wait to reach out! Fill out the inquiry form on our website with your travel dates, and we’ll get back to you with our availability. We recommend reaching out at least 3 months in advance (4-5 months for holiday and summer months). Once you’ve decided on a package, signed our contract, and paid a 30% retainer, your booking is confirmed!
Now that things are official, it’s time to start planning! You’ll receive exclusive access to our secret vault of session guides–the Wilde Sparrow client lounge. Inside, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of need-to-know information–not only for your photoshoot but for your entire trip to Hawaii. Trust us, it’s a cannot miss.
Your photo session day has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited! Arrive at your pre-determined session location, and have a blast on the beach with your favorite people. We’ll be there to guide you every step of the way and to capture each moment on camera.
Following your photo session, focus on enjoying the rest of your time in Hawaii while we get to work. We’ll naturally edit your images and create your full photo gallery. Your beautiful final gallery will be delivered via email within 14 days of your session date.
At Wilde Sparrow, we welcome all families. If you have a child with special needs or require additional accommodations, please let us know how we can best support you. The best photos happen when children feel comfortable and cared for, and we will do everything possible to create an enjoyable experience for everyone.
“I wanted to take family pictures during our trip to the Big Island. I contacted Wilde Sparrow and they got back to me super quick letting me there was a spot available during my dates. Our photographer was super nice and sweet, and she made us feel comfortable the whole time. Our pictures came out looking beautiful, and I’ll cherish them forever. Thank you!”
Nadia H
We specialize in beach portrait sessions. On the Big Island, sessions take place along the Waikoloa and Kohala beach shorelines. On Maui, sessions take place in Kihei, Wailea or Kaanapali. We have locations available all around Oahu, including near Waikiki. (Please note: commercial photography is no longer allowed at Disney Aulani Resort but we have nearby locations available). All locations are subject to permit availability as a commercial permit is required for all commercial beach activity in Hawaii.
After you book a session, you'll get a link to our exclusive and very robust location guide. These locations have been vetted based on available light, busyness, and how well they work for families, couples, or maternity clients. We have specific spots we recommend for sunrise but do not recommend for sunset, and vice versa. Our team can also make recommendations based on where you’ll be staying on the island.
In the unlikely event that the weather does not cooperate, we'll work to find a time to reschedule your session during your trip. The best-case scenario is finding a different location (hopefully a nearby beach!) where it is not raining, but we will make those plans on the day of your session if necessary.
We will keep a backup rain date and time for you. This might be a different time of day than you originally booked, or it may be with a different photographer from our team if that is all we have available. If all attempts have been made to reschedule and it still rains, you'll receive a 30% refund. If you refuse any date and time offered to attempt to reschedule during your trip, no refund will be given.
Every image you see on our site is classically edited. This includes enhancing the colors of photos, and removing distractions such as people and objects from the background of your images.
We do not airbrush or 'nip and tuck', wrap or liquify any subjects. We also don’t do high-detail editing such as removing bags under eyes, wrinkles around eyes or mouth, whitening teeth, intense skin smoothing, etc. We believe in capturing authenticity, not perfection. If you typically use FaceTune, Instagram, or TikTok filters that alter your appearance and are hoping for that same type of editing of your images, we won’t be able to deliver that kind of editing to you. If you are interested in these services for a small handful of your final images after receiving your final gallery, we assess those requests on an individual photo basis and the starting costs for such edits are $95 per image.
Yes, you will get to see all of your final session images and make your own image selections from your delivered gallery. This doesn’t mean you will get to see every photo that was taken at your session. Our culling process involves selecting the absolute best shots from your session time, so we discard images that are out of focus, have closed eyes, or simply are not the best of the best. The final result, approximately 1-2 images per minute of session time, is the gallery that will be delivered to you.
10-14 days after your session, you'll receive your final gallery of images. From there you choose the final images you'd like to have the high-resolution digital files of and be able to download those directly to your computer. You’ll also have the option to purchase additional individual digital files or upgrade to purchase your entire collection of session images.
We know we don't always get families on their best days, and that’s okay! They’re just kids, and our photographers are able to work through any situation during your session.
Prior to the session, ensure kids are well-fed (and bring backup snacks!). Ask them to help decide what they'd like to wear so they feel included and comfortable. Have something extra special planned for afterward so they have something happy to look forward to (ice cream, anyone?!).
In the end, we'll be doing lots of snuggling and laughing and playing. We aim to keep sessions low stress and easy–if a little one doesn’t want to pose or “behave,” we simply go with the flow and let them lead. This happens all the time and our team is trained in how to get beautiful images even when kids do not want to cooperate. We'll do our best!
Though we sincerely hope you don’t need to cancel or postpone your Hawaii vacation, we understand that life sometimes happens. Should you have to cancel or reschedule your session, the 30% retainer is non-refundable but is transferable to another date within 12 months of your original session date.
Yes, but more often than not, these interfere with the session flow and bring added stress to your session. We strongly recommend only one outfit for your family, especially if you have booked a 20- or 45-minute session. Additionally, most beaches do not have bathrooms nearby so if you do have your heart set on an outfit change, be ready for a quick change on the beach and expect it to cut into your session photo-taking time.
Sessions typically take place at sunrise or sunset–these are the best times of the day to have beautiful lighting for your photos.
We understand late summer sunset sessions require a one-time adjustment in kids’ schedules. Late naps can do wonders! Do not plan any exhausting activities the day of your photo session and nothing at all 2-3 hours before your session. Make it a relaxing day and bring snacks!
Yes, we will be able to get photos of each individual family and, depending on time, a few shots of just the kids from each individual family. Please be sure to let your photographer know ahead of time the important groupings you have in mind so we can do our best to accommodate all the shots that are most important to you.
On the Big Island, Kukio Beach and Pauoa Bay are the only two beaches with a paved path right to the sand and would be great choices for anyone who has trouble walking, is in a wheelchair, or for strollers. On Maui, we’d recommend Polo Beach for easy accessibility from the parking lot, though you do have to walk down a small set of stairs to get to the beach.
If you require an easily accessible location, please let us know during the booking process so we can recommend the best spots for your session.