Tomomi & Nathan's Maternity Session at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island

When it comes to capturing life's most significant moments, there’s a special kind of beauty in maternity sessions. Tomomi and Nathan’s session at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island was one of those unforgettable moments where love and legacy collided. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kohala’s coastline, we captured their joy and anticipation for the next chapter in their lives together.

A Dreamy Location for a Beautiful Session

Tomomi and Nathan's session took place at one of my favorite spots on the Big Island—right by the Fairmont Orchid/Mauna Kea Resort. This area has so much to offer, with its stunning coastal views and secluded beach spots. It's an absolute dream for photography, especially when you want a location that feels intimate and private. The couple, with their adorable dog Olive, had been married for a year and were looking to document this precious season of their lives together, as they anticipated welcoming their baby into the world.

Why did they choose this location? Well, Tomomi and Nathan were after a backdrop that felt both dynamic and serene. The coastal setting offered that perfect mix of natural beauty—perfect for their dream maternity shoot, complete with a sunset. When they first reached out to me, they shared how the weather hadn’t quite cooperated during their wedding day, so they wanted to ensure that their maternity photos would have the stunning sunset they had envisioned. And, after a little weather coordination on my end, we made that happen!

An Effortless, Relaxed Vibe

From the moment we started shooting, it was clear that Tomomi and Nathan were deeply in love and excited for this next stage in their lives. There was this deep contentment between them that made the session feel so natural and relaxed. These two were clearly in sync with each other. They spent time cuddling, walking along the beach, and sharing quiet, intimate moments—everything you hope for in a maternity shoot.

Their love story had been years in the making, and now, as they awaited the arrival of their little one, it was so clear how much they cherished the life they were building together. It was such a privilege to document this beautiful season for them.

We didn’t need any fancy poses or set-up shots; the best moments came from simply letting them be themselves. As a photographer, I try to keep things relaxed and fun—allowing the couple to enjoy their time together while I guide them into moments that feel authentic and full of emotion.

Overcoming Weather Challenges

One thing we had to keep an eye on during this session was the weather. The couple had requested sunny, golden hour photos, something they didn’t get on their wedding day due to rain and wind. So, I did what I could to make sure we got that magical light for their session. When it started to rain, I suggested rescheduling, but they were willing to stick it out—and I’m so glad they did! It ended up clearing up, and we were blessed with the most beautiful sunset. The sky lit up with soft, glowing light that added a magical touch to their maternity session.

Styling & Details

Tomomi and Nathan’s outfits were another highlight of this session. Tomomi wore a flowing baby blue maternity dress that captured the peaceful and serene vibe we were going for. Her lei po’o (a flower crown) added the perfect Hawaiian touch, and her hair was styled beautifully, framing her face as she gazed out over the water. Nathan kept things simple and neutral, which perfectly balanced Tomomi's vibrant look.

The florals and the flowing nature of the dress, combined with the breathtaking landscape, made this session feel like something out of a dream. Whether we were by the water or on a stone edge overlooking the ocean, the natural beauty of the Big Island played an integral role in creating the perfect atmosphere for this maternity session.

Lighting & Creative Choices

Lighting is always key in my approach to photography, and for this session, we had the perfect conditions. We started off using backlighting, which created a beautiful silhouette effect as the sun began to set. As we got closer to the golden hour, I switched to soft, glowing light for some of the more intimate moments. There's something about that warm glow that makes everything look dreamy and timeless—perfect for capturing such a special occasion.

One of my favorite shots was of Tomomi alone, standing on the stone edge, the vast ocean behind her. The image perfectly encapsulated the beauty of the location and her radiance in this exciting chapter of her life.

A Family Legacy in the Making

This maternity session meant a lot to me as a photographer. Every time I get to document a family’s legacy, especially in its early stages, it feels incredibly special. Tomomi and Nathan’s session reminded me how important these moments are—moments that will one day be cherished by their little one and future generations. Being part of that story is what makes my job so meaningful.

Client Feedback

After seeing their final images, Tomomi and Nathan were beyond ecstatic. They couldn’t believe how beautifully everything turned out, and as a token of their appreciation, they gave me a thoughtful gift. The gratitude they expressed was just the icing on the cake for me—it’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.

One of their favorite images? The landscape shot of the two of them, together, looking out over the water. It was the perfect visual representation of this new chapter of their life together, and I couldn’t agree more.

Final Thoughts

Working with couples like Tomomi and Nathan, who are so in love with each other and the life they’re building, is what makes being a photographer so rewarding. If you’re dreaming of an intentional and beautiful couples session that captures your unique love story, get in touch with me to chat about how we can create something special for you. Whether it's a maternity session, engagement shoot, or family legacy session, I'd love to help you preserve your most meaningful moments.

Want to learn more about family and maternity photography? Check out my Family & Maternity Investment Page for details or explore my Portfolio to see more of my work.

If you’re planning a wedding or looking for a photographer to document your family’s legacy, don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s create something beautiful together!