Our Hawaii Sunset Photo Session At Kaena Point

Looking to book a sunset photo session while you’re in Hawaii? Consider Careena Tipoti!

I know that sometimes social media gets a lot of flak for lack of authenticity and I get it – I mean, I did a whole post on it! (The Great Instagram Debate: Curation+ Authenticity) But for all of the sometimes negative aspects that arise from blogging and social media, there are always positives. I cannot begin to tell you the amount of creative and talented people I have met through social platforms and blogging. I mean – seriously! Writers, photographers, designers…you name it! People that I would probably have never met on my own for various reasons (namely – living in completely different areas of the country), and that breathe so much beauty into my life just by being in it.

I have to give some serious love to Hawaii here, because I don’t think I’ve ever lived in a place where I have been surrounded by so many creatives at once. Nearly everyone I talk to is creating, making, launching or hustling in some way to live out their dreams and I absolutely love that. And how have I met these people? I’ve met and connected on…you guessed it..Instagram! One of those people is Careena Tipoti, a talented photographer based here on Oahu. I’ve followed her account on Instagram for years now and we’ve chatted through comments and direct messages, but had never met face-to-face.

Last week, all of that changed when she photographed Dane and I at Kaena Point, a scenic spot on the northwest corner of the island right at sunset. About a month ago, she had put a call out on Instagram for models and on a total whim – I submitted our names. I never dreamed she would pick us, but boy oh boy – I’m so grateful she did. These photos are a true gift and one I will treasure for years to come. A friend of mine referenced the lighting as “delicious” and honestly – I couldn’t have phrased it better! Our first outfits were a color scheme of our choosing…

No real shock to anyone that I went with lots of playful color. My dress is old Mara Hoffman (you can rent it here for SUPER CHEAP!) and Dane’s pants are J. Crew.

Sunset Photo Session – Kaena Point

Careena Tipoti Photography

Hawaii Photographer – Careena Tipoti

I mean seriously – I had tears in my eyes looking at these when Careena sent me the gallery. She had asked us ahead of time to do a second outfit that was entirely black and I love how earthy it looked against the more-rugged backdrop of Kaena Point. The wind was whipping like crazy at this point, so my hair and caftan were doing some nutso things and all I kept thinking in my head was “Oh man, I’m sweaty. Oh geeze, this hair is out of control. Holy crap, I probably look like an animal in these photos.” Anyone who knows me, knows that I naturally gravitate toward powerful pops of color, but these photos have convinced me that sometimes muted tones can be just as fabulous. I’m in awe!

Sunset Photo Session In Hawaii

As you can probably tell, I’m so in love with our photo session and cannot wait to update some of the frames in our house. Now comes the hard – which ones should I pick to print?! Thanks for tagging along with my today as I shared our fabulous session – I know we will treasure these photos for years to come 🙂