Family group photo session | Before the chaos at Kualoa, Oahu

The calm before the storm

Understandably, a family group photo session is met with groans and dragging feet. You want the photos (or at least you want to gift the photos to a beloved family member), but the process seems painful. However, families visiting as part of a group or reunion are some of my favorite sessions. They’re full of chaos and silliness and I witness a surprising amount of love and affection. After all, a family close enough (brave enough?) to travel together is a connected, loving family.

Still, I don’t normally get to see families at this stage. The kids are grown and coupled up but there aren’t any grandchildren yet. They were visiting Oahu for a friend’s wedding and decided to make the most of their big trip with a pre-grandchild photo session.

As soon as grandchildren arrive on the scene the vibe changes. The relaxed, party atmosphere of easy jokes quickly transitions into distracted chaos. Personally, I like the chaos that herds of grandchildren brings, but it’s fun to see this side. With one couple expecting their first baby by the end of the year, they were on the edge of change – the calm before the storm

A Kualoa sunrise

Kualoa Regional Park is a great option for both stunning mountain and ocean backdrops. And at sunrise, you get the park to yourself. We spent an easy morning sharing jokes and acting like kids under the warm tropical sun. After meandering around the park and taking in the views, it was time for breakfast. Still laughing the group made their way back to their cars and onto the rest of their peaceful vacation.

I recommended continuing north to make a circle island tour stopping for brunch at Roy’s Beach House at Turtle Bay. With bellies full, they could explore the north shore of Oahu with stops at Waimea Bay and Waimea Valley, Haleiwa town to scour local boutiques, and Waialua sugar mill (for coffee, chocolate and shave ice) before heading back to Waikiki.

Are you heading to Oahu for an extended family reunion?

It can be so hard to get everyone together in one place. Make the most of your trip with a pain-free family group photo session so you can take home beautiful memories of your time together. Find out more about my family photography sessions here.