Maternity & Newborn Photography: Why Kaua‘i Is a Magical Setting

When people think of Hawai‘i, they often picture turquoise waves, swaying palms, and warm island breezes. While all the islands offer breathtaking beauty, Kaua‘i—affectionately known as the Garden Island—holds a magic all its own. Its lush landscapes, slower pace of life, and deeply family-centered culture create a uniquely nurturing setting, especially for expectant mothers and families with young children. For maternity photography and newborn photography, there is simply no place like it. A Living Garden: Kaua‘i’s Lush Backdrops Kaua‘i earns its Garden Island nickname the moment you step off the plane. Verdant mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant tropical foliage surround you from every direction. The island’s abundant rainfall, combined with its rich volcanic soil, produces greenery more intense and varied than anywhere else in Hawai‘i. For photography, this means an endless palette of natural backdrops—emerald valleys, fern-filled forests, leafy tunnels, and sunlit meadows that look almost enchanted. There is a softness to the landscape here that pairs beautifully with the tenderness of maternity and newborn sessions. Expectant moms often tell me how grounded and peaceful they feel when surrounded by this living, breathing green. Babies, too, seem naturally soothed by Kaua‘i’s gentle environment. Nestling a newborn in a field of tropical flowers or capturing the glow of a mother-to-be framed by towering Jurassic cliffs creates images that feel intimate, effortless, and magical. Where Rainbows Live One of Kaua‘i’s signature gifts is its abundance of rainbows. Thanks to the island’s unique combination of sunlight and passing showers, it is common to …

Honoring ʻOhana: How Newborn Photography Can Celebrate Hawaiian Family Traditions

In Hawaiʻi, family is everything. The word ʻohana means more than “family” in the traditional sense—it speaks to the deep, interconnected relationships that bind parents, grandparents, siblings, aunties, uncles, and even close friends together. ʻOhana represents belonging, continuity, and love that flows across generations. As a Kauai newborn and maternity photographer, I feel deeply honored to capture that spirit of ʻohana through my lens. Every session tells a story — not only of a baby’s first days, but also of the heritage, traditions, and love that surround them. Newborn photography becomes a way to honor Hawaiian family traditions and preserve the timeless beauty of connection for generations to come. The Heart of ʻOhana When I photograph a newborn, I often think about the generations that came before—the kupuna (elders) whose wisdom and strength created the foundation for the family. In Hawaiian culture, every new life is seen as a blessing, a continuation of ancestral lineage. Welcoming a baby is both a personal and communal celebration. Newborn photography offers a special opportunity to honor that connection. Whether through subtle cultural details or larger family gatherings, each photograph becomes a way to express gratitude to your ancestors and share your family’s story with future generations. Each family’s approach is unique, but here are a few ideas that beautifully reflect the spirit of ʻohana: The Symbolism of the Lei A lei is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols of aloha. In newborn photography, lei can be used to represent the circle …

Multi-Generational Newborn Photography

Maternity to Newborn Sessions and Beyond: The Joy of Photographing Three Generations

One of the greatest blessings of my work as a photographer here on Kauaʻi is being invited into some of the most tender and meaningful seasons of a family’s life. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of documenting so many incredible journeys—from glowing Kauaʻi maternity photography sessions on the beach, to those first sweet newborn snuggles, to the joyous celebration of a baby’s very first birthday. What makes it even more special is when an entire ‘ohana, including grandparents, comes together for these milestones. There is something profoundly beautiful about capturing three generations in a single frame. A maternity session is already full of anticipation and love, but when grandparents are present, the story becomes even deeper. Their joy at welcoming a new grandchild radiates, and I often find myself tearing up behind the camera. It’s a reminder that a new life is never just about one child—it’s about the continuation of a family’s story, woven through generations. When the baby finally arrives, newborn photography sessions are among my favorites. Those first days are fleeting and tender, filled with sleepy stretches, tiny toes, and the kind of love that fills a room to the brim. Grandparents holding their grandbaby for portraits—there is nothing quite like it. Their hands, lined with the experiences of a lifetime, gently cradling this new little soul, speak volumes about love, legacy, and the beauty of time. By the time a baby’s first birthday arrives, the journey feels full circle. Watching families gather again, a …

