Black Sand Beach Maternity Session on the Big Island
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Sunrise Maternity Session
Black sand beaches are special on the Big Island, and Punalu’u Beach might be on the top of that list. It’s one of my favorite beaches on the island especially during the sunrise, when the beach is still quiet and you get to watch the sun come up over the palm trees.
With a baby on the way, Amanda and Anthony wanted a beach photo session to document this special milestone in their lives. They were up for an early morning start and I was so excited! We had the beach to ourselves, creating a beautiful background for our photos and peaceful start to our day.
Senior Portrait Session - Hilo, Hawaii
Senior year is a big milestone, and this Hilo senior session was such a fun way to celebrate it.
We decided to on a Hilo location, with lush greenery and stunning ocean backdrops. We explored several outdoor spots, and decided on a late morning session. The focus was on capturing genuine moments and letting Micah’s personality shine. We got a great mix of classic portrait options, plus more relaxed options creating beautiful, natural senior portraits.
What to Expect from a Senior Session
During your session, I’ll guide you through classic poses and easy prompts for movement, all while keeping things fun and relaxed. We’ll take breaks as needed and make sure you feel confident and comfortable the entire time. Depending on the session you choose to book, there may also be enough time for an outfit change if you’d like.
Senior photos are a meaningful way to celebrate this chapter of life. If you’re looking for natural, relaxed senior portraits on the Big Island, I’d love to help you plan a Hilo session that feels fun, effortless, and completely true to you.
Four Seasons Hualālai Sunset Family Photos | Big Island, Hawaiʻi
Big Island sunsets and a family vacation are a perfect match. This sunset family session with the Tharpe family at Four Seasons Hualālai felt more like a relaxed beach walk than a formal photoshoot—grandparents, parents, and kids all enjoying their time together in one beautiful place.
Four Seasons Hualālai is a wonderful location for extended family photos. With palm trees, open sand, lava rock, and ocean views all close together, it’s easy to get lots of variety without a lot of walking—great for families with little ones and grandparents alike.
We captured the full family, smaller groupings, and plenty of candid moments in between— we saw a turtle, the kids played on the beach, and other sweet moments that happen naturally when families are relaxed.
Sunset sessions are designed to feel fun and low-pressure. Kids don’t need to be “perfect”—they get to move, explore, and be themselves. As long as parents are relaxed and smiling, I can almost always get great expressions from the kids. It also helps if kids have already eaten and, especially for younger ones, if the day beforehand is kept simple so they’re not overtired.
Sessions typically start 40–90 minutes before sunset, when the light is soft, and the temperatures start to cool down. Family vacations fly by, but photos like these help you hold on to the memories you made.
Big Island Maternity Session
The Garcia family is so excited to be expecting their first baby, and I was honored to capture this special time with a sunset maternity photo session on the Big Island of Hawaii. As a photographer, these are the moments I love most—celebrating love, joy, and the natural beauty that makes Hawaii such a dream backdrop for portraits.
We chose Kukio Beach for their Hawaii maternity photos, and it was the perfect location. Their outfit choices complemented the beach beautifully, and together we created timeless images that highlight both their love and the stunning landscapes of the Big Island.
The beach was quiet and peaceful, giving us the chance to capture genuine, candid moments. As the sun set, the sky lit up with breathtaking colors, reminding me why sunset sessions are always unforgettable.
Big Island Sunset Family Photo Session - The Snedeker Family
Kukio Beach on the Big Island is one of my favorite places for family photos, and this session with the Snedeker family was extra special. They were enjoying their vacation on the Big Island while celebrating a 60th birthday and a recent engagement—all in one trip! We captured a mix of posed portraits and candid moments, giving them plenty of memories to look back on from their trip.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island—whether to celebrate a milestone or simply create new memories—I’d be honored to be your family photographer and help you capture photos you’ll treasure forever.
Kukio Beach Sunset Family Session - The Ridenour Family
Had the pleasure of capturing a sunset beach session with the Ridenour Family at Kukio Beach, Hawaii. They wanted to celebrate their vacation with a family photoshoot. Their daughter was so awesome and loved running around so it was a very fun and lively session. She was the star of the show! The sunset turned out beautifully and was so happy to capture these moments for them!
Pauoa Bay Sunset Family Session - Lesley & Jeff
I had an amazing sunset session with Lesley, Jeff and their family at Pauoa Bay on Big Island, Hawaii. They were visiting Big Island for a family vacation. They were so sweet and it was their daughters birthday recently so we made sure to have a lot of fun!
