Daddys Girl || Photo Mementos

Big Memories sometimes come in “little” packages and for this family it was their cute daughter Colleen.

This beautiful family flew to Hawaii from NY and found the perfect day for a photo-shoot at our studio in the St. Regis Princeville.

We can’t get over how amazing this family was on their session and also couldn’t help but notice that very special bond between Daddy and his girl. Can you see it? :)

Written by Matt R. (Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Pacific Dream Photography)

St. Regis Princeville | A Tropical Paradise

If you could take a vacation, where would you go? If you ask us, stay at the St. Regis Princeville located in Kauai, Hawaii. The St. Regis offers a vacation experience like no other. Between the lush scenery, impeccable dining options, and luxurious accommodations, the St. Regis provides a captivating reality. Here are the top six reasons why you must stay at the St. Regis Princeville.

• Location: The striking St. Regis Princeville is located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, also known as “The Garden Isle.” The tropical paradise is found among the blue waters of the Pacific. Kauai has something to offer everyone. The island is known for its natural hiking trails, pristine beaches, tropical fruits, native plant life, and gorgeous coastline. The St. Regis Princeville overlooks the dramatic Hanalei Bay. One step out the door, and you’ve found yourself by the seaside under the Hawaiian sun.
• Dining: The five award winning restaurants at the St. Regis Princeville are known for their culinary indulgences. The elegant dining venues offer the finest Hawaiian inspired dishes around. What better way to spend your Hawaiian vacation, then treating yourself to something amazing?

• Atmosphere: The staff at the St. Regis Princeville takes warm welcomes to the next level. As you walk through the doors of the hotel, you are greeted with fresh Hawaiian lei. Listen as you hear the staff greet you with a friendly “Aloha,” the Hawaiian word for hello. Throughout your entire stay on Kauai, you’ll be treated as family, or as we say Ohana.
• Relaxation: The flawless resort offers one of the most relaxing stays around the world. While Kauai offers adventurous activities such as, water tubing, horseback riding, hiking, and boating, the St. Regis makes the perfect place to come back and relax. You may enjoy the tranquil pool, overlooking the ocean or rest on a comfortable lounge chair. You may also try some local cuisine at the Nalu Kai Grill and bar, located just beside the pool.
• Photography: Our top reason why the St. Regis Princeville is the number one place to stay is that we offer complimentary photo sessions on the property. Our photographers capture the most beautiful memories of your trip and the photos are ready as soon as the next day. With this being said, we hope you’ve already booked your tickets to Kauai and picked a date for your complimentary photo session. We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful island of Kauai and the stunning St. Regis Princeville resort.

Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at the St. Regis Princeville)

8 Tips You Should Know About Photography Posing

These tips are by no means official rules, but are intended to be guidelines or a “general rule of thumb” that photographers use and clients should be aware of. Not all of them will fit everyone’s style and some may or may not be used depending on the type of photo shoot you are focusing on. 

1.  Do not shoot people straight on from the front. Sometimes hips or shoulders can be the widest areas of our bodies and shooting dead on will only accentuate these parts. If you angle your body, by turning it slightly to the side at a ¾ angle, it will be much more flattering. 

2.  Shooting from below is a “no-no”. Shooting from below shows off the things we generally do not like: nostrils, chins, hips, etc. Instead when you are shot from above (or eye level), all those unflattering angles appear slimmer, smaller. Who can complain about that?! 

3.  Speaking of noses and nostrils, No “nose-up”. I am sure you do not need pictures where you can see up your nostrils, so it’s helpful and much more flattering to tilt your head down slightly and not up. This small movement can make a huge difference in your images. 

4.  “If it bends, bend it”. Standing stiff and straight will only show that you are uncomfortable and not relaxed. If you bend your arms and shift your weight to the back so your front knee is slightly bent, or tilt your head into your partner the photos will look more natural.  If you feel uncomfortable, your photos will show this. 

5.  Do not always stare deeply into the camera. Look past the camera or down over your shoulder to provide a different emotion and variety to your images. 

6.  Do something with your hands. Leaving your arms pressed against your sides is just not pretty. (This is not the case for everyone.) This can be avoided by slightly bending them at the elbow and puling them away from your body:  putting them on your hips, holding an object, or placing them in front or back pockets. 

7.  Too much smiling may mean your face will get stiff. If you feel this happening take a deep breath and breathe out through your mouth. Still feeling stiff? Do the “pufferfish”, where you blow up their cheeks and then let it all out. This helps your face to relax and your pictures will look more natural.

8.  Be open, try new things.  Most likely your photographer will try to get a lot of fun, candid shots, but will also help pose you in ways that may be new and different to you. Relax and go with it! 

Enjoy your session and ultimately have fun!!  

-written by Alyssa (Pacific Dream Photography at the St. Regis Princeville)

Family Photo Session in Kauai || 10-Year Anniversary

They say that time flies when you are having fun, and sometimes you wonder “where did the time go?” We can agree that all anniversaries should be celebrated. However, a 10-year mark definitely deserves a special remembrance, and what better way than a family photo session in Hawaii.

Exactly a decade ago, Ola and Stephen tied the knot at the Kamani Cove, at which is now the beautiful St. Regis Princeville. For this major milestone, Ola and Stephen decided to take their three beautiful daughters on vacation to Kauai where it all happened and to share with them their love for the special island. 

The flower decor headbands that Martin Roberts Design put together added such beauty to these family photographs! The photographer had a wonderful time taking the portraits of this amazing family and captured wonderful memories that will last them a lifetime.

There are certain places that will always hold a special place in your heart, and Kauai has always been that place for Ola and Stephen. We are so glad to have been able to work with this lovely family.

-written by Kristin (Pacific Dream Photography at the St. Regis Princeville)