Kaua‘i Newborn Photography: Celebrating New Life with Lei Po‘o

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most precious milestones. For families on Kaua‘i, incorporating meaningful traditions into newborn portraits makes those memories even more special. One of the most beautiful ways to honor both culture and new life is with a lei po‘o, a handcrafted flower crown that carries deep cultural roots and timeless elegance. More than an accessory, a lei po‘o honors tradition, symbolizes aloha, and creates unforgettable portraits of your little one’s first days of life. At Betty Laurent Photography, a Kaua‘i newborn photographer specializing in timeless, heartfelt images, I love helping families weave this island tradition into their photo sessions. What is a Lei Po‘o? In Hawaiian tradition, a lei is a garland of flowers, leaves, or other natural materials given to show love, honor, or celebration. A lei po‘o is a lei made specifically to be worn on the head. Historically, these adornments have been worn for ceremonies, hula, graduations, weddings, and other special occasions. When included in a newborn photography session on Kaua‘i, a lei po‘o not only enhances the natural beauty of the portraits but also connects families to the spirit of aloha and the island’s heritage. Types of Lei Po‘o and Flowers Used No two lei po‘o are alike. Each is handcrafted with intention, and the flowers chosen often carry their own meaning: The combination of blossoms and greens creates a crown that is both meaningful and visually stunning, making it a treasured element of Kaua‘i newborn photography. Cultural Significance of …

Oahu maternity photographer beach sunset session

Kauai Babymoon: Hawaiian Words and Traditions to Know

Planning a babymoon is such a special way to celebrate your growing family before your little one arrives. Many parents-to-be choose Kauai for its breathtaking landscapes, relaxing pace, and deep sense of aloha. Beyond the stunning beaches and lush mountains, Kauai is a place where culture and tradition are a part of everyday life. As a maternity and newborn photographer here on Kauai, I’ve seen how learning a few Hawaiian words and customs can make your experience even more meaningful. It helps you connect more deeply with the island and create lasting memories infused with a sense of place. Here are some Hawaiian words and traditions that will enrich your babymoon experience. Aloha  – More Than Hello You’ll hear “aloha” everywhere on Kauai, but it’s much more than just a greeting. Aloha means love, compassion, peace, and mutual respect. It’s a way of living and treating others with kindness. When you say or receive “aloha,” think of it as an invitation to slow down, be present, and honor the people and surroundings around you. Carrying the spirit of aloha into your babymoon can make your trip feel even more relaxing and connected—perfect for this sacred season of preparing for your baby. Ohana  – Family Ohana means family, but in Hawaiian culture, it extends far beyond blood relatives. It’s about the bonds you create with friends, neighbors, and community. Ohana reflects the idea that family is central to life and everyone has a role in supporting one another. As you prepare …

Baby Photo Trends for 2025

There is nothing quite so special as the time spent with a newborn baby. It’s so precious and so fleeting that you want to do what you can to remember it. This is precisely what baby photography is for, and people are always looking for ways to make these images as unique and memorable as your baby’s first days. Here are some of the modern trends that are helping people capture their memories with baby photos that they’ll enjoy for decades to come. Ecological Storytelling Your baby is born into a world that isn’t just a setting, it’s a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem. It’s also a world in flux, one where every day sees tremendous changes. The world your baby is born into is not the same one where you were born, and when you welcome grandchildren, you will be welcoming them into a different world still. As we recognize this, people are looking to capture not just what makes their child special, but what makes their world special, too. Parents also hope that connecting their newborn’s identity with the world’s ecosystem will help them take seriously their role as ecological stewards. Although it’s possible to tell ecological stories literally anywhere in the world, people often seek out places with striking, unique, and, yes, even fragile ecosystems. This helps make for some amazing images and it drives home the important message that there is still so much beauty in the world that deserves our protection. Bright Colors Variations on white (cream, …

