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)

5 Tips to Better Capture What You See || For Photographers

At Pacific Dream Photography, it is our job is to share the world around us. We see things from an artistic perspective. Of course, the beautiful backdrops of Hawaii give our photographs an extra advantage. Here are five simple tips that will take your upcoming photo shoot to another level and give your photos an extra advantage.

1. Be Ready

Remember the time you nearly missed the most important moment of the wedding, the kiss? Maybe your camera was turned off or your settings were wrong. These types of moments come and go very quickly. It is more than important to constantly adjust the settings on your camera, frequently checking the exposure. Nothing is worst than missing the most important moments. After all, those are the most cherished ones.

2. Holding the Camera Properly

This tip is crucial to better capturing what you see. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we take note on everything that is going on around us. We are always prepared to capture life’s special moments. Holding the camera properly makes a huge difference while shooting. Of course, each photographer has his or her own unique shooting style. By holding the camera upright at shoulder level, it prepares the photographer to get the shot. By holding the camera upright, you are bound to get the perfect candid photos.

3.  Creativity

Don’t be afraid to use your creativity. This will set your photos apart from others, and make them unique.  Keep an eye on the colors, quality of light, and composition of the photo. Creative photographers come up with fresh new perspectives and ideas.

4. Use Your Eye

The human eye has a better dynamic range than the camera. Portraying your inner vision through the camera is more challenging than it looks. It is important to properly expose an image. By properly exposing the most important portion of the image, the photo will be more appear more accurate to what your physical eye observed.

5. Be Present

Being present will allow you to capture natural images.  After all, isn’t this the goal? Make eye contact and engage with your subjects. The more comfortable you are the more comfortable they are. Have fun, laugh, and get to know your subjects.

As professional photographers in Hawaii, we take heart in capturing memories that will last forever.  Ultimately, it is our goal to make sure our subjects have an amazing time!

Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at Grand Hyatt Resort)

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)

Visiting Hawaii || Trip of a Lifetime

Many of the people who visit the Islands of Hawaii are first timers. Many are celebrating something special, and some just finally made the time to take the long vacation out. When most first experience Hawaii, its almost like experiencing a different country with a culture, traditions, and even a language that is completely foreign. Steve and Elen were first timers to Hawaii, and they dove right in. 

Steve and Elen searched out the local cuisine, drove through the beauty of the aina, and even went to a luau to experience the culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Visiting us from Connecticut, and leaving their 6 boys behind, I can imagine that these two felt a renewed sense of youth and wonder exploring our island of Oahu. No doubt, a Hawaii beach photo session would allow them to continue to experience it for years to come.

Elen and Steve were guests at the Kahala Hotel & Resort on the south shore of Oahu. Lucky for them, it is one of the most beautiful sites on the island for a couples photography session. We spent a short half hour session with them walking the white sand beaches, and capturing their radiating love.

Its easy to fall in love with the island and not take the time to capture your Hawaii memories. In our experience, vacation passes way too quickly, so why not hire a vacation photographer to help you remember your visit and live it over and over in years to come. One thing I do know to be true, once you visit Hawaii for the first time, you will forever have an itch to come back. 

- Written by Julia J. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Kahala Resort)