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 year older and so much richer in love, brings me so much joy. The baby has grown, learned to smile, crawl, maybe even take a first step—but what remains constant is the circle of love surrounding them. Photographing parents, grandparents, and the little one together at this milestone is like bottling up the essence of family: love that spans generations, laughter that echoes across time, and the blessing of being together.
As a mother myself, I know how quickly these seasons pass. Babies don’t stay little for long, and it’s easy to forget the way your bump looked in that soft sunset light, or how your baby’s tiny fingers curled around yours in those early days. That’s why I feel so honored to create photographs that preserve not just faces, but feelings—images that carry with them the warmth of an embrace, the sound of a laugh, the promise of a future.
Here on Kauaʻi, where family and connection are cherished so deeply, it feels especially meaningful to create portraits that honor the whole ʻohana. Whether we’re gathered at a golden beach at sunset, under the shade of a towering tree, or cozy in your home, these sessions are never just about pictures. They’re about slowing down, holding onto each other, and celebrating the love that ties a family together.
When I look back at the images from these three stages—maternity, newborn, and one year—I see more than just photographs. I see chapters of a love story. I see grandparents’ tears of joy, parents’ tender kisses, and little ones discovering the world. Most of all, I see families growing closer, weaving new threads into the fabric of their history.
It is truly the honor of my life to be trusted with these moments, and I never take it for granted. To the families who have invited me into their lives over the years: thank you. You remind me every day that photography is more than art—it is a way of holding onto the people and the love that matter most.
With love and gratitude,
Betty