Kauai newborn photographer, cocomoon photo 1

Creating Magic with Coco Moon Hawai’i Photoshoot

As a Kauai newborn photographer and maternity photographer, most of my energy is devoted to capturing beautiful moments for mothers and families through photoshoots on the beautiful islands of Hawai’i. While my passion and attention will always go first to this, I also feel it’s important to take on other projects that allow me to collaborate with local businesses, expand my photography portfolio, and connect with Hawaiian culture. This summer of 2024, I reached out to Coco Moon and offered to do a photoshoot. Coco Moon is a baby clothing company that a Hawaiian mother started, creating premium muslin swaddles, bamboo clothing, and more. Although I have had a taste of commercial work in the past, I wanted to build on this experience. As a Kauai newborn photographer, I wanted to make sure the project I chose would be meaningful to me and my surrounding community. Conceptualizing and shooting this collection of photos were incredibly fun and rewarding, and I am so proud of the end product. Why I Chose This Project as a Kauai Newborn Photographer Even before working with them, I adored Coco Moon clothing. I can find their products in quite a few clothing stores in Hawaii and many more on the mainland. I always gravitate towards their pieces for my grandson or use in my studio for clients. As a mother of four girls, I really appreciate their ‘hand-me-down’ quality, as I know that passed-down clothing items not only save money but also become the most …

Newborn Photography Do’s and Don’ts

The first few weeks of your baby’s life are absolutely precious. You have a tiny little addition to your family who is ready to soak up your love. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and if you’re not careful, it’ll be over before you’ve had a chance to savor this special time. Very soon, your child will transition into being a toddler, and you’ll struggle to remember those cute moments when your baby fit into the crook of our arm and went to sleep on you. Newborn photography is a great way to preserve these precious, fleeting moments and provide a lifetime of memories for you and your family to look back on fondly. When you work with an experienced infant photographer, you can capture the essence of this amazing time, showcasing the joy and love you feel as your family expands. While your infant photography session is an exciting time for your family, it’s natural to be a little anxious as you prepare for the photoshoot. The following tips will ensure you know exactly what to expect so that you can relax and enjoy the session. Newborn Photography Do’s There are several things you should keep in mind when preparing for your infant photography session. The following “do’s” will help you make sure you’ve covered all the important points. Do – Schedule Your Infant Photoshoot within the First Two Weeks After Birth Newborn photoshoots go more smoothly when your baby typically sleeps for …

Tips for DIY newborn and baby portraits by Kauai Maternity Photographer

Hello! As a newborn photographer I am just as disappointed as you are about not being able to have. newborn session! While I am unable to photograph your new addition because of this situation with the Covid 19 virus, I wanted to pass along these tips on how you can still capture this fleeting moment- at home -with whatever camera you own! ( yes… even your phone!) I look forward to photographing your family soon! GET READY! SAFETY FIRST! Always have another adult present to be close to baby while talking photos with siblings or pets! If they loose patience, try again at another time and be patient. You never know how siblings or pets can react, even if it is just to play Never leave a newborn or baby unattended or never use a prop that could be potentially dangerous like a glass bowl or a basket with sharp twigs. Please do not attempt any poses that you see newborn photographers do. Professional newborn photographers have been trained for posing safely. It is best to capture baby in a gentle and natural pose. When using a camera, please use camera strap at all times! Listen to baby’s cues. Your little one may try to tell you they have had enough. Pace yourself, you just had a baby and will need rest! You can break it up over a few days, and that’s OK! Your photos are not going to look the same as professional photos and that is ok! …

Newborn Photographer, a baby lays cuddled in blankets on a pillow

Attitude of gratitude newborn photographer Kauai Hawaii

Hello everyone! I wanted to address the situation we are facing now with the corona virus. As a newborn photographer I have always taken cleanliness very seriously, when photographing newborns in my studio, safety and a clean germ free environment are my number one priority. Newborn studio sessions are my absolute favorites, but I have decided to cancel all studio sessions until the end of March for the safety of my clients as we all work to slow the spread of the virus together. In the meantime I will be continuing to do maternity sessions outdoors in the fresh air and will take this time to post some of my favorite newborn photos from sessions past. In addition I will be working on some “behind the scenes” projects. I appreciate your support and look forward to all your comments on my upcoming posts. I look forward to being back in the studio soon!