Oahu Family Photographer
It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these “Places to Visit”, “Things to Do” posts and showcasing my film photography. Film? Yes, film… the kind that you have to send out to a lab to get developed. Developed!!? Not printed or uploaded into your computer and manipulate in software, it’s real film. I realize I am carrying on about it, but it’s really an archaic art form these days and most people don’t realize that film is still available as an option for photography. In case you are wondering, I shoot film for personal, creative pleasure… I think it’s beautiful.. aside from my professional digital work.
This is Ko Olina, a very beautiful resort town located on the west side of Oahu, Hawaii. The Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club and Beach Villas , The Four Seasons Hotel & Resort and The Disney Aulani Resort is situated here along 3 huge man-made lagoons. A concrete, palm tree lined pathway allows you to walk from lagoon to lagoon and check out what’s going on. I took advantage of it on a beautiful sunny morning and took these shots with my vintage Yashica Mat 124G and a roll of Ektar 100 film as I took a morning stroll. Lagoon 2 (above) is my favorite lagoon in Ko Olina. Currently, there is no hotel that borders it on either side and is usually the least crowded. I am in love with those thatched umbrellas!
Oahu Family Photographer
Now, in case you are wondering, professional photography is not allowed here. Unless you are taking photos with the Photopass people with The Disney Aulani, security guys in their golf carts will come and shoo you away if you are caught taking professional photos with someone like me. Personally, I consider those Photopass people non-professional photographers. They are more “point and shoot” folks who happen to have a fully automatic camera and will take unlimited snapshots, complete with sunbathers in the background, crooked, slanted horizons, and overly flashy pics. I’m not knocking it, if that’s your thing, go for it. .. but I am digressing. As a professional photographer, I’d be embarrassed if I were shoo’d away in front of my clients, so I just don’t photograph on the property… but you are thinking, “I thought the beaches were public! You should be able to have a photo shoot anywhere you want!” You’d think that was true, right? Well, these man-made lagoons were made by those folks who own the Ko Olina property, so it is technically owned by Ko Olina and not the state of Hawaii… and the access way (paved sidewalk) and beautifully landscaped grounds is also owned and maintained by Ko Olina and not the state of Hawaii. So, if I’m on the grass under the palm trees and it looks like we are doing a photoshoot… them security guys will surely shoo us away to stop and go somewhere else. Not to worry though.. I have a spot where I will have my family photo shoots in Ko Olina… so book a photo session with me and I will tell you where! 🙂
Ko Olina Beach Photographer
As for the sights in Ko Olina and as a photography enthusiast, the property offers lovely subjects to photograph. Like this chapel. There are 3 (or 4) chapels sprinkled throughout and on any given day, you will see weddings cranked out every hour on the hour… mostly for Japanese couples. At least, every time I’m there, I’ve only seen Japanese folks!
Beach Photographer near Disney Aulani Resort
Here’s another one… it’s not as widely used as the other one.. so I’m guessing, the price is a little more to be wedded in this glass chapel.
Waikiki Family Beach Photographer
Anyways.. yeah, keep walking and you’ll always see kids playing in the sand… but notice the lack of waves coming in… those rocks out there act as a barrier for the rough tides and so the water really does gently kiss the shoreline. When my kids were younger, this was my preferred place to take them as I knew they wouldn’t get pounded by the waves and I can relax with my book. When I got too hot, I’d go in the water to cool off and then I’d come back onto land and relax and continue with my book. So Relaxing!!
Turtle Bay Resort Photographer
If you have never been here to Ko Olina… those two buildings are the Disney Aulani Resort… and this lagoon is named Kahola Lagoon.
Family Photographer in Oahu
On the far side, next door to the Disney Aulani Resort is The Four Seasons Hotel & Resort which is also situated along Lagoon 1. Each resort has their own set of beach chairs on the sand.
Family Photographer, Four Season Hotel, Ko Olina
Is it really this pretty?
You know, I’m here all the time for family photo shoots, although I have my own nearby location where we won’t get shoo’d, I honestly will tell you that, Yes! Ko Olina really is THIS pretty! It’s to the far west of busy, hustle and bustle Waikiki. A very nicely, immaculately kept resort, it won’t leave you wanting for beautiful scenery. If you just want to truly relax, soak in the sun, catch up on some reading, let the kids play without fear of getting plummeted… this is the way to go. A small selection of places to eat and a convenience store for essentials… rent a car for a day or two and tour the island, but come back to Ko Olina to truly relax.
All images in this blog post shot with Yashica Mat 124 G, Kodak Ektar 100 film, developed at Richards Photo Lab
Meet me in Ko Olina for a family photo shoot during the morning or sunset! We will create beautiful portraits together!
KoOlina, Oahu, Hawaii photographer, Jennifer Brotchie Photography, specializing in family vacation beach portraits for fun families. Jennifer’s morning photo shoots at the beach are fun, laid back sessions. Portraits and candid shots of your family will sure to be a highlight of your vacation. Morning family sessions are just as beautiful with vivid blue skies, cool waters and lush green vegetation on bright sunny days. Interested in a sunset session instead? Check THIS out. Whatever you call them, pictures, photos, photographs, shots… Jennifer will be sure to deliver wonderful quality memories for you to enjoy. Visiting Oahu and lodging in Waikiki, KoOlina, Disney Aulani Resort, Four Seasons Resort or Turtle Bay Resort North Shore and all points in between? Contact Jennifer to schedule your beach photo session. Morning and sunset sessions available. Sure to be a highlight of your vacation! Forget about those resort PhotoPass people and hire a professional! Contact Jennifer today to schedule your photo shoot! Email: jenniferbrotchie@gmail.comith
