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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 …

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 …

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 …

Before moving permanently to Kauai, I had been coming to this stunning island for over 30 years with my husband and children. I can never seem to get over the natural beauty all around – it almost doesn’t seem real because it is that breathtaking. I can understand why so many movies have been filmed here – as a visual artist, it is a dream come true.  Even before I moved my business full-time to Kauai, I saw all of the places here that I visited through my “photographer’s eyes”, constantly taking mental notes of which locations might be best for specific shots. I look back so fondly on some of the photos I took of my girls as little ones on the beaches, as it reminds me of that special time when both my love for Kauai and the pursuit of photography started to grow more each day.  After so many years of being fully immersed in the natural world of Kauai and now as a newborn and maternity photographer on Kauai, I’ve developed what I think is a very memorable list of spots on the island that are best for maternity and newborn shoots. I know just where to go to get a backdrop that captures the beauty of the island while elevating the beauty of an expecting mama. Shooting a new mama and her brand new baby serenely taking in this breathtaking landscape is one of my favorite things to do! I’ve compiled a guide below, but …

Your pregnancy is a very special time. You want to do what you can to remember the unique hopes and dreams but also sometimes the challenges, because these things fade. When the baby arrives, your life changes radically, and it’s easy to lose track of all the visions and plans you had for your baby. Maternity photos are an ideal way to remember this fleeting, but significant time in your life. If you’re considering a maternity photography session in the next few months, staying on top of the latest trends will help you get the most out of your photo shoot. Here’s what we can expect to be trending in 2025. Destination Photography Maternity photos on location can be much more memorable. Instead of just taking photos around your home or your neighborhood or in a local studio, you can take them someplace truly spectacular. This is why more and more mothers are choosing destination photoshoots. One of the amazing things you can do with a destination photoshoot is combining it with a babymoon. In a babymoon, you and your partner get a chance to celebrate your relationship before the baby comes. You have a chance to enjoy one more child-free vacation before the needs and interests of your children take control of your vacations for the next decade or two. You can spend your vacation in comfort and relaxation. However, a babymoon is also an ideal time to plan for the baby’s coming. It’s a perfect opportunity to make …

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, …

Pregnancy is a truly wonderful time in your life. It’s the moment when your family is about to grow – a time filled with hopes, dreams, excitement and plans for the future. It’s also the point where the story of your baby’s life begins. This time will fly by and before you know it, your baby will arrive. While you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of things to do in preparation for your baby, it’s also important to take some time out to savor this special moment in your life. Maternity photography provides the perfect way to capture this moment in time, leaving you with memories that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. As your child gets older, you’ll be able to share these memories with them as well, making these photos even more special. Your maternity photography session is an exciting time for you and your husband, and you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared so that you get the best photos possible. The following tips will help you know exactly what to expect so that you can relax and enjoy a great maternity photography session. Maternity Photography Do’s There are several things you should keep in mind when preparing for your maternity photography session. The following “do’s” will help you make sure you get the most out of your session. Do – Schedule Your Maternity Photography Session Between 28 and 36 Weeks of Pregnancy The ideal time to schedule your maternity photography session is typically between 28 …

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 …

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 …