Intimate Big Island Elopement - The Matiases
The Matiases decided to have a small elopement ceremony just for them and their immediate families at Kukio Beach on Big Island, Hawaii. We had the beach all to ourselves and we got to enjoy a beautiful sunset together. Officiant: Kahu Tom
Hilo Family Portrait Session - The Molinas
I had the pleasure of capturing a Hilo family photo session with Holly, Shane and their cute kiddos. We decided on a sunset session at the beach. They’re such a sweet family and I was honored to capture their first ever family photoshoot! The kids had a blast running around at the beach and I had an amazing time capturing their afternoon.
Wedding at The Grand Naniloa Hotel - Hilo, Hawaii
I had the pleasure of capturing the Matiases beautiful wedding in Hilo, Hawaii. They got ready at the Grand Naniloa Hotel where we took the wedding party and couple’s photos then had a beautiful ceremony at their church in Keaau with all of their family and friends. The reception was held at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course. Congratulations to the Matiases!
Venue: The Grand Naniloa Hotel
Photographer: Anita Zamani Photography
Videographer: Ho'oulu Media
Caterer: Fairway Grill
Florist: Hakus by Bunny
DJ/Band: Eternal Soundz
Cake/Dessert provider: Hikaia LLC
Big Island Elopement — Taylor & Matt in Hilo, Hawaii
It was such an honor to capture Taylor and Matt’s intimate Big Island elopement in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. They chose to celebrate their love with a small, heartfelt ceremony at their home, surrounded by lush jungle and their adorable dog. Their day was relaxed, intentional, and beautiful- everything elopements should be.
Why Couples Choose to Elope
More couples are choosing to elope because they want their wedding day to feel intentional, meaningful, and truly their own. Traditional weddings often come with higher costs, long timelines, and expectations that can take away from the experience itself. Eloping allows couples to slow down, focus on their connection, and create a day centered on what matters most — not a schedule or a guest list. Whether it’s exchanging vows somewhere beautiful or simply having space to be present together, elopements offer a low-stress, deeply personal way to get married.
Eloping benefits:
Fewer stresses and expectations
Lower cost overall
A day centered around the two of you
Time to enjoy your surroundings and adventures
A relaxed timeline without rigid schedules
Why Eloping on the Big Island Is So Special
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi offers a remarkable range of natural landscapes that make every elopement unique. Whether you choose Hilo for its lush jungles and waterfalls, or its black sand beaches and cliffs, the island offers endless beauty with minimal planning stress. Each location has its own mood and meaning, but all of them share one thing: a natural backdrop that feels intimate and timeless for your most meaningful moments.
How I Help You Plan Everything
One of the things couples appreciate most about working with me as their Big Island elopement photographer is that I help with more than just photos — I help guide the planning process so you can enjoy your day.
Things I’ll help with:
Choosing the right Hilo or Big Island location for your vision
Understanding permit requirements and obtaining them for you
Creating a flexible, stress-free timeline
Vendor list for officiants, florals, etc.
Capturing the emotions and small moments that matter most
Building in time for exploring and adventure around your ceremony - I’ll share a list of recommended activities and locations around the island with you
Your elopement should feel like you — not like a production. The goal is for your photos to reflect the real moments you experienced.
Planning Your Hilo Elopement
If you’re thinking about eloping on the Big Island — especially in the Hilo area — here are a few tips:
✔ Consider a morning or golden-hour ceremony for the best light
✔ Embrace the island’s weather — the weather can change quickly and it often rains in Hilo so it’s best to be prepared with umbrellas, rainjackets and waterproof bags to keep your things dry. The rain can add a fun touch and uniqueness to your day and it is often reflected in your photos.
✔ Allow time to enjoy the rest of your Hawaiʻi vacation around your ceremony
✔ Keep your timeline flexible to flow with the day. Often couples like to go to a nice lunch or dinner afterward and spend the next days adventuring the island and relaxing. I’ll have a list of possible activities and places to check out to make this easy for you.
Ready to Start Planning Your Hilo Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a Hilo, Hawaiʻi elopement that feels quiet, meaningful, and uniquely yours, I’d love to help you plan it.
I’m a Big Island elopement photographer based in Hilo, and I specialize in relaxed, editorial imagery that lets your story shine. Reach out here to start planning your elopement and your Hawaiʻi adventure.