Age is just a number | Special Moments

The wonderful thing about photography is that it is timeless. We capture fractions of a second for you to cherish throughout your life. What’s even better is that there is no age limit on who can be photographed, no matter what the occasion. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we have photographed as young as newborn children to great grandparents.

We believe that life should be cherished and special moments can be captured throughout one’s life through the lens of a photographer. In Laguna Beach, we have photographed a child’s first steps on the sand and first time touching the Pacific Ocean water. We’ve also had the pleasure of photographing milestone anniversaries, engagements, and Weddings here in Laguna Beach.

To make your photo session as memorable as possible, we recommend considering to bring a few things to make it extra special. It’s common to see customized shirts being made for your vacation. Especially with large groups, this adds a fun element into your photos when looking back at them later on. The second, if you’re celebrating a birthday or engagement, is to bring balloons or other props to make your session unique to you! If you’re celebrating a baby-moon and expecting, you can bring your ultrasound and baby shoes as props for a maternity shoot. Whatever you think will make your photography session more memorable, please let your photographers know! It’s our passion to document these important moments of your life.

So whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary or your 50th, the whole family is there together, or you are by yourself, we see no limits on your photography session and are here to capture memories for you.

Written by Alesha D. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Montage Laguna Beach)

Montage Laguna Beach || California

California has been romanticized for decades. The state itself has such a vast variety of landscapes including the gorgeous beaches, miles of dessert, looming mountain ranges, and bright cities.

People from all over come here to visit and see what it has to offer. Being a photographer in Laguna Beach, I see people doing “staycations” all the time! Even if they live in a nearby city, they still come to this small beach city to spend their time.

At Montage Laguna Beach, it is so easy to completely lose track of time and spend your day at the beach, spa, or going on a stroll through their beautiful pathways lined with stunning flowers and greenery.

There is no better place to take photos of our guests then right here on the property. We don’t have to go far to capture the essence that this resort has to offer.

Written by Savannah S. (Pacific Dream Photography at Montage Laguna Beach)

A Laguna Beach Bridal Session || Having some fun before the wedding

I had the pleasure of meeting Mimi and Emir back in April. They were in the middle of a pre-wedding travel trek through California before heading to Maui to officially become husband and wife. They contacted me and wanted to take some pictures of the two of them in their wedding-day attire here in Laguna Beach, California before the wedding.

It isn’t often that a bride is able to wear her wedding dress before the wedding, but I think I’m starting to see the magic in it. There’s a certain sense of satisfaction that comes with breaking all of the rules and it was a real treat to capture that.

More than anything, I could literally feel the excitement from both Mimi and Emir; looking deeply into each others’ eyes as they imagine their upcoming wedding in Hawaii: the same dress, same tux, but an entirely different location, surrounded by their loved ones. It was a truly beautiful moment.

Written by James H. (Pacific Dream Photography at Montage Laguna Beach)

Group Portrait Photography || Tips from a Professional Photographer

Group portraits are a fantastic way for friends and families to spend quality time together and capture unforgettable memories. Whether you're taking a much-needed family reunion trip to the islands or looking to update your photos of friends and loved ones, who wouldn’t want group photos on a lush beach in Hawaii to remember your time in paradise? Capturing photos of a large group can be a difficult task, but fear not! With some helpful tips; let our artists at Pacific Dream Photography make your group photo session a success by providing you with ever-lasting commemorations.

A relaxed photo is important, but a little direction is always a great key to ensuring a successful photography session. Most of the time a group will pose themselves naturally with tall people in the back and short people in the front. But if needed, feel free to take control of your group and position others in visually ideal positions.  Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we like to make sure our subjects feel comfortable without feeling too forced, so loosen up and don't forget to take in the beautiful scenery!

When posing your group, place people according to families and couples. This makes it easier for everyone, as they are able to locate themselves easily when looking through their photos. If you'd like the session to be centered on two specific people, place them in the middle of the group.

It is very important to make sure that everyone's faces are visible. If they cannot see the camera, they will most likely not be seen in the photo! As a professional photographer, it is our job to scan the group and make sure that everyone is clearly visible. If one or more subjects are looking away, it may take away from a potentially perfect photo.  

To avoid awkward spacing in group photos, use a wide angled lens and tighten up the frame. Closing in any unwanted gaps between individuals is a great way to unite your group. One effective technique is to tell your group to lean their heads in close together. Allow your subjects to hug and hold each other and be ready to capture big smiles at any moment. 

As professional photographers in Hawaii, we take pride in sweet moments with family and friends. Your group will thank you for a great time and stunning group portraits.

- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)