Our “Mālama” Approach

The concept of Mālama has deep meaning in Hawaiian culture. The word means “to care for and protect,” and it extends to many different areas. We love this piece that explores the word’s meaning from the perspective of a native Hawaiian.

Betty Laurent Photography has always been special as a maternity and newborn photographer. From the beginning, caring for her clients and the experience she provides while capturing this very most special time in their lives was her driving passion. This approach came naturally to Betty from the beginning, and then when she established her business on the island of Kauai, she discovered that there is a word for it in the Hawaiian, “Mālama.”

Words from Betty:

“I like to center my approach around this word because it represents the emotion I feel most strongly when I am working – care. I am known to put extra time into getting to know my clients, the photoshoots, and my editing sessions because it is so important for me for my client to feel this, and for the final results to reflect this care, as well.

“The Mālama Approach was created out of my desire to make sure all my clients are treated like family, and because I care so deeply about:

• My Clients – I take time to get to know you, to make sure you feel beautiful and taken care of.
• The Process – All of the details are meticulously taken care of, that I collaborate with you, and that you have a comfortable, joyful experience during the shoot. You feel like you have a part in creating the vision.
• The Final Results – I have put 100% of my focus and love into the editing process, and that the results reflect these joyous moments of your life.
• Respecting Hawaii - Mālama is associated with the phrase, ‘Mālama ka ‘aina,’ meaning to take care of the land. It’s important to me to acknowledge where I live, respecting the Hawaiian land and culture as I